A blockbuster of a Devon derby went the way of Steven Schumacher’s side on Monday evening following a blistering second half performance, here’s how the players are rated.

Michael Cooper , GK– 7

Couldn’t do much with either of the goals that were conceded and did have to be sharp in the first half to stop the Grecians scoring more than one at the break. A superb stop at 2-2 kept the match level before the Pilgrims powered away to victory. 

Bali Mumba, RWB – 7

One thing we can’t ever question with the green army’s new fans favourite is his attacking prowess however his decision making was partly to blame for Exeter’s opening goal allowing Jay Stansfield to disposses him too easily. Quickly recovered to play a major role in Argyle’s first equaliser before scoring one of the best goals in recent memory between these two sides.

James Wilson, RCB – 7

A solid evening for Wilson who didn’t do too much wrong across the 94 minutes. Had a good chance to score from a set piece in the second half but spurned that chance over the crossbar.  

 

Dan Scarr, CCB – 6

Returning to the starting XI following the end of his three match suspension and having made a solid start winning plenty of aerial duels, Scarr found himself in trouble after a poor touch and slack pass to Wilson allowed the ever dangerous Stansfield in to set up Exeter’s second goal. 

Brendan Galloway, LCB – 6

Galloway often found himself having to deal with the serious threat of Jake Caprice alongside wingback Mumba. A couple of times on the counter, City managed to get in behind the channels but always there to prevent anything serious developing was Galloway. He’s quite a reliable and important player amongst this squad.  

Joe Edwards, LWB – 7

A birthday gift of a derby victory for the captain who had another solid game on the right hand side. Perhaps naïve to try and create something from the corner which led to Exeter’s opening goal but after that he stood up and led his side to a famous win. 

Jordan Houghton, CM – 7

A difficult evening for both Houghton and his midfield partner Randell as they often found themselves with little support when trying to combat Exeter’s counter attacks. Crucially he won a 50/50 to allow the side to get forward for Hardie’s first and won the first contact from Cooper’s goal kick for the fourth.  

 

Adam Randell, CM – 7

Game by game, Randell’s stock is growing and he delivered a wonderful assist to Morgan Whittaker for the first equaliser. As mentioned above with Houghton, he often found himself with little support in midfield but as the game went on, his ability shone through and it’s a real purple patch for Randell at the moment. 

Morgan Whittaker, ARM Player of the Match– 9

One goal, two assists and another player of the match award in a Sky televised game for Whittaker who was the stand out man in Argyle’s side. A lovely finish straight after Exeter’s opener got the greens level and his two assists for Ryan Hardie were pinpoint passes. In the absence of Finn Azaz, there’s a lot of pressure on Whittaker but he’s looking more than capable of dealing with that. **STAR MAN** 

 

Niall Ennis, ALM – 6

A tricky evening for Ennis who started in the second number 10 role alongside Whittaker but struggled to get on the end of Sam Cosgrove’s flick ons. Couldn’t ever fashion a chance for himself or particularly impact argyle going forward and one thing that can never be questioned is his work rate or effort for the cause and he knows, as do we all that he will have better games with an important run of fixtures coming up.

Sam Cosgrove, ST – 6

Cosgrove who started up front as the main striker and was always a nuisance to the Exeter backline constantly winning headers including one for Bali Mumba to chase for Argyle’s first goal. Never able to fashion a chance for himself on the night but still played a key role in the win.

Substitutes

Ryan Hardie, ST – 8

That’s the Ryan Hardie we all know and love. Came off the bench to replace Ennis and made quite the impact scoring Argyle’s third and fourth goals. Almost had a chance for the hat-trick but this was a pleasing return to his clinical best which sparked memories of those substitute appearances from the start of his Argyle career which endeared him to the Green Army. 

 

Matt Butcher

Came off the bench to replace Whittaker when Steven Schumacher went to close the game out.

Nigel Lonwijk

Replacement for Joe Edwards in stoppage time.

Conor Grant

Joined Lonwijk on the pitch to replace Bali Mumba in added time.