The Devon Derby returns for a massive game in Exeter tonight

Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle enter tonight’s Devon derby at St James Park as two teams in need of points at the bottom of the Sky Bet League One table, but local pride is what really matters in this game.

The two sides are level on points, struggling in the bottom five of the division, and that brings a certain level of pressure for tonight’s televised game, but the managers, coaches, players and fans from both teams know that three points in a Devon derby could change everything.

City boss Gary Caldwell told the ECFC website: "It's a game that winning is everything, the performance is important and it's important we have a clarity on how we are going to win for our supporters and our City and making sure we give our supporters a really special night and one to remember forever.

"Of the two games I've been part of the supporters have been excellent. We need rivalry and passion but we can't overstep that and we have to make sure the behaviour in the technical area and on the pitch and in the stands is at the very best - to show the best of Devon.

"The fans know how big a night game at SJP is and what they can bring to the team - they can give them an extra yard and bit of confidence. The Big Bank in full voice can suck the ball into the net so they have a huge part to play.”

From the Argyle side, manager Tom Cleverley spoke to www.pafc.co.uk, and he said: “I don't like to compare Derbies to one another because they are unique to those two cities, or those single city Derbies to that city.

“They come with their own unique little things that are special to those people and fan bases. So, until I've experienced one, I can't comment too much, but I understand the importance of it for sure. 

“Current form does go out the window. There's a real excitement around everyone and that can sometimes bring out different performances, but they're a hard team to predict.”