20 April 2014

Exeter v Torquay preview: One More Big Performance Needed

With victory sending Torquay down and all but guaranteeing our League status, a lot more than bragging rights are at stake in this Devon Derby.


City have plenty to build on following Friday's impressive point at high-flying Chesterfield. Whilst Danny Coles' reintroduction went down like a lead balloon, the skipper was solid at the back, and it was only for a Danny Butterfield conceded penalty that the Spireites got something out of the game.

John O'Flynn started up top on his own, a decision Paul Tisdale must have regretted when the Irishman missed a sitter at 1-0. Tom Nichols was given much-needed time to recharge his batteries, though, and surely the City star will be back leading the line against Torquay.

Another who will hopefully be given the nod is young David Wheeler. The winger will relish the prospect of running at cumbersome Gulls centre-back Aaron Downes, as he did to such success at Plainmoor. Let's hope Tis' gives him an opportunity to do it again.

One of our weak spots for me this season has been our fullbacks. Both Butterfield and Woodman lack the pace and technical ability that City fullbacks of old used to strengthen attacks. Whilst Butterfield is solid defensively, I hope Tisdale opts for the more attacking option of Aaron Dawson. Remember how well he and Wheeler linked up during the brilliant Under-21 cup run of earlier in the season.

Whilst it's been a mostly forgettable campaign for the Grecians, particularly at home, spare a thought for the Torquay fans who are looking up where North Ferriby is for next season. It's a village north of the Humber, by the way...

The Gulls' demise began when Martin Ling was put on sick leave in February last year. The former City man has recently revealed that depression was the cause. Alan Knill took the reigns on an interim basis and successfully avoided relegation ...but only just. 

Knill was appointed full-time when Ling was dismissed for footballing reasons by Thea Bristow after the club "just escaped relegation" - despite Ling having nothing to do with their slide from mid-table. The former Scunthorpe boss continued his dodgy record in the first half of the season, with his side winning just five games, leaving them in the drop zone. After back-to-back Devon Derby defeats, enough was enough for the Yellows' board and Knill was sent packing.

Former Gulls' captain Chris Hargreaves, who I 4-1 think will remember the last time he faced the Grecians, was appointed as Knill's successor. The rookie manager has struggled to make an impact though, and Torquay are all but certain to be playing non-league football once again next season. They won't give up the fight until it's mathematically impossible, however, so City will have to play well to preserve their 100% Devon Derby win-rate.

If ever there was a need for a rare home win, it's here. Three points are vital as high-flying Scunthorpe, still unbeaten under Russ Wilcox, are next up. Let's hope come 5pm we'll be celebrating survival and replicating the 'We'll Meet Again' scenes made famous against Argyle back in 2011.


Prediction: Exeter 2-0 Torquay