Boateng strikes late as Argyle deny Exeter in Devon Derby thriller

Plymouth Argyle rescued a dramatic point against Devon rivals Exeter City as Malachi Boateng’s late goal secured a 2-2 draw in a pulsating derby clash.

Three goals in the final 11 minutes brought a tense encounter to life, with Argyle twice cancelling out Exeter’s lead to deny their rivals a first league double over them in a decade. The result offers limited relief to either side, with Argyle chasing a play-off spot and Exeter battling relegation in League One.

The hosts dominated much of a goalless first half, creating several chances through Boateng, Owen Oseni and Alex Mitchell but failing to convert. Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft was kept busy, notably denying Lorent Tolaj and reacting well during a goalmouth scramble.

Exeter struck early after the break, taking the lead within two minutes. Ilmari Niskanen surged forward and fed Reece Cole, who turned smartly before finishing low past Conor Hazard for his sixth goal of the season.

Despite limited attacking threat for much of the match, Exeter looked set to claim victory when Jayden Wareham’s deflected effort restored their lead in the 84th minute, shortly after Tolaj had equalised with a close-range header.

However, Argyle refused to yield. Just five minutes later, defensive frailties cost Exeter once again as a loose ball in the box led to a scramble on the line. Boateng reacted quickest, forcing the ball home from close range to salvage a deserved point for the Pilgrims.

Wareham had earlier missed a golden opportunity to extend Exeter’s lead, a miss that proved costly as Argyle capitalised late on.

In the end, a fiercely contested derby delivered late drama but little progress for either side’s ambitions.