Next Up: Plymouth Argyle Away

In previewing the Newport match after the debacle against Northampton, it was questioned whether the defeat to the Cobblers represented a tipping point in City’s fortunes this season. Four points from the last two fixtures, including Saturday’s stunning 3-0 demolition of promotion chasing Fleetwood to end that home hoodoo dating back nearly six months, have shown a lot of promise, and City go into Tuesday night’s vital Devon Derby in buoyant mood as a result.

Convention may dictate that the XI who so comprehensively put Fleetwood to the sword should be rewarded with a starting berth against that lot down the A38, but since when did Paul Tisdale do conventional? With perhaps an even more important match, in terms of league position, coming up on Saturday, Tisdale may be tempted to look ahead to the visit of Accrington by resting one or two weary legs, so perhaps Jimmy Keohane may return to the line up, possibly at the expense of Matt Oakley, while John O’Flynn may be given a start up front.

When Plymouth were City’s previous victims at the Park, way back in October, the deadly rivals occupied pretty much the opposite positions in the table compared with now. Manager talk centred around John Sheridan rather than Paul Tisdale, and all was rosy on the eastern side of the county. Fast forward six months and it is the Pilgrims going into this match looking to continue their playoff chase thanks to a run which has seen Sheridan’s side pick up six wins from their last ten since their 4-0 drubbing at home to York. Tormenter in chief is Reuben Reid – the fans’ favourite has returned to the club on loan from Yeovil and has 19 goals in all competitions, including three in his last two. Lewis Alessandra (12 goals) has a habit of popping up with vital late strikes, while Conor Hourihane in midfield is another to watch.

Bragging rights, as mentioned previously, went to City in the reverse fixture in October. Arron Davies’ goal was cancelled out by Luke Young, but late goals from Gow and Bennett gave City a deserved win. Last season’s match at Home Park went the way of the hosts, a Jason Banton goal on the stroke of half time enough to give Plymouth the win. It’s the green side of Devon that has the overall Football League head-to-head lead, with 25 wins to City’s 16 (20 draws).

Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/03/24/match-officials-plymouth-argyle-away-2/