Exeter's derby hero has 'watched goal 100 times'

Akeel Higgins is in his first loan spell away from West Bromwich Albion

Akeel Higgins says he is still having to pinch himself about his first Exeter City goal.

The 20-year-old forward, who is on loan at St James Park from West Bromwich Albion, got Exeter's second in their 2-0 win over arch-rivals Plymouth Argyle in October.

The second-half strike was Higgins' first goal in senior football and saw the Grecians win a Devon derby for the first time since 2019.

"It was a very special day for the club. We all knew how important it was to get the three points from that game," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"I haven't really played in a derby before, but I know derbies are a bit special and to get the goal as my first senior goal, was the best thing that's happened to me so far.

"I've watched that goal over 100 times, it was good finish to be fair.

"I personally think I didn't really play that well in the game, but obviously to get the goal, just help the team out, it's the most important thing at the end of the day."

Higgins moved to Exeter in a deadline day deal which will keep him at the League One club until May.

The goal came in just his second senior start, but Higgins has started to establish himself as a more integral player in Exeter's squad in recent weeks as their form has improved.

"I always wanted to score in front of a crowd and to do in front of the Big Bank in a derby, it's just something special and it's always going to be something for me to cherish," said Higgins.

"It was such a big game and we showed the quality that we have.

"It was just something that we used throughout the training sessions and building team spirit for our momentum. Momentum is key and when you're winning games it makes you go into the next game being confident."