Taylor refuses to take credit for Exeter’s resounding win over rivals Plymouth

Posted Saturday, October 26, 2019 by PA

Exeter manager Matt Taylor heaped all the credit onto his players as they enjoyed their biggest win in the Devon derby since 1925 with a 4-0 hammering of Plymouth.

The Grecians were full value for their win – and the margin of it – with Nicky Law scoring twice and Tom Parkes and Randell Williams also on target for Taylor’s rampant side.

Argyle could not cope with Exeter’s high press and work-rate, but Taylor said his tactics had little impact and it was the application of his players that won the game.

“It was certainly a good day. I thought we started the game really well and it was important after that first goal came to believe in what we were doing,” he said.

“We pressed them, we harried them, we were quick to the ball and put them under pressure; we attacked and we played forward and it was a really good performance.

“I don’t think the scoreline flattered us and it was certainly reward for the work rate and intent with that group of players.

“The first goal was always going to be a big moment, and then we got the second and third and it begins to feel a lot more comfortable, but Plymouth are a good team and I expect them to be close to it come the end of the season.

“That is possibly a statement from our part, but only last week we got hammered 4-0 ourselves, so we won’t get too high.

“The fans will rightly enjoy the next 24-48 hours, as will the players, but my intentions quickly turn to Bradford next week.

“I didn’t think it would be a tactical game. Derby games never are and it was down to the players. I can’t take any credit in terms of that; I just felt the players approached the game in the right manner and that was the best of us today.”

Law got the ball rolling just before half-time when he scored from the spot after Lee Martin had been found and Parkes made it 2-0 with a thumping header early in the second.

Williams scored the goal of the game with a delightful dinked finish, off the back of a fine move, before Law’s second sealed a fine win as he tapped in after Jake Taylor’s shot hit the upright.

For Argyle, hopes were high amongst the Green Army that they would go above their county rivals in League Two with a win, but their display was met with loud boos and some angry reactions at full-time. Manager Ryan Lowe admitted it was not good enough.

“Conceding a penalty just before half-time kills momentum,” he said. “There was not enough willingness, desire and commitment and that is what my teams are about. They know that and are aware of that.

“That result is not going to define our season. We are disappointed we let the fans down.

“I know what it is about – the Devon derby and I am disappointed. It is hurting the way we didn’t play the football that I like. They put a bit of pressure on, that’s fine.

“We have had pressure on us all season but we are very up and down, very inconsistent, you come off the back of two good wins, scoring six goals and looking a very good team.

“They didn’t open us up with the goals. A penalty, a free-kick, the third one he has run off the back of our shoulder and the fourth one was just a shot from the edge of the box and no one has reacted. We could have avoided those goals.

“We will learn from it. It is against our arch-rivals, that is disappointing and we are absolutely gutted along with the fans.

“I share the frustration and anger because I bedded myself into it. It is a game of football we want to win. It is not good enough and we know that.”