Plymouth 2-0 Exeter City: Injury time double sees Argyle win the Devon Derby | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle prevailed in the Devon Derby this evening, thanks to two injury time goals from Alex Hartridge and Aribim Pepple.

Ethan Sutherland only signed for Exeter this afternoon, and made his debut from the bench tonight; however, he won’t want to remember it after being sent off by Dean Whitestone for two yellow card offences.

Hartridge, who used to wear the Exeter badge on his chest, rose highest from a corner in the 91st minute to head home what appeared to be the only goal of the game, that was until Pepple slid the ball into a virtually empty net moments later to wrap up the win.

As it happened

Wes Harding started as captain for the hosts this evening, having turned last season’s loan move permanent this summer. New striker Will Evans also featured from the off, leading the line alongside Pepple. Jayden Wareham started up top for Exeter despite the transfer rumour mill whirling on surrounding his future.

Argyle came out of the traps, with Harvey White registering the first shot after just four minutes, but his volley flew wide. Exeter’s first sign of threat came in the 8th minute, when Wareham broke in behind; however, Murphy Cooper flew off his line to head away.

The first yellow card of derby night was shown to Charlie Cummins after a cynical foul on Malachi Boateng as the Plymouth midfielder looked to get his side on the front foot. Ronan Curtis looked set to give the hosts the lead in the 21st minute, but he snatched at the chance and saw it well saved by Jack Bycroft.

Cummins was at the heart of the action again as the half-hour mark approached, this time firing over from close range with a volleyed effort. The chances continued to flow, this time with Pepple testing Bycroft with a low strike that was palmed away. A short break in play followed after a nondescript missile was thrown onto the pitch by a fan.

Argyle won a string of corners as the first half drew to a close, but they were unable to make them count, meaning the two sides headed in level at the break. Exeter made one change at half-time, with Harry Kite replacing Jake Doyle-Hayes in midfield.

An excellent chance fell to Exeter’s Andrew Oluwabori early in the second half, but the 24-year-old couldn’t keep his header down. Six minutes later, Pepple headed over the bar at the other end of the pitch.

A double change followed for The Grecians, with Gwion Edwards and Taylor Perry making way for Josh Gordon and Sutherland. Tom Cleverley also turned to his bench at the same time, replacing Xavier Amaechi with Matty Sorinola. More changes came for Exeter, as George Birch replaced Reece Cole for the remaining 20 minutes.

Gordon took on a speculative strike from the edge of the area as Exeter looked to break the deadlock, but he dragged his shot well wide of the post. Mathias Ross was then forced off through injury and replaced by former Arsenal youngster Julian Pleguezuelo. Moments later, Sutherland was added to the referee’s notebook for a late challenge on Sorinola.

Curtis came close with 10 minutes left on the clock when he was picked out by Evans at the far post, but he couldn’t direct his header on target. It was Evans’ turn to take aim at goal mere moments later, but he could only find the side netting.

As the prospect of penalties grew larger, Argyle won themselves a corner; however, it was calmly dealt with by the Grecians’ defence. Sutherland certainly won’t want to remember his debut here tonight, as he was sent off moments later for a silly tug on Sorinola, resulting in a second yellow card for the youngster.

As four additional minutes were announced, both sets of fans hoped their side would find the vital goal. Argyle did just that when White’s corner found Hartridge at the far post, who rose highest to head home and break the hearts of his former club.

Plymouth doubled their advantage moments later, when a defensive mishap saw the ball fall to Pepple, who slid it into a virtually empty net to seal the Derby Day win for Argyle.