West Country derby
Encyclopedia
West Country derby refers to any English sporting fixture involving two teams from the West Country
.
are the highest ranked West Country association football team, playing in the Championship
, the second tier of English football.
Exeter City F.C.
and Yeovil Town F.C.
compete in the League One, the third tier,
while Bristol Rovers
, Cheltenham Town
, Plymouth Argle
, Swindon Town
, Torquay United
are in the npower League Two, the fourth tier,
having been promoted from the Conference National
in the 2008–09 season.
that compete in the Football League, they are:
1This ground contains terracing
2Not a football-specific ground
to Plymouth
, but both clubs are in the South West
region of England. The relative success of the two clubs throughout the 2000's has resulted in the derby being dubbed as a "Best in the West" match.
At the start of the 2000s, Argyle were languishing in the lower reaches of Division Three
, but two promotions in the 2001–02
and 2003–04
seasons gave them a place in the Championship. After a couple of mid-table finishes in the division, Argyle became play-off contenders, but after losing several key players they only just avoided relgation in the 2008–09 season.
City started the decade a division above Argyle, and were serious play-off contenders under the management of Danny Wilson. When they did make the play-offs, in 2003, they went out in the semi-final, losing 1 – 0 to Cardiff City
on aggregate. Their heartbreak continued as they lost the final the following year – going down 1 – 0 to Brighton at The Millennium Stadium
. Gary Johnson
became their manager in 2005, and after a poor start City eventually finished as runners up in League One
in the 2006–07 season
, as a result earning promotion.
They started the following season extremely well, going top of the Championship for most of it, but in the end only managed a play-off spot. In the play-off final they lost 1 – 0 to Hull City
courtesy of a Dean Windass
goal. In their last two seasons they have narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Argyle defeated City 4 – 0 in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy in the 2003–04 season
, making it the biggest win in a game between the sides in recent years. The biggest ever wins between the sides was a 6 – 0 win for Bristol in the 1954–55 season
and a 7 – 1 win for Plymouth in the 1924–25 season
. When the clubs met again in the 2007–08 season, with both teams flying high in the Championship, a late own goal from Krisztian Timar
gave City a 1 – 1 draw at Home Park
.
The return fixture saw a Rory Fallon
brace give Argyle a 1 – 2 success at Ashton Gate
, effectively ending the Robin's automatic promotion hopes.
The following season, Argyle let two goal lead slip at Ashton Gate as the game finished 2 – 2. The Robins won the return fixture 0 – 2.
The team's first meeting in the 2009–10 season resulted in a 3 – 1 home win for City courtesy of two late goals in October 2009.
The last meeting between the sides saw Plymouth gain a thrilling 3 – 2 win in March 2010. The Greens were 2 – 0 up at half-time, but two Nicky Maynard
goals saw the visitors equalise. However, Argyle captain Carl Fletcher scored with a stunning 20-yard shot in the first minute of injury time to make it 3 – 2.
Last two results
Plymouth and Bristol Rovers both currently compete in Npower League 2. The two west country teams played each other on a Tuesday night at Home Park in the 2010/2011 season in a cracking League One game where Plymouth were victorious in a 3 – 1 win. The return leg was another thrilling encounter where Plymouth were trailing 2 - 0 to Bristol Rovers at half-time courtesy of 2 goals from Will Hoskins
for Bristol Rovers. Rovers dominated the game in the first half but Plymouth completed a stunning comeback. Scoring 3 goals in the second half resulting in Plymouth being victorious. The match attendance was 5,943.
However the result did little to help Argyle's bleak position and, along with Rovers, they were relegated to League 2 at the end of the season.
Last two results
In addition to this, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers were managed by Ian Holloway
and Exeter
, both in Devon
. Torquay see Exeter as their main rivals, although Exeter tend to see Plymouth as their main rivals (as a 2003 survey by Football Fans Census suggests), despite the fact that Argyle and Exeter have been playing in different divisions for a number of years. Nonetheless, there is still a small friendly rivalry between The Gulls and The Grecians.
Torquay started the new millennium by just avoiding relegation to the Conference National
, but by 2004 they had been promoted to League One. However, after a season confined almost entirely to the relegation zone, they made an immediate return to League 2. Following two campaigns of struggle in the basement division, the Gulls were relegated again, finishing bottom of the Football League meaning demotion to the Conference. However, life as a non-league club was short. After the heartbreak of being beaten in the play-off semi-finals in their first season in the Conference (by none other than Exeter), Torquay went a step better the following season – beating Cambridge United
2 – 0 in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium
. An encouraging first season back in the Football League led to yet more promotion agony for the Gulls in the 2010/2011 season. Finishing seventh and claiming the final play-off place, Shrewsbury Town
were dispatched in the semi-finals, setting up a meeting with fellow former Conference side Stevenage at Old Trafford
in the final. Unfortunately for Torquay they were beaten 1-0 and had to contemplate another year in the Football League's basement division. During the summer of 2011, manager Paul Buckle
resigned to take over at another West Country club, Bristol Rovers.
Up until recently Exeter were a non-league side. Financial problems and on-pitch struggle during the late 1990s and early 2000s ruined the club, and in fact they nearly went bust. They were relegated to the Conference in 2003, but performed well as a non-league side, consistently finishing in the top half. They lost the 2007 play-off final to Morecambe
, but won it the following season, thereby being promoted to League Two. In the 2008–09 season they finished 2nd in their new division, earning promotion again.
Possibly the most notable meeting between the sides was in Exeter's 2007–08
promotion season in the Conference. The two sides met in the play-off semi-final, with Toquay being victorious in the first leg as Chris Zebroski
scored a last-minute goal to make it 1–2 to The Gulls. The second leg at Plainmoor
saw Kevin Hill
give the hosts the lead, making it 3–1 on aggregate, but Exeter remarkably stormed back to take a 1–4 lead on the night, making it 3–5 on aggregate, and as a result made it to the final at Wembley Stadium
. They beat Cambridge 1–0 in that game to earn promotion.
to Exeter
, but both cities are actually closer to Torquay
than to each other. Although, the two clubs do tend to be more successful than Torquay, hence the reason for hating each other more than The Gulls.
Argyle and Exeter are both currently in Npower League 1. The last cup meeting between the sides was a Johnstones Paint Trophy area quarter final at Home Park, which Exeter won 2–1.
The most recent meeting between the sides, was when Exeter defeated Plymouth by a single goal. Curtosey James Dunne which was his first goal of the season for Exeter.
Last two results
and Gloucestershire
are often referred to as a West Country derby.
West Country
The West Country is an informal term for the area of south western England roughly corresponding to the modern South West England government region. It is often defined to encompass the historic counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset and the City of Bristol, while the counties of...
.
Association football
Currently Bristol City F.C.Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
are the highest ranked West Country association football team, playing in the Championship
Championship
Championship is a term used in sport to refer to various forms of competition in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.- Title match system :...
, the second tier of English football.
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
and Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
compete in the League One, the third tier,
while Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
, Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town F.C.
Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more...
, Plymouth Argle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
, Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
, Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
are in the npower League Two, the fourth tier,
having been promoted from the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
in the 2008–09 season.
Teams in the West Country
As of 2011-12, there are eight professional football clubs in South West EnglandSouth West England
South West England is one of the regions of England defined by the Government of the United Kingdom for statistical and other purposes. It is the largest such region in area, covering and comprising Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. ...
that compete in the Football League, they are:
| Division | Team(s) |
|---|---|
| Football League Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
Bristol City Bristol City F.C. Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City... |
| Football League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
Exeter City Exeter City F.C. Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003... , Yeovil Town Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... |
| Football League Two Football League Two Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
Bristol Rovers Bristol Rovers F.C. Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city.... , Cheltenham Town Cheltenham Town F.C. Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more... , Plymouth Argyle Plymouth Argyle F.C. Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the... , Swindon Town Swindon Town F.C. Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011... , Torquay United Torquay United F.C. Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley... |
Stadia in the West Country
A full list of all of the stadia from the 8 professional football clubs from the West Country.| Home Club | Stadium Name | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol City Bristol City F.C. Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City... |
Ashton Gate | 21,497 |
| Plymouth Argyle Plymouth Argyle F.C. Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the... |
Home Park Home Park Home Park is an all-seater football stadium in the Central Park area of Plymouth, England, and is the home of Football League Two club Plymouth Argyle. The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Greens by the club's supporters, has been Argyle's permanent residence since 1901... |
19,500 |
| Swindon Town Swindon Town F.C. Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011... |
County Ground County Ground, Swindon The County Ground is a stadium located near the town centre of Swindon, England. It is home to Swindon Town Football Club and has been for over a century.The current capacity is 15,728, all-seated... |
14,700 |
| Bristol Rovers Bristol Rovers F.C. Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city.... |
Memorial Stadium Memorial Stadium (Bristol) The Memorial Stadium, also commonly known by its previous name of The Memorial Ground, is a sports ground in Bristol, England, dedicated to the memory of the rugby union players of the city killed during World War I... 1 |
12,010 |
| Yeovil Town Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... |
Huish Park Huish Park Huish Park is a football ground in the suburbs of Yeovil, Somerset, England and is the home ground of Yeovil Town Football Club. The stadium replaced the club's previous ground, The Huish famous for numerous FA Cup giant-killings was officially opened on 4 August 1990, with a match against then... 1 |
9,600 |
| Exeter City Exeter City F.C. Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003... |
St. James Park1 | 8,830 |
| Cheltenham Town Cheltenham Town F.C. Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more... |
Whaddon Road Whaddon Road Whaddon Road is a football stadium in Cheltenham, England. It is the home ground of Cheltenham Town F.C. and shared with Gloucester City A.F.C.. It has a total capacity of 7,066, with a mixture of seating and terracing... 1 |
7,066 |
| Torquay United Torquay United F.C. Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley... |
Plainmoor Plainmoor Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:... 1 |
6,104 |
1This ground contains terracing
Terrace (stadium)
A terrace or terracing in sporting terms refers to the traditional standing area of a sports stadium, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland...
2Not a football-specific ground
Soccer-specific stadium
Soccer-specific stadium is a term used mainly in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Korea coined by Lamar Hunt, to refer to a sports stadium either purpose built or fundamentally redesigned for soccer and whose primary function is to host soccer matches, as opposed to a multipurpose...
Plymouth Argyle vs. Bristol City
Both Bristol City and Plymouth have been highly successful in the 21st century and as a result both were in the Championship until the end of the 2009–10 season, when Plymouth were relegated to League One. It is just under 100 miles from BristolBristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
to Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
, but both clubs are in the South West
South West England
South West England is one of the regions of England defined by the Government of the United Kingdom for statistical and other purposes. It is the largest such region in area, covering and comprising Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. ...
region of England. The relative success of the two clubs throughout the 2000's has resulted in the derby being dubbed as a "Best in the West" match.
Recent history
At the start of the 2000s, Argyle were languishing in the lower reaches of Division Three
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
, but two promotions in the 2001–02
2001-02 in English football
The 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the...
and 2003–04
2003-04 in English football
The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
seasons gave them a place in the Championship. After a couple of mid-table finishes in the division, Argyle became play-off contenders, but after losing several key players they only just avoided relgation in the 2008–09 season.
City started the decade a division above Argyle, and were serious play-off contenders under the management of Danny Wilson. When they did make the play-offs, in 2003, they went out in the semi-final, losing 1 – 0 to Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
on aggregate. Their heartbreak continued as they lost the final the following year – going down 1 – 0 to Brighton at The Millennium Stadium
Millennium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage...
. Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson (footballer)
Gary Johnson is an English football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Npower League Two's Northampton Town....
became their manager in 2005, and after a poor start City eventually finished as runners up in League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
in the 2006–07 season
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
, as a result earning promotion.
They started the following season extremely well, going top of the Championship for most of it, but in the end only managed a play-off spot. In the play-off final they lost 1 – 0 to Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
courtesy of a Dean Windass
Dean Windass
Dean Windass is an English footballer, who predominantly played as a striker, and is known for his spells at Bradford City and his hometown team Hull City...
goal. In their last two seasons they have narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Previous meetings
Argyle defeated City 4 – 0 in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy in the 2003–04 season
2003-04 in English football
The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
, making it the biggest win in a game between the sides in recent years. The biggest ever wins between the sides was a 6 – 0 win for Bristol in the 1954–55 season
1954-55 in English football
The 1954–1955 season was the 75th season of competitive football in England, from August 1954 to May 1955:-Overview:* Chelsea win the League Championship for the first time.* Newcastle United win the FA Cup....
and a 7 – 1 win for Plymouth in the 1924–25 season
1924-25 in English football
The 1924–25 season was the 50th season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...
. When the clubs met again in the 2007–08 season, with both teams flying high in the Championship, a late own goal from Krisztian Timar
Krisztián Timár
Krisztián Tímár is a Hungarian footballer who plays as a centre back. He has represented Hungary at international level, gaining four caps.-Playing career:...
gave City a 1 – 1 draw at Home Park
Home Park
Home Park is an all-seater football stadium in the Central Park area of Plymouth, England, and is the home of Football League Two club Plymouth Argyle. The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Greens by the club's supporters, has been Argyle's permanent residence since 1901...
.
The return fixture saw a Rory Fallon
Rory Fallon
Rory Michael Fallon is a New Zealand footballer who plays for Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen as a forward. He has previously played for Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Swindon Town, Yeovil Town, Swansea City, Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town. He has been capped by New Zealand at international...
brace give Argyle a 1 – 2 success at Ashton Gate
Ashton Gate
Ashton Gate Stadium is a stadium in Ashton Gate, Bristol, England, and is the home of Bristol City F.C. Located in the south-west of the city, just south of the River Avon, it has an all-seated capacity of 21,497, with an effective capacity for football matches of around 19,500, with an average...
, effectively ending the Robin's automatic promotion hopes.
The following season, Argyle let two goal lead slip at Ashton Gate as the game finished 2 – 2. The Robins won the return fixture 0 – 2.
The team's first meeting in the 2009–10 season resulted in a 3 – 1 home win for City courtesy of two late goals in October 2009.
The last meeting between the sides saw Plymouth gain a thrilling 3 – 2 win in March 2010. The Greens were 2 – 0 up at half-time, but two Nicky Maynard
Nicky Maynard
Nicholas David "Nicky" Maynard is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bristol City.-Crewe Alexandra:...
goals saw the visitors equalise. However, Argyle captain Carl Fletcher scored with a stunning 20-yard shot in the first minute of injury time to make it 3 – 2.
Head-to-head record
| Competition | Bristol City wins | Draws | Plymouth Argyle wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| League | 23 | 11 | 18 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| League Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Football League Trophy | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 24 | 12 | 22 |
Last two results
| Venue | Date | Competition | Bristol City | Plymouth Argyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Park Home Park Home Park is an all-seater football stadium in the Central Park area of Plymouth, England, and is the home of Football League Two club Plymouth Argyle. The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Greens by the club's supporters, has been Argyle's permanent residence since 1901... |
20 October 2009 | The Championship | 2 | 3 |
| Ashton Gate | 16 March 2010 | The Championship | 3 | 1 |
Players who played for both clubs
- Ian BairdIan BairdIan Baird is an ex-professional footballer whose most notable spell was as a player for Leeds United. He had two spells at the club with his first spell having a season as captain and his second spell including a player of the year award and just after he left, he got a second division...
- Phil BarberPhil Barber (footballer)Phillip Andrew Barber is a retired English professional footballer who played in the 1990 FA Cup Final with Crystal Palace.-Career:...
(on loan at Plymouth) - Forbes Phillipson-MastersForbes Phillipson-MastersForbes Ernest Phillipson-Masters is an English former footballer who played in the Football League as a central defender for Southampton, Exeter City, Bournemouth, Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City....
- Scott PatersonScott PatersonScott Paterson is a Scottish former footballer who played as a defender for a number of British clubs. He is assistant manager at Livingston.-Career:...
- David BurnsideDavid Burnside (footballer)David Gort Burnside was an English footballer, who played as an attacking midfielder. He played for various clubs, including West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Football League First Division, before becoming a youth trainer with England and then briefly manager at Bristol...
- Keith FearKeith FearKeith William Fear is an English former footballer who played as a striker in the Football League for Bristol City, Hereford United, Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, Brentford and Chester, and for St. Louis Stars in the North American Soccer League.-References:...
- Len BirksLen BirksLeonard Birks was an English footballer.-Playing career:Birks joined Port Vale from Butt Lane Star in May 1920. During his time with the club he lifted the North Staffordshire Infirmary Cup in 1922, played 105 matches and was an ever-present during the 1923–24 season...
- Gary SawyerGary SawyerGary Dean Sawyer is an English footballer who plays for Football League Two club Bristol Rovers as a defender, having previously played for Plymouth Argyle, Weymouth, Exeter City and Bristol City.-Playing career:...
(on loan at Bristol City from Plymouth) - Sean McCarthySean McCarthy (footballer)Sean McCarthy is a Welsh football coach and former professional player who made over 500 appearances in the Football League...
(on loan at Bristol City) - Neil HeaneyNeil HeaneyNeil Heaney is an English former footballer who played as a winger for a number of British clubs.-Career:...
(on loan at Bristol City) - Yannick Bolasie
Plymouth Argyle vs. Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle have played each other 88 times in the Football League and in national cup competitions, with the better record belonging to The Pilgrims thanks to their 34 wins compared with Rovers' 28. Prior to these meetings they both also played in the Southern League. Bristol Rovers and Plymouth are both currently competing in League two in 2011/12 season.Previous meetings
Plymouth and Bristol Rovers both currently compete in Npower League 2. The two west country teams played each other on a Tuesday night at Home Park in the 2010/2011 season in a cracking League One game where Plymouth were victorious in a 3 – 1 win. The return leg was another thrilling encounter where Plymouth were trailing 2 - 0 to Bristol Rovers at half-time courtesy of 2 goals from Will Hoskins
Will Hoskins
William Richard "Will" Hoskins is an English football player who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion as a striker. He came through the youth scheme at Rotherham United and has represented England at many levels up to under-20....
for Bristol Rovers. Rovers dominated the game in the first half but Plymouth completed a stunning comeback. Scoring 3 goals in the second half resulting in Plymouth being victorious. The match attendance was 5,943.
However the result did little to help Argyle's bleak position and, along with Rovers, they were relegated to League 2 at the end of the season.
Head-to-head record
| Competition | Bristol Rovers wins | Draws | Plymouth Argyle wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| League | 23 | 22 | 33 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| League Cup | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Football League Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 28 | 26 | 34 |
Last two results
| Venue | Date | Competition | Bristol Rovers | Plymouth Argyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Park Home Park Home Park is an all-seater football stadium in the Central Park area of Plymouth, England, and is the home of Football League Two club Plymouth Argyle. The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Greens by the club's supporters, has been Argyle's permanent residence since 1901... |
2 November 2010 | League One | 1 | 3 |
| Memorial Stadium Memorial Stadium (Bristol) The Memorial Stadium, also commonly known by its previous name of The Memorial Ground, is a sports ground in Bristol, England, dedicated to the memory of the rugby union players of the city killed during World War I... |
4 January 2011 | League One | 2 | 3 |
Players who played for both clubs
- Adam BarrettAdam BarrettAdam Nicholas Barrett is an English footballer who plays for Football League One club Bournemouth as a defender, having previously played for Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle, Mansfield Town, Bristol Rovers, Southend United and Crystal Palace.-Career:Barrett went to school at Belfairs High School in...
- Anthony PulisAnthony PulisAnthony James Pulis is a footballer who currently plays for Aldershot Town. He joined Southampton after moving from Stoke City where his father Tony is manager...
- Bruce BannisterBruce BannisterBruce Ian Bannister is a retired professional footballer who played as a striker.He played in the Football League for Bradford City, Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, and Hull City before finishing his playing career in France with USL Dunkerque. While at Bristol Rovers, Bannister and teammate Alan...
- Chris ZebroskiChris ZebroskiChristopher Matthew "Chris" Zebroski is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Club career:...
- Elliott WardElliott WardElliott Leslie Ward is an English professional footballer currently playing for Norwich City. He signed for the Canaries on a free transfer from Coventry City in May 2010; officially joining them on 1 July....
- Gary SawyerGary SawyerGary Dean Sawyer is an English footballer who plays for Football League Two club Bristol Rovers as a defender, having previously played for Plymouth Argyle, Weymouth, Exeter City and Bristol City.-Playing career:...
- Phil KitePhil KitePhil Kite is a former football goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach, who is now the club physio for Bristol Rovers. He also has a son, Alex Kite, who also plays for Bristol Rovers.-Playing career:...
(on loan at Rovers and Plymouth) - Michael MeakerMichael MeakerMichael Meaker is a Welsh footballer who plays for Yate Town in the Southern League South and West Division.-Club career:...
- Scott SinclairScott SinclairScott Andrew Sinclair is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Swansea City as a winger, having previously played for Bristol Rovers, Chelsea, Plymouth Argyle, Queens Park Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic...
(on loan at Plymouth)
In addition to this, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers were managed by Ian Holloway
Ian Holloway
Ian Scott Holloway is an English football manager and former player. He became the manager of Blackpool in May 2009. Holloway is well-known amongst football fans for his off-the-wall interviews, with a wide selection of quotes and soundbites being printed. Holloway's playing career spanned 18...
Torquay United vs. Exeter City
Only 18 miles separate TorquayTorquay
Torquay is a town in the unitary authority area of Torbay and ceremonial county of Devon, England. It lies south of Exeter along the A380 on the north of Torbay, north-east of Plymouth and adjoins the neighbouring town of Paignton on the west of the bay. Torquay’s population of 63,998 during the...
and Exeter
Exeter
Exeter is a historic city in Devon, England. It lies within the ceremonial county of Devon, of which it is the county town as well as the home of Devon County Council. Currently the administrative area has the status of a non-metropolitan district, and is therefore under the administration of the...
, both in Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
. Torquay see Exeter as their main rivals, although Exeter tend to see Plymouth as their main rivals (as a 2003 survey by Football Fans Census suggests), despite the fact that Argyle and Exeter have been playing in different divisions for a number of years. Nonetheless, there is still a small friendly rivalry between The Gulls and The Grecians.
Recent history
Torquay started the new millennium by just avoiding relegation to the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, but by 2004 they had been promoted to League One. However, after a season confined almost entirely to the relegation zone, they made an immediate return to League 2. Following two campaigns of struggle in the basement division, the Gulls were relegated again, finishing bottom of the Football League meaning demotion to the Conference. However, life as a non-league club was short. After the heartbreak of being beaten in the play-off semi-finals in their first season in the Conference (by none other than Exeter), Torquay went a step better the following season – beating Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
2 – 0 in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
. An encouraging first season back in the Football League led to yet more promotion agony for the Gulls in the 2010/2011 season. Finishing seventh and claiming the final play-off place, Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
were dispatched in the semi-finals, setting up a meeting with fellow former Conference side Stevenage at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
in the final. Unfortunately for Torquay they were beaten 1-0 and had to contemplate another year in the Football League's basement division. During the summer of 2011, manager Paul Buckle
Paul Buckle
Paul John Buckle is an English professional footballer and football club manager. He is currently manager of League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Career:...
resigned to take over at another West Country club, Bristol Rovers.
Up until recently Exeter were a non-league side. Financial problems and on-pitch struggle during the late 1990s and early 2000s ruined the club, and in fact they nearly went bust. They were relegated to the Conference in 2003, but performed well as a non-league side, consistently finishing in the top half. They lost the 2007 play-off final to Morecambe
Morecambe F.C.
Morecambe Football Club is an English football club based in Morecambe, Lancashire. It plays its football in League Two, the fourth division of English football, having been promoted in 2007 for the first time in their history to the Football League. They played their home matches at Christie Park...
, but won it the following season, thereby being promoted to League Two. In the 2008–09 season they finished 2nd in their new division, earning promotion again.
Previous meetings
Possibly the most notable meeting between the sides was in Exeter's 2007–08
2007-08 in English football
The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...
promotion season in the Conference. The two sides met in the play-off semi-final, with Toquay being victorious in the first leg as Chris Zebroski
Chris Zebroski
Christopher Matthew "Chris" Zebroski is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Club career:...
scored a last-minute goal to make it 1–2 to The Gulls. The second leg at Plainmoor
Plainmoor
Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:...
saw Kevin Hill
Kevin Hill
Kevin Hill is an American legal drama that aired on UPN during the 2004-2005 TV season.-Synopsis:The series stars Taye Diggs as the title character, a lawyer who has to balance his professional career and his love life with having custody of Sarah, his 10 month old cousin...
give the hosts the lead, making it 3–1 on aggregate, but Exeter remarkably stormed back to take a 1–4 lead on the night, making it 3–5 on aggregate, and as a result made it to the final at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
. They beat Cambridge 1–0 in that game to earn promotion.
Players who played for both clubs
- Fred BinneyFred BinneyFrederick Edward Binney is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League for Torquay United, Exeter City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Plymouth Argyle and Hereford United, and in the North American Soccer League for the St. Louis Stars.-Early career:Binney was raised in...
- Russell CoughlinRussell CoughlinRussell Coughlin is a Welsh former professional footballer. He played as a midfielder.Coughlin began his professional career with Manchester City in 1977, but after failing to break into the first team at Maine Road, he joined Blackburn Rovers the following year...
- Chris CurranChris Curran (footballer)Christopher Curran is an English former professional footballer.Curran was born in Birmingham and began his career as a trainee with Torquay United, making his debut during the 1989-90 season whilst still a trainee. He turned professional on 13 July 1990 and went on to make 152 appearances for the...
- Lee Phillips
- George AppleyardGeorge AppleyardGeorge Charles Appleyard was an English football forward.Appleyard began his career with Rotherham Forge, subsequently playing for Rotherham Town and Rawmarsh Athletic before joining Barnsley where he made his league debut in the 1923-24 season...
- Les AffulLes AffulLeslie Samuel "Les" Afful is an English footballer currently with Southern Football League Premier Division side Truro City.-Career:Afful was born in Liverpool, and is of Caribbean descent...
(on loan at Torquay from Exeter) - Wayne CarlisleWayne CarlisleWayne Thomas Carlisle is a former professional footballer who last played for Truro City after being released by Football League Two side Torquay United....
Plymouth Argyle vs. Exeter City
Traditionally, Argyle and Exeter see each other as their main rivals, but over the years the two clubs have been playing in different divisions. It's approximately 35 miles from PlymouthPlymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
to Exeter
Exeter
Exeter is a historic city in Devon, England. It lies within the ceremonial county of Devon, of which it is the county town as well as the home of Devon County Council. Currently the administrative area has the status of a non-metropolitan district, and is therefore under the administration of the...
, but both cities are actually closer to Torquay
Torquay
Torquay is a town in the unitary authority area of Torbay and ceremonial county of Devon, England. It lies south of Exeter along the A380 on the north of Torbay, north-east of Plymouth and adjoins the neighbouring town of Paignton on the west of the bay. Torquay’s population of 63,998 during the...
than to each other. Although, the two clubs do tend to be more successful than Torquay, hence the reason for hating each other more than The Gulls.
Argyle and Exeter are both currently in Npower League 1. The last cup meeting between the sides was a Johnstones Paint Trophy area quarter final at Home Park, which Exeter won 2–1.
The most recent meeting between the sides, was when Exeter defeated Plymouth by a single goal. Curtosey James Dunne which was his first goal of the season for Exeter.
Last two results
| Venue | Date | Competition | Exeter City | Plymouth Argyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Park Home Park Home Park is an all-seater football stadium in the Central Park area of Plymouth, England, and is the home of Football League Two club Plymouth Argyle. The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Greens by the club's supporters, has been Argyle's permanent residence since 1901... |
11 December 2010 | League One | 0 | 2 |
| St James Park | 30 April 2011 | League One | 1 | 0 |
Players who played for both clubs
- Glen CroweGlen CroweGlen Crowe is an Irish professional football forward who currently plays for Malahide United in the Leinster Senior League....
(on loan at Exeter) - Kwame AmpaduKwame AmpaduPatrick Kwame Ampadu is a former Irish footballer who played for numerous clubs.-Career:Ampadu first played in Irish youth football for Sherrads United and Belvedere before joining Arsenal in July 1988...
(on loan at Plymouth) - Chris CurranChris Curran (footballer)Christopher Curran is an English former professional footballer.Curran was born in Birmingham and began his career as a trainee with Torquay United, making his debut during the 1989-90 season whilst still a trainee. He turned professional on 13 July 1990 and went on to make 152 appearances for the...
- Forbes Phillipson-MastersForbes Phillipson-MastersForbes Ernest Phillipson-Masters is an English former footballer who played in the Football League as a central defender for Southampton, Exeter City, Bournemouth, Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City....
(on loan at Exeter) - Craig NooneCraig NooneCraig Stephen Noone is an English footballer who plays for Football League Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion as a winger, having previously played for Skelmersdale United, Burscough, Southport, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City....
(on loan at Exeter from Plymouth) - Alan BanksAlan Banks (footballer)Alan Banks is a retired English professional footballer who played for Liverpool, Cambridge City, Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Poole Town....
- Stuart ElliottStuart Elliott (footballer born 1977)Stuart Thomas Elliott is an English footballer who plays for Bedlington Terriers as a midfielder.Elliott started his career as a schoolboy at Arsenal, and after being released by the club he signed an apprenticeship with Newcastle United in 1995. He spent five years with the club, during which...
- Russell CoughlinRussell CoughlinRussell Coughlin is a Welsh former professional footballer. He played as a midfielder.Coughlin began his professional career with Manchester City in 1977, but after failing to break into the first team at Maine Road, he joined Blackburn Rovers the following year...
- Steve DaveySteve DaveyStephen Gilbert Richard "Steve" Davey is an English former footballer who played in the Football League for Plymouth Argyle, Hereford United, Portsmouth and Exeter City. For Plymouth he played either as a striker or at full back...
- John Fitchett
- Fred BinneyFred BinneyFrederick Edward Binney is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League for Torquay United, Exeter City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Plymouth Argyle and Hereford United, and in the North American Soccer League for the St. Louis Stars.-Early career:Binney was raised in...
- Jamie MackieJamie MackieJames Charles "Jamie" Mackie is a professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Premier League club Queens Park Rangers...
- Gary SawyerGary SawyerGary Dean Sawyer is an English footballer who plays for Football League Two club Bristol Rovers as a defender, having previously played for Plymouth Argyle, Weymouth, Exeter City and Bristol City.-Playing career:...
(on loan at Exeter from Plymouth) - Bobby SaxtonBobby SaxtonRobert "Bobby" Saxton is an English former footballer, manager and coach, now working as a scout for Sunderland F.C..-Biography:...
- Wilf CarterWilf Carter (footballer)Wilfred Carter , is a former English professional football player. He played for West Bromwich Albion, Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Bath City....
- Lee Phillips
- Sean McCarthySean McCarthy (footballer)Sean McCarthy is a Welsh football coach and former professional player who made over 500 appearances in the Football League...
Cricket
Games between SomersetSomerset County Cricket Club
Somerset County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Somerset...
and Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the historic county of Gloucestershire. Its limited overs team is called the Gloucestershire Gladiators....
are often referred to as a West Country derby.