Plymouth manager Steven Schumacher was left “buzzing” after his side moved a step closer to promotion from Sky Bet League One with a narrow 1-0 win at derby rivals Exeter.
Despite being second best for much of the Devon derby, it was the Pilgrims who made the breakthrough with 20 minutes left.
A short corner routine saw Matt Butcher’s shot take a huge deflection off former Pilgrim Will Aimson before ending up in the City net.
The win moved Plymouth into the top two with five matches remaining – and left the race for promotion firmly in their hands.
“I am absolutely delighted and buzzing with the win,” Schumacher said.
“We always knew it was going to be a tough game, and we didn’t think it was going to be the type of game that would be too free-flowing.
“We knew it was going to be a battle and for the whole of the first 45 minutes that is what it was like.
“In the second half, we managed to get ourselves in front and did the business, which is the most important.
“I think, going into a derby game, it is important not to lose, but to come away from here with three points feels special.
“It was a real team performance from us today and we showed good character and professionalism to come back from defeat on Monday.
“We had to scrap and fight for everything because Exeter are a really good team and their centre forwards caused us problems. We had to snuff them out and we managed to do that.”
Exeter manager Gary Caldwell was left to rue one lapse in concentration as his young side paid a heavy price for switching off at the corner.
“It hurts to lose any football match, but to lose to your rivals is devastating for the fans. They were fantastic again and in great voice and great numbers,” Caldwell said.
“We gave it everything and I thought we were the better team, but the small details were the difference.
“We were a bit naive at times and we have to learn to win big football matches, it is not just about playing good football.
“We have to learn and get better at the fine arts of the game and that is a lesson that we have to take from today because we don’t get it back. I am bitterly disappointed and I hope we get a reaction on Tuesday.”
Reflecting on the decisive goal, Caldwell said: “If you don’t do your job at a set-piece, then you lose and that is the small detail.
“You could see from the first minute how Plymouth came to try and win the game and that is what you need to do to be a successful team. You need to find ways to win.
“Right from the start, they showed they weren’t going to try and play, they were going to try and nick the game.
“They tried to slow the game down and we fell into their trap with the set play. We have to learn from that.
“I thought we were the better team all game, I didn’t think there was a moment in the game where we were under pressure or I thought: ‘this isn’t working.’
“But I always knew that they came here to score one goal and nick a win. When a team tries to do that. We have to be better in those moments.”
