Next Up: Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City

City’s inability to hold onto a lead was played out once again last Saturday with Crawley snatching a point in the 92nd minute, and Paul Tisdale will look to put this, alongside having been linked with the Fulham job during the week, behind him and channel a classic derby day performance from his side. City’s injury list remains a worry, with Pym, Ribeiro, Oyeleke, Oakley, Holmes and Hoskins amongst those who missed out last week. Jamie Reid returned to the bench after his loan spell at Truro and gives Tisdale extra attacking options.

With a new manager at the helm in Scotsman Derek Adams, Plymouth have made a storming start to the season and sit proudly atop the table a full five points clear going into the second Devon Derby of the season. The key has been consistency in front of goal – the Pilgrims have only failed to score in two league games so far – despite Reuben Reid having missed several games. Reid has six goals to his name this season, but it is Jake Jervis with 10 (seven in the league) who has been the leading light in front of goal. Depending on whether Plymouth make a loan signing – their former youth player Christian Walton has been mentioned – there may be a familiar face between the sticks. James Bittner, who spent a couple of seasons at City after relegation to the Conference, finally made his first Football League start in the 2-1 win at York last weekend when Luke McCormick was ruled out with injury.

The sides have already met at Home Park this season in the JPT, the hosts running out comfortable 2-0 winners through goals from Boateng and Tanner, a win made all the more unbearable for those listening on the radio by BBC Devon’s absurd decision to invite some idiot from “Big Brother” to be a co-commentator! Last season wasn’t any better for City as Plymouth took all six points – the corresponding fixture last August saw a depleted City lose 3-0 to goals from Harvey, Reid and Nelson, while it was 3-1 back at the Park in February thanks to a Reid hat-trick, Davies bagging City’s goal as City failed to make Oliver Lee pay for getting himself sent off. The Football League head to head shows Plymouth on 27 wins, City on 17 and 20 draws.

Match officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2015/11/17/match-officials-plymouth-argyle-vs-exeter-city/