GRAHAM DAWE insists Plymouth Albion must approach tomorrow's Devon derby with belief, if they are to record their first ever win at Sandy Park (3pm).

Albion have endured a tough time of it in recent derby clashes, losing the last six encounters.

The last time they beat Exeter Chiefs was on December 31, 2005, when they won 7-0 at the County Ground.

The Brickfields side have since suffered defeats at Sandy Park in the past three seasons – losing 18-14, 11-10 and 29-0, respectively.

However, Dawe feels Albion can bring an end to that run tomorrow if they work hard for each other and display some determination.

"We have been to Sandy Park three times and we have been so close and yet so far and ultimately we have left empty handed," said chairman of rugby Dawe.

"But this world is not about going back into your rabbit hole – it is all about getting up and trying again.

"As a team, if you are determined and dogged enough, then it is possible you can make it happen. You have got to believe in your own abilities and that is what we need to do tomorrow."

Dawe added: "Sandy Park will be a tough environment for our supporters if we don't win tomorrow.

"We have got to believe that we can win there but to win any away game of rugby you have got to do something very special as a group of players.

"We need to have a low penalty count, especially with the quality of the Exeter kickers, a rock solid defence – which we have not produced in the last two weeks – and a very good set-piece game.

"Then, and only then, can we start to think about winning this game or any other game of rugby."

Albion head into tomorrow's derby encounter on the back of two successive defeats.

The season started brightly with a 33-10 bonus point home Championship win over Birmingham-Solihull.

But that has been followed by a 29-16 loss at Rotherham and, last weekend, a disappointing 38-3 home defeat to Bedford.

In contrast, Exeter are one of just four teams who have won each of their opening three matches.

They sit fourth in the table – two places and eight points clear of Albion.

However, despite their unbeaten start, Dawe says it is up to his side to prove they can compete with their Devon rivals.

"I guess, like any team, Exeter will have an Achilles heel that we need to exploit," said Dawe.

"They have got strengths and some good players in people like Richard Baxter, Clive Stuart-Smith and Paul McKenzie, but nobody's unbeatable."

Dawe added after his side's two losses: "The players have got to show more and prove to themselves, their team-mates and the club's supporters they can work their socks off and get about the opposition."