Ball boys are Devon cream

Plymouth 0 Exeter 3 

Report by ALAN LAKE

EXETER chalked up their first double over neighbours Plymouth for 42 years to prove they are the cream of Devon. Alan Ball's side always had the edge, with the talented Jason Minett outstanding in midfield. And to add to Plymouth's misery, John Hodge, an Argyle reject, grabbed two of the goals. Plymouth began promisingly enough, with Kevin Nugent firing in a shot which City keeper Kevin Miller did well to turn away for a corner. But Exeter were quickly into their stride, and Steve McCall had to clear off the line from a Scott Daniels header. Argyle's defence always looked shaky and Exeter cashed in after 37 minutes. A hopeful long ball from Daniels caught Plymouth in a tangle. Stewart Storer made the most of the indecision of Plymouth keeper Ray Newland - and Keith Hill slid the ball home. Storer, City's transfer deadline signing from Bolton, should have had a second six minutes later, bursting through only to blast his shot wide. With the skilful McCall probing away in midfield, Plymouth enjoyed more of the play in the second half. But Argyle's hopes plunged again when Steve Morgan, attempting a clearance, presented the ball to Hodge. Hodge seized the chance in style to put Exeter two up after 58 minutes. City shrugged off another spell of Plymouth pressure before Hodge sealed it with his second goal two minutes from time.

PLYMOUTH. Newland; Poole, McCall, Hill, Morrison, Morgan, Joyce, Castle, Nugent, Boardman, Dalton. Subs: Evans, Barlow.

EXETER.-Miller; White, Cook, Bailey, Daniels, Brown, Bond, Minett, Jepson, Storer, Hodge. Subs: Dolan, McIntyre.