The worrying ingredient ahead of Devon derby between Grecians and Pilgrims

There is nothing like a derby, it brings excitement, tension and a local flavour that cannot be matched.

But when Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle lock horns in a televised clash on Thursday evening, both sides will carry the extra pressure of a worrying start to the League One season that has them perilously perched just above the relegation zone.

City’s drop down the table stemmed from a sorry September that yielded four straight defeats in the league. Form did improve with a win at Lincoln and a battling home draw against Reading, but it was back to the losing feeling on Saturday.

A trip to Stockport is always one of the toughest assignments in this division and the Grecians did well to match their hosts for long periods, but the game was ultimately decided by Nathan Lowe’s header midway through the first period.

Ilmari Niskanen and Josh Magennis both came close to a leveller after the break, but there was no answer for the Grecians, who have only scored 12 goals in their 13 league outings this term.

As for Argyle, it is the leaking for goal that has been their major problem, 21 conceded in 12 games, and a surprising lack of form on their own patch.

Laurent Tolaj has been an outstanding signing for the Pilgrims, notching seven times since his August arrival from Port Vale, and he was on target again in the home meeting with AFC Wimbledon.

Argyle held that lead until the stroke of half-time, but when Omar Bugiel nodded the Dons on to level terms, Home Park frailties re-emerged and there was a concerning inevitably about the visitors going on to win the game.

No denying it has been a poor start for Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle, a Devon derby win could change everything.