It's a derby and we don't fear Portsmouth - Plymouth boss Ryan Lowe has his say on port showdown

And the Argyle boss is adamant Kenny Jackett’s side hold no fear for the League One new boys ahead of tomorrow’s Sky-televised showdown.

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Lowe attempted to jump on the ‘Dockyard Derby’ bandwagon when billing tomorrow’s clash at Home Park, albeit branding the game the ‘Dockside Derby’.

Whatever the moniker, the Scouser feels the 170 miles between the clubs by road isn’t a barrier to calling the game a derby at the Plymouth end.

Lowe told pafc.co.uk: ‘In terms of Portsmouth and the Dockside Derby we’re aware of it, whether it’s 160 miles or 190 miles whatever it is, it’s a derby these fans want to win.

‘We’re no different but what you have to do is respect Kenny Jackett and his team and the football club, because they’re a terrific football club.

‘Hopefully I can say they’re a terrific fan base along with us.

‘It is a derby but we have to worry about what we do and we won’t be taking Portsmouth lightly, as long as they won’t be taking us lightly either.’

Tomorrow’s game sees Pompey aim to make it seven away wins on the spin - a feat last achieved by Harry Redknapp’s side in the Premier League back in 2007.

They face a stern task, however, against a side who are unbeaten at Home Park in the league this term with five wins and a draw.

Lowe added: ‘We have to respect Portsmouth, what they do and how they go about their business.

‘Yes, they had a bit of a slow start from where they were last season and the expectations are massive at Portsmouth.

‘Yes, our expectations are high but we have to play them down a bit because we’re the new boy in the league.

‘But what we certainly don’t do is fear them.

‘We’ll respect them and go toe to toe with them, because we have to and that’s the way we play.

‘But hopefully it’s an exciting game for the Sky viewers and more importantly our fans to get excited about.’

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