Bristol Rovers vs Plymouth ARGYLE-Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle are back on the road on New Years Day for their first of two consecutive away games.   

Carl Fletcher’s men will face a tough test away at Bristol Rovers who have newly appointed John Ward as manager after Mark McGhee was the fourth manager to be sacked in two years as Rovers boss.  The day Mark McGhee was sacked John Ward was all ready to make his way down to Plymouth to be appointed Director of Football, after he heard the sacking he turned the chance of assisting Fletcher down to peruse the position of Rover’s manager, this will be his second time of managing the Bristol based club.      

There will be another familiar face among the Bristol books, formally on loan to Argyle Tom Hitchcock has taken up the opportunity to go back out on loan to Bristol Rover’s, the Pilgrims opponents on New Year’s Day.  After being on loan to Argyle at the start of last season he was quickly released by then his club Blackburn Rovers in February of this year.   After the appointment of Mark Hughes at Queens Park Rangers, Hughes then selected Tom’s dad Kevin Hitchcock to become the goalkeeping coach at QPR.  Hitchcock followed his father footsteps to the club by signing a one-year contact with the London club on the 4^th March 2012.

Following Argyle’s unbeaten run come to an end in their encounter against Wycombe Wanders at Home Park, they will be looking to put it right when the players take on Rover’s at the Memorial Stadium.  A mistake from midfielder Luke Young gave the Wander’s supporters a late Christmas present when he took too long to pass the football; Matt McLure calmly placed it into the far right hand corner passing goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin. 

The visitor’s to the Memorial ground have taken all three points over the past two season both from winning the game 3-2 after coming from 2-0 down. Will it happen again?

Zimbabwe international defender Onismor Bhasera is a doubt for the New Year’s Day clash with Bristol Rovers due to blurred vision.  The versatile player had to be substituted in the second half of the game on Saturday due to a clash of heads.  Another player that is a doubt for the encounter is Tyler Harvey.  Harvey was again substituted on Saturday with a slight calf injury.   For Captain Darren Purse he doesn’t know what fixture will be his last in a green shirt.  The 35 year old was put on the transfer list in late November to free up some money for other players to come in and help the club process in the right direction. 

Available: -Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Curtis Nelson, Jamie Richards, Robbie Williams, Maxime Blanchard, Darren Purse, Conor Hourihane, Paris Cowan-Hall, Luke Young, Jamie Lowry, Mark Molesley, Andres Gurrieri, Jordan Copp, Jared Sims, Isaac Vassell, Joe Lennox, Rhys Griffiths, Nick Chadwick, Matt Lecointe, Warren Feeney

Doubtful: - Tyler Harvey (slight calf injury), Onismor Bhasera (blurred vision), Paul Wotton (back injury)

Unavailable: - Jed Harper-Penman (on loan to Bideford Town)

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Wycombe Wanders-Match Report

Plymouth ARGYLE 0

Wycombe Wanders 1

Matt McLure 11'

 

Plymouth Argyle returned to Home Park after their excellent display against Torquay United on Boxing Day when they hosted Wycombe Wanders this Saturday afternoon. 

The Pilgrims started the game very well creating many opportunities to score, a costly defensive mistake from midfielder Luke Young presented Wycombe Wanders with a glorious opening to score the introductory goal of the encounter between the two clubs. 

Carl Fletcher had stuck to the same 11 players that started the game on Boxing Day in the 1-1 draw against Devon Rivals Torquay United.  However there was a change on the Argyle substitute bench with Mark Molesley returning to the 18man squad after a hamstring injury with Newquay born Jamie Lowry dropping out altogether. For the opposition team Wycombe Wanders, they made three changes to the side that were beaten 4-0 by the Robins at Whaddon Road on Boxing Day.  Goal scorer Matt McLure came back into the side, there were also recalls for Anthony Stewart and Matt Spring.  The Wanders players to drop out of the match day staring 11squad were Charles Dunne, Josh Scowen and Dennis Oli.   

Carl Fletcher’s men started the first half very well keeping possession, whilst passing the football to the wide men in: Paris Cowan-Hall and Onismor Bhasera.  For the first 10minutes of the first half Argyle could have been two or three goals up with great attacking runs into the box by Paris Cowan-Hall.  Plymouth Argyle’s formation for Saturday afternoon was a 4-4-2.  From the way the visiting team had set up they knew exactly what Argyle were going to do in the game, get the ball out to winger Paris Cowan-Hall with him crossing  it into the box for strikers Nick Chadwick and Tyler Harvey to attack. Nick Chadwick was every unlucky not to give the greens the lead when he hit the post with a turning shot inside 10minutes. The Pilgrims were then awarded a free-kick; left-back Robbie Williams was aiming for the left top hand corner, it had hit the Wycombe Wanders wall.  It wasn’t long before the opposition team, Wycombe Wanders, had taken a surprisingly lead in the encounter.  Matt McLure had put Wanders in front after a Luke Young defensive mistake.  The Plymouth born had taken too long to decide what to do with the football, Stuart Lewis had nicked the ball off Young who then feeded in Matt McLure who calmly slide it past on rushing goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin in front of the Devonport.   From this goal Wycombe got more and more into the game, with long balls over the Argyle defense.  The long balls resulted in the defenders clearing their lines, whilst the minority of the long balls lead to goal kicks.   Second year apprentice Tyler Harvey then had a great chance to equalise, the 17year old brought the ball down superbly well but unfortunately the Plymouth born couldn’t get the ball out of his feet quick enough, the defenders cleared.  The home side were then awarded another free kick from around 35yards out.  Former Ipswich player Conor Hourihane was over it, the Irish born slide it through to left back Robbie Williams who then fired it towards the goal after taking a first touch.  The firing shoot went wide of the left hand post.  Minutes later Williams had another long distance shot.  This time the shot from Robbie went over the crossbar into the where the away fans were situated.  The main man in the first half was summer signing Paris Cowan-Hall.  He was playing on the right with the winger making runs down the side passing many players.  From injuries to player/manager Gareth Aimsworth the forth official had added on an additional 4minutes to the end of the first half. Half Time Argyle 0-1 Wycombe.

The second half was well upon us with both teams coming out of the tunnel unchanged.  Within minutes of one another both teams had hit the crossbar. Firstly it was the visitors, from a corner Matt Spring had hit the outside crossbar, whilst Argyle’s Paris Cowan-Hall spirited down the right cutting inside on the left, and he’s cross shot hit the top of the crossbar.  Another opportunity begged for Argyle when they were awarded a corner, midfielder Luke Young delivered with Captain Darren Purse heading over the goal after being put under huge pressure.  Former Conference Premier player Nick Chadwick had a fantastic break after Bhasera and Paris had swapped wings, the Zimbabwe that delivered an inviting cross with Chadwick heading wide of the Devonport goal after he had got in front of his man.   Just before the hour mark Warren Feeney had replaced Tyler Harvey.  After the match it was reviled had he was taken of precautionary after the young lad had suffered a slight calf injury.  Just after he had come on the Northern Ireland international had been cautioned due to fouling Jordan Archer after he had collected the ball. With Argyle pouring pressure on Wycombe with long balls into the box Carl Fletcher made another two substitutions bringing on Mark Molesley and Rhys Griffiths.  The players to make way were Nick Chadwick and Onismor Bhasera.  Most fans were very surprised of this substitution with Carl Fletcher explaining the reason after the game.  The Zimbabwe had been taken of due to blurred vision after a clash of heads.  Wycombe had scored another goal after good attacking play.  The goal was rightly ruled offside.  Chances after chances came for the Pilgrims who could not see a way through to equalise.  With time wasting, injuries and substitutions the fourth official had added on 6 additional minutes.  Most of that time was mostly spent in the Wycombe area but the greens could not see a way past Wanders goalkeeper Jordan Archer.  With over 20 attempts on goal Argyle could not see a way past Wycombe.  Full Time Argyle 0-1 Wycombe Wanders.

All the best for 2013       

Argyle (4-4-2): 20 Rene Gilmartin; 17 Curtis Nelson, 5 Darren Purse (capt), 4 Maxime Blanchard, 3 Robbie Williams; 7 Paris Cowan-Hall, 15 Luke Young, 6 Conor Hourihane, 14 Onismor Bhasera (30 Mark Molesley 70); 29 Tyler Harvey (11 Warren Feeney 56), 9 Nick Chadwick (10 Rhys Griffiths 70). Substitutes (not used): 1 Jake Cole, 2 Durrell Berry, 19 Joe Lennox, 27 Andres Gurrieri.

Booked: Feeney 57

Wycombe Wanderers (4-4-2): 36 Jordan Archer; 19 Marvin McCoy, 34 Kortney Hause, 27 Anthony Stewart, 11 Sam Wood; 7 Gareth Ainsworth (32 Junior Morias 86), 8 Stuart Lewis (capt), 9 Matt Spring, 12 Bruno Andrade; 29 Matt McClure (38 Ade Azeez 71), 22 Jo Kuffour. Substitutes (not used): 15 Dennis Oli, 21 Lee Harrison, 25 Lee Angol, 35 Georges Ehui.

Booked: McCoy 82

Referee: Brendan Malone.

Attendance: 6,983 (203 away)

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Wycombe Wonders-Match Preview

Carl Fletcher will return to the Home Park dug-out on Saturday when Plymouth Argyle entertain Wycombe Wonders in their last home game in the 2012 calendar. 

Plymouth Argyle will be in high spirits after their 1-1 draw against Torquay United on Boxing Day.  A 90^th minute equaliser from Tyler Harvey spoiled the day for the Gulls who were running away with all 3points after Aaron Downes had scored from a corner in the 78^th minute. From the full debutants goal, it carried on Argyle’s 15year unbeaten run for a Boxing Day encounter. The Pilgrims were very unlucky not to clinch all three points after dominating the game with a total of 23 attempts on goal.    

Wycombe will be arriving to Home Park on the back of a 4-0 defeat to Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road on Boxing Day.  As the Npower League 2 table stands there are 2points separating the two clubs, with Wycombe placed in 19^th whilst the Devon club are in 20^th place.  If Plymouth Argyle can pull of a fantastic result in beating Wycombe on Saturday by two goals or more it will enable the greens to rise to 17^th position if other results go Argyle’s way in League 2.      

The last meeting between the two clubs came on Tuesday 2^nd October 2012.  The result of this game was a 1-1 draw at Adams Park, Wycombe.  An equaliser from loanee Guy Madjo in the early stages of the second half secured a point for Plymouth after Matt McGlure had put the home side in front on the 12minute.  Guy Madjo has recently returned to his parent club Aldershot Town after his three month emergency loan came to an end with the Pilgrims.       

With the January transfer nearly upon us; Carl Fletcher has already put Captain Darren Purse on the transfer list to free up some money for other players to improve the squad.  A deal has already been done for Alex MacDonald to bring him down to Plymouth permanently, the deal will only happening if the finances are right at the club.  He has already enjoyed two loan stints with Argyle making 35 appearances and scoring 6 scores in the process.

Second year apprentice Tyler Harvey will be looking to make his 4^th league appearance in an Argyle shirt when Wycombe come to town.  The Plymouth born was outstanding to watch when be made his first full league debut, the former Ivybridge pupil also scored his first professional goal for the club.  On-loan AFC Bournemouth midfielder Mark Molesley will be aiming to have some influence on the game after he returned to full training on Friday.  Carl Fletcher will have a selectionheadache after both Nick Chadwick and Rhys Griffiths performed very well up-front alongside Tyler Harvey in the Boxing Day encounter.     

Available:- Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Jamie Richards, Curtis Nelson, Darren Purse, Maxime Blanchard, Robbie Williams, Onismor Bhasera, Jamie Lowry, Joe Lennox, Luke Young, Conor Hourihane, Mark Molesley, Paris Cowan-Hall, Andres Gurrieri,  Jared Sims, Jordan Copp, Isaac Vassell, Nick Chadwick, Warren Feeney, Rhys Griffiths, Matty LeCointe, Tyler Harvey.

Doubtful: - Paul Wotton (back injury)

Unavailable: - Jed Harper-Penman (on-loan to Bideford Town)

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Torquay United - Match Report

The Pilgrims 1
Tyler Harvey 89'


The Gulls 1
Aaron Downes 78'

 

 

Plymouth Argyle deserved all three points in their Boxing Day game against Torquay United.  In a game in which the Pilgrims dominated Torquay went in front with an Aaron Downes goal in the 78^th minute, before Tyler Harvey, making his full league debut, equalised for the greens with a fantastic strike in the 90^th minute.

Carl Fletcher made three changes to the side that battle through wind and rain to rescue a point at Accrington Stanley.  The young Welshman selected Tyler Harvey, who has been impressing in youth games, to make his full league debut at Home Park in front of his friends and family.  Rhys Griffiths, a former fire-fighter was dropped to the bench in favour of the young forward. Durrell Berry was also replaced in the starting line-up with Curtis Nelson, a former Stoke apprentice, took his place at right back.  Maxime Blanchard was also back partnering Darren Purse at centre back after he returned after missing Saturdays encounter due to suspension.  The other change that Carl Fletcher made was in midfield, Paris Cowan-Hall replaced Joe Lennox who was dropped to the substitute’s bench.   However for the opposition team Torquay United, they had a free weekend after their 1^st Devon Derby at Plainmoor against Exeter was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.    Ryan Jarvis was still out of the Gulls squad after he punctured a lung in their previous game. 

In front of just over 10,000 fans Plymouth Argyle started the Devon Derby in fine form shooting towards the Torquay fans situated in the Barn Park End.  Argyle had numerous of changes to taking the lead early on in the game. With the wind behind the Pilgrims in the first 45minutes Robbie Williams had nearly found the top right hand corner.  A magnificent run from inside his own half to the penalty area helped him pull of a shot off it was always curling just wide of the post. Minutes into the first half Argyle had been awarded a free kick just inside of Torquay’s half.  This free kick was a bit amusing for the spectators due to the ball rolling away when Darren Purse was about to take it.  It took about 5times for the defender to take it, it didn’t come to anything.  Argyle were still on top possession wise, passing the football around nicely between the defenders, midfielders and strikers.  Tyler Harvey still only 17years old was the stand out player and deservedly won the man-of-the-match award for holding up the ball tremendously well with him able to shine against experienced defenders.  The next opportunity for Argyle came from Zimbabwe International player Onismor Bhasera.  The versatile player shot was deflected of Kevin Nicholson for a corner to Argyle with Luke Young providing the delivery for the Pilgrims.  Fortunately in the eye of Torquay the set piece didn’t come to anything. Another chance came begging for Argyle when right back Curtis Nelson delivered a wonderful long ball into the box from the left side, with Chadwick’s flick Cowan-Hall’s strike was defended well by Australian centre back and Torquay’s number 4 Aaron Downes.  Tyler Harvey had nearly bagged his debut goal after he swivelled and shot towards the top corner.  The ball was always rising into the foul weather.  Torquay were starting to get into the rhythm of the game after not playing for over a week.  The visitors were passing the football neatly between the midfielders and strikers, from this they were awarded with some corners.  The corners didn’t come to anything after the deliverer couldn’t get the football over the first man, for this the first man was Argyle’s Luke number 8 Young.   When 45minutes were up the forth official added one additional minute. Half Time Argyle 0-0 Torquay United  

Second half came around quickly with Argyle attacking the Devonport End.  There were no changes from either team to chance their teams or formation.  Plymouth Argyle had started off the second half especially well with Tyler Harvey running onto loose balls and setting up several attacks.  Torquay had a great chance of going ahead when Rene Howe shot towards Gilmartin’s near post; he saved and punched it out for a Gulls corner.  Former Swindon player, and scorer of last season Derby at Home Park, Billy Bodin spirited into Argyle’s half avoiding many players to shot towards goal.  Rene Gilmartin went down well to his left before realising the football was drifting marginally wide of the far post.  Another attack for the Pilgrims consisted of Irish born Conor Hourihane delivering an inch prefect ball onto the head of Nick Chadwick. The former Stockport striker got above his man and headed millimetres wide of the goal.  It was the opposition team that had the best chance of the game so far.  Lee Mansell the captain of Torquay shot high and wide from inside the penalty area.  Torquay were awarded a free-kick after Darren Purse had obstructed Rene Howe.  The outcome of the free kick was a corner.  Kevin Nicholson had struck the ball sweetly to force a fantastic save off Rene Gilmartin to go out for a corner.  The consequence of the corner was a goal for Torquay.  Australian born centre back Aaron Downes had given the Gulls the lead, the ball feel straight to his feet he then kicked it powerfully into the back of the net. 0-1 Torquay.  From the goal that Torquay scored manager Carl Fletcher made his only substitution of the game.  Rhys Griffiths was about to come on for Nick Chadwick.  Seconds of the Welshman coming on he had a great chance of getting an equalizer.  Luke Young had shot from around 30yards from the goal.  From the horrible weather goalkeeper Michael Poke was unable to keep hold of the ball; the first player to react to this was Griffiths, the goalkeeper saved well from his close range shot. Just before the 90minute mark Argyle had equalised and Home Park was alive.  Tyler Harvey had scored on his league debut to make it four games unbeaten for Argyle. There was 3minutes of stoppage time.  In this time there were a lot of injuries not to mention Torquay’s captain’s Lee Mansell injury.  From a collision with an Argyle player he has unfortunately punctured a wound just below he’s knee.  We wish you a speedy recovery Mansell. 

Full Time Argyle 1-1 Torquay.                         

Argyle (4-4-2): 20 Rene Gilmartin; 17 Curtis Nelson, 5 Darren Purse (capt), Maxime Blanchard, 3 Robbie Williams; 7 Paris Cowan-Hall, 8 Luke Young, 6 Conor Hourihane, 14 Onismor Bhasera; 29 Tyler Harvey, 9 Nick Chadwick (10 Rhys Griffiths 81). Substitutes (not used): 1 Jake Cole, 2 Durrell Berry, 11 Warren Feeney, 16 Jamie Lowry, 19 Joe Lennox, 27 Andres Gurrieri. 

Booked: Hourihane 83. 

Torquay United (4-5-1): 1 Michael Poke; 2 Joe Oastler, 16 Angus MacDonald, 4 Aaron Downes, 3 Kevin Nicholson; 20 Nathan Craig, 7 Lee Mansell (6 Damon Lathrope 90), 15 Billy Bodin (23 Ashley Yeoman 70), 18 Craig Easton, 19 Danny Steven; 9 Rene Howe. Substitutes (not used): 12 Daniel Leadbitter, 13 Martin Rice (gk), 17 Saul Halpin, 21 Thomas Cruise, 30 Kirtys Mackenzie. 

Referee: Graham Salisbury. 
Attendance: 10,003 (1,525 away). 

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Torquay United - Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle will kick-off the festive period at Home Park in a Boxing Day clash with neighbours Torquay United before returning to the field of play on Saturday to face Wycombe Wonders in the second of two home games. 

Carl Fletcher’s men will return to Home Park after back-to-back away games in which Argyle have picked up 2points from Exeter and Accrington Stanley, both from 1-1 draws, with the goal scores Joe Lennox and Onismor Bhasera slotting home their first goals of the 2012-13 season.  The Pilgrims were very unlucky not to pick up 4points on their trips to the North and South of England with Warren Feeney missing a penalty in the game with Accrington Stanley.       

Due to the foul weather over the weekend many of Npower League 1 and 2 games were postponed due to waterlogged pitches.  Surprising newly relegated Blackburn Rovers called off their match with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Championship.  Due to the match being called off so late on in the day, the travelling fans skipped cross to Accrington to support Argyle in the away end.   

The last time Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United met was in Npower League 2 on September 8^th of this current season at Plainmoor.  In this match both sets of teams fought out a very hard earned point in the 0-0 draw at the home of Torquay United.  With 23games played out of 46, we are now half way through the season.  From this stat Plymouth Argyle are sitting in 20^th place, whilst the Gulls are situated in 12^th with 9points separating the teams from each other.  The last time Torquay United visited Plymouth the home of Argyle was in January 2012 where the visitors were 2-1 winners at the theatre of greens in front of a magnificent crowd of 13,000 that were at Home Park to witnesses the Gulls win.  Luke Young pulled back a consolation goal after midfielders Billy Bodin and Captain Lee Mansell had put the opposition team ahead.  From this game only nine Argyle players from that day’s game are expected to play or to be on the substitute’s bench for the Boxing Day derby at Home Park. 

Long serving Plymouth born midfielder Paul Wotton will be looking to be included in the 18man squad after he travelled to the North West for the game with Accrington Stanley last Saturday.  French Defender Maxime Blanchard will also be competing to be selected in the starting 11 after he missed the 1-1 draw at Accrington due to a one match suspension.  Blanchard was sent off in the Exeter game at St James Park with him picking up his second yellow card of the match.  Carl Fletcher may also include former Woking striker Paris Cowan-Hall into the starting 11 on Boxing Day after his great display over the weekend. 

Hope you’ve had a great Christmas!! Enjoy the Devon Derby. 

All the best for 2013 you greens.                   

Available: Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Jamie Richards, Curtis Nelson, Darren Purse, Maxime Blanchard, Robbie Williams, Onismor Bhasera, Joe Lennox, Andres Gurrieri, Mark Molesley, Luke Young, Jamie Lowry, Conor Hourihane, Paris Cowan-Hall, Jared Sims, Jordan Copp, Isaac Vassell, Nick Chadwick, Warren Feeney, Rhys Griffiths, Matt LeCointe, Tyler Harvey

Doubtful: Paul Wotton (back injury)

Unavailable: Jed Harper-Penman (on loan to Bideford Town)

Accrington Stanley vs Plymouth ARGYLE - Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle will be hoping to repeat the heroics of last season, a 4-0 inspired victory, when they travel to Accrington Stanley for this afternoon meeting. 

Carl Fletcher’s men have had a very unsettled week at their training base, Harper’s Park, based opposite Home Park.  The Argyle players had trained at Saltash on Thursday Morning on the 3G AstroTurf as the training facilities at Harper’s Park didn't hold up to expectations, due to the extreme weather conditions the South West have been getting over the past few days and weeks.   

Plymouth Argyle’s last visit to Accrington Stanley came in February 2012, there first ever first visit to the Crown Ground.  This visit to the Crown Ground was unforgettable for the players who recorded a 4-0 victory over Accrington, with the goals coming from Alex MacDonald, Darren Purse and from substitute Luke Daley. It capped of a great afternoon for the Pilgrims who battle through, wind, rain and hail.    

Today’s opponents Accrington Stanley have a very well-known top professional at their club. James Beattie, a former England International, Everton, Sheffield United, Stoke, Southampton and Blackburn striker.  The Lancashire born signed for the league 2 club on 9^th November 2012 as a player/coach after he was released by Sheffield United in the summer of 2012.  The 34-year old made his football League 2 debut in the 1-1 draw at Barnet on 16^th November when he was a 79^th minute substitute for Will Hatfield.   On 20^th November the prolific striker scored his first goal for Stanley, a 9^th minute penalty in their 3-1 away victory at Fleetwood.  This ended his wait of 1130 days of not scoring in a first team match.  James Beattie then scored his second goal of this Accrington Stanley stint when he slotted away another penalty in their next game against Gillingham.

After last Saturdays 1-1 draw against Argyle’s nearest rivals, goal scorer Joe Lennox has been presented with a new contract, as he’s current one runs out this January.  Also Mark Molesley has also been awarded with a loan extension until after the Bristol Rovers encounter on New Year’s Day.   

On-loan striker Guy Madjo has returned to his parent club Aldershot Town as his three month emergency loan expired after the Derby game with Exeter City on Saturday.  Another absentee for the trip to Accrington will be central defender Maxime Blanchard, he was sent-off in the Exeter game for a second yellow card. Blanchard will now serve a one game ban.  Curtis Nelson will be first choice to partner Darren Purse in central defence.  Paris Cowan-Hall will be looking to get back into the first team after he sat out the last game due to a bad dead leg.  Bristol born Joe Lennox will be looking to retain his place in the starting 11 after a fantastic display against Exeter.   On loan AFC Bournemouth midfielder Mark Molesley is doubtful, as he has a slight hamstring injury.

Available: Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Curtis Nelson, Darren Purse, Jamie Richards, Robbie Williams, Onismor Bhasera, Paris Cowan-Hall, Conor Hourihane, Jamie Lowry, Joe Lennox, Jordan Copp, Jared Sims, Andres Gurrieri, Matt LeCointe, Rhys Griffiths, Warren Feeney, Nick Chadwick.

Doubtful: Mark Molesley (slight hamstring injury)

Unavailable: Maxime Blanchard (suspended), Jed Harper-Penman, Isaac Vassell (both players on loan to Bideford Town, Guy Madjo (loan expired)    

Exeter City vs Plymouth ARGYLE - Match Report

Exeter City 1

Liam Sercombe 34'

 

Plymouth Argyle 1

Joe Lennox 72'

 

 

In a game in which Exeter dominated in large periods, Plymouth Argyle went home extremely happy after Joe Lennox’s wonder goal in front of the green army in the second half, to ensure a point after Liam Sercombe gave the home side the lead in the first half.

Carl Fletcher made one change to the side that was victorious over York City the week before.  Paris Cowan-Hall had not recovered from that dead leg he had sustained last Saturday so his replacement was winger Joe Lennox, the former Bristol City player.  Whilst for Exeter, manager Paul Tisdale made one change to his side that beat Rochdale last Saturday at Spotland Stadium.  Midfielder Scot Bennett replaced Jimmy Keohane returning from suspension.     

After all four coaches were escorted from opposite Exeter Racecourse to Exeter City’s Ground the away end was filling up quickly with over 1000 fans from Plymouth.  Both team emerged from the tunnel lead by their captain’s Darren Purse and Danny Coles.  The home side had won the toss of the coin and decided to kick the first ball of the first half shooting towards the green army situated in the St James Terrace.  This meet Argyle were attacking toward the Big Bank stand where the home fans were stood.  The Pilgrims started very positively passing the ball around and keeping possession away from the rivalries in Exeter City. Argyle had the first chance to grab a goal after Argentine winger was fouled just outside the penalty box by Danny Coles.  Midfielder Luke Young delivered an inviting cross toward Rhys Griffiths, his effect of a header was just wide of the post. From this point the City players got more and more impressive as the game went on, one, two touch passes from the Grecians. From this former Argyle striker Alan Gow played in veteran of the game Jamie Cureton.   No defender was in sight and it was looking Cureton could have given City the lead.  Darren Purse captain fantastic made an ever crucial challenge to prevent the player from scoring and to keep the scores goalless.   Another chance came Exeter’s way when they were awarded a free kick inches outside the penalty box.  Liam Sercombe delivered to insure a corner after the football stung the gloves of Number 20 Rene Gilmartin. The corner delivered was a nerve-racking moment for the players who could not clear their lines quickly enough. Fortunately it didn’t come to anything.   On the 34th minute of the first half Exeter City had leaded the line and taken the lead.  Liam Sercombe had scored from OANISMOR Bhasera losing the ball in his own half.  The Zimbabwe had got back into his left back position but could not stop Sercombe from scoring the only goal. Rene Gilmartin put out a hand but he could not stop the ball from going into the back of the net.    The last chance of the first half at St James Park came Argyle’s way.  Joe Lennox forced Artur Krysiak into a basic save.  After one additional minute referee Andy Woolmer blew the whistle for half. 

Carl Fletcher made one change at the start of the second half; Robbie Williams made his comeback from injury replacing Andres Gurrieri.  This substitution meant a reshuffle in the team, Robbie Williams moved to left back whilst Bhasera moved into midfield to take the place of Gurrieri.  Exeter were still having the fair share of the possession.  Robbie Williams had not even got to match fitness when he headed back to Gilmartin.  Cureton was lurking on his own and raced towards goal, an open goal opportunity was a gift, but cheers ran around the away area when Jamie curled the ball millimeters wide.  Argyle composed and got together a couple of passes and Mark Molesley drove forward and shot just wide of the post.  Whilst Argyle were trying to keep hold of the football striker Rhys Griffiths wasn’t having a great day, he wasn’t strong enough to hold the ball up. The thing he did do well was to flick the ball into open space but his teammates were not in those passes.  In the 66^th minute Carl Fletcher made two tactical and game changing substitutes.  Rhys Griffiths and Conor Hourihane made way for Warren Feeney and Nick Chadwick.  The formation was now a 4-4-2.  Minutes of Feeney coming into the frame he had nearly equalized for the Pilgrims.  A ball over the top of the players crowed in the penalty area enabled Feeney to sneak away. The goalkeeper had come out as well so it went out for an Argyle corner. On the 72^nd minute Argyle had equalized and the green army were going wild.  After keeping possession nicely and neatly and pressuring the defence at the same time Joe Lennox had curled in a beauty of a shot into the top corner, slicing the bar on its way in. After Blanchards block on Jamie Cureton, the French born received his first red card in his Argyle career, after he picked up his first yellow in the first half he was also running on luck.  He then received his second yellow, so the referee gave him his marching orders, he looked devastated whilst walking off the field with 8minutes remaining on the clock.  As Argyle went down to 10men Warren Feeney moved into defence to secure the point.   The referee blew his whistle after 5 additional minutes were played.  Argyle had forte out for a very vital point in the Devon Derby.              

Exeter City (4-5-1): 1 Artur Krysiak; 4 Scot Bennett , 5 Pat Baldwin, 6 Danny Coles (capt), 3 Craig Woodman; 2 Steve Tully, 7 Liam Sercombe, 10 Alan Gow (16 Kevin Amankwaah 78), 8 Matt Oakley (22 Jimmy Keohane 74), 19 John O'Flynn; 12 Jamie Cureton. Substitutes (not used): 23 Aaron Dawson, 24 Rhys Evans (gk), 31 Elliott Chamberlain, 35 Jamie Reid, 37 Jordan Moore-Taylor.

Booked: Cureton 90.

Argyle (4-5-1): 20 Rene Gilmartin; 17 Curtis Nelson, 5 Darren Purse (capt), 4 Maxime Blanchard, 14 Onismor Bhasera; 8 Luke Young, 6 Conor Hourihane (9 Nick Chadwick 66), 27 Andres Gurrieri (3 Robbie Williams half-time), 30 Mark Molesley, 19 Joe Lennox; 10 Rhys Griffiths (11 Warren Feeney 66). Substitutes (not used): 1 Jake Cole (gk), 2 Durrell Berry, 16 Jamie Lowry, 29 Tyler Harvey.

Sent off: Blanchard 88.

Booked: Blanchard 18, Williams 49.

Referee: Andy Woolmer.

Attendance: 6,447 (1,226 away).

Exeter City vs Plymouth ARGYLE -Match Preview

After Argyle avoided relegation last season to the Conference Premiere it was City’s turn to drop down.  The team up the road were relegated to Npower League Two, we will meet again!!!  

Plymouth Argyle will travel the unusual short distance up the A38 to St James Park for the first league meeting since 2010/11.  The last meeting between the two sides consisted with a 1-1 draw in the Johnstone Paint Trophy on August 30^th 2011, where Argyle were sourly knocked out by penalties with Exeter winning 3-0.

Argyle’s manager Carl Fletcher will see Exeter City from a whole new prospective today, where the former Wales International will take to the dugout for the very first time at St James Park.  This will be Fletcher’s first involvement in a local Devon Derby between the Grecians and the Pilgrims.  When Fletcher arrived at Home Park in February 2009 he had first-hand experience to the rivalry between the two sides when the Pilgrims were relegated to Npower league one.  He’s first intense Devon Derby was on December 11^th    2011 at Home Park where it was a very pleasing afternoon for Argyle, who won 2-0 with both goals coming from Bradley Wright-Phillips, son of former England Internal player Ian Wright.  

Alan Gow a previous Argyle player signed for the Grecians on the 22^nd March 2012.  Since his second arrival in Devon the Scottish born has scored 6 goals in 15 appearances.  In the Championship in 2009 Gow signed from Rangers for a fee of £200,000.  The move didn’t really work out for the player who spent half of that season on loan to Hibernian FC in the Scottish Premier League.  After one season with Argyle Gow was released by the Pilgrims, he then signed for Motherwell in Scotland.   The player Carl Fletcher’s men will have to keep an eye on is League Two’s second top scorer Jamie Crueton.  The 37year old is in his second spell with Exeter with the Bristol born making 19 appearances and scoring 15goals in this current season.

Plymouth Argyle players will experience the rivalry between the two sides for the very first time when they take to St James Park.  Only Robbie Williams, Conor Hourihane and Curtis Nelson are the players in the current side that have played in the Devon Derby; this was in the Johnstone Paint Trophy on August 30^th 2011.  For the rest of the Pilgrims squad it will be an exciting encounter for the players who will have their first involvement in an Exeter vs Argyle game. 

Robbie Williams will be looking to come straight back into the side after he has missed the last couple of months due to a stomach muscle injury.  Striker Nick Chadwick will also be pushing for a starting 11 place for scoring and securing a vital 3points for the Pilgrims in their 2-0 victory over York City at Home Park. Andres Gurrieri is another player certain to keep his place after he put in an outstanding display last Saturday; the Argentine was playing in the hole behind the strikers and in front of the midfielders.       

 

Available: Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth,  Durrell Berry, Curtis Nelson, Darren Purse, Jamie Richards, Maxime Blanchard, Robbie Williams, Onismor Bhasera, Jamie Lowry, Luke Young, Mark Molesley, Conor Hourihane, Joe Lennox, Paris Cowan-Hall, Andres Gurrieri, Jared Sims, Jordan Copp, Nick Chadwick, Matt LeCointe, Guy Madjo, Rhys Griffiths, Warren Feeney, Tyler Harvey

Unavailable: Paul Wotton (back injury) Jed Harper-Penman and Isaac Vassell (both players on loan to Bideford Town

Plymouth ARGYLE vs York City - Match Report

Plymouth Argyle 2

Jamal Fyfield o.g. 44
Nick Chadwick 90
 
York City 0




Plymouth Argyle ended there run of 10 straight games without success with a deservedly victory and clean sheet over York City at Home Park today.  The Pilgrims went in at half time leading 1-0 from an own goal from Jamal Byfield in the 44^th minute, the green army then had to wait until 90minutes to see another goal when Nick Chadwick headed in from close range after Luke Young’s powerful shot was saved by the goalkeeper.  The last clean sheet Argyle kept was the goalless draw at Plainmoor on September 8^th against Torquay United.   

Argyles manager Carl Fletcher had made three changes from the squad that lost to Oxford in the Johnstone Paint Trophy on Tuesday evening.  Alex MacDonald was back in the North of the country after his loan expired after the game on Tuesday; Durrell Berry was suspended for one game after he picked up two bookable offences which resulted in a red card, whilst former Welsh fireman Rhys Griffiths was preferred to Nick Chadwick who dropped to the substitute bench.  Darren Purse was back in the heart of the defence to captain the side after he served a three match ban for receiving a straight red card at Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood, this meant Stroke-on-Trent born Curtis Nelson moved to Right-back.   Luke Young was back in the side on the right wing after he has been missing due to a shoulder injury.  Whilst the visiting team made no changes to the squad that were victorious with a 3-2 win over Rochdale on December 1^st at Spotland.   

Both Plymouth Argyle and York City results hadn’t exactly gone there way with Argyle winless in 8 and City winning one game in the same amount of matches, so the teams were looking to kick-start there season here.  Captains Darren Purse and Chris Smith led the way out onto the pitch with York attacking towards their fans situated in the Barn Park End.  This only meant Argyle was attacking towards the noisy Devonport End.   The opposition team had the first touch of the first half when debutant referee Tim Robinson, who was making his first appearance at Home Park, blew the whistle to start the first half.  Argyle were very quick in closing York down, the Pilgrims were very confident and accurate in creating the passes.  Argyles first attempt on goal came from former Woking winger Paris Cowan-Hall.  Curtis Nelson delivered a wonderful in-swinging cross from a Luke Young pass, Cowan-Hall then headed his chance wide of the far post.  York City then had an excellent chance of going into the lead after Patrick McLaughlin had space and time to drive a 25yarder just wide of goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin’s post.  Minutes later Blanchard had nearly given Argyle the lead from Conor Hourihane’s free kick to the far post, unluckily the French born was unable to make any proper contact on it and the ball went out for a goal kick.  Young winger Paris Cowan-Hall had a brilliant chance in given Argyle the lead once more.  There was a mix up between York’s Captain and goalkeeper Michael Ingham.  Cowan-Hall skipped past the keeper just wide of the right hand post, he then brought it down superbly and shot into the side netting.  The sun was shining brightly into the Lyndhurst.  With the Pilgrims keeping possession very well between the defense, midfield and strikers.  Darren Purse back in the side after a three match ban had a great opportunity to get his first goal of this campaign, he saw the goalkeeper of his line and lobbed the ball towards the Devonport end, and he saw his effort rebound on the top of the net.  Then the goal eventually comes.  Argyle had their first corner of the afternoon from good shutting down from Argyles number 7.  Back in the squad Luke Young distributed a corner in the danger area.  The Pilgrims were lucky as the ball rebounded of Jamal Fyfield into the back of the net in the 44^th minute, Darren Purse was celebrating and so was the rest of the squad.  Tim Robinson the referee blew the half time whistle after 2minutes of extra time was played.    

Second half came round very quickly, with the Pilgrims shooting towards the Barn Park End; there were no changes at the break from both managers.  Plymouth Argyle started this half as they finished the last moving and controlling the football comfortably between the players.  It wasn’t long before York made two substitutions before the hour mark.  Players Jamie Reed and Jon Challinor were both brought on to prevent Argentine player Andres Gurrieri from making his steamy runs and creating many chances.   The players to make way were Michael Potts and Patrick McLaughlin.  From these substitution York City were making their way back into the game creating opportunities, central defenders Darren Purse and Maxime Blanchard stood tall and defended well to prevent goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin from making any saves.  Carl Fletcher was to make his first change of the afternoon bringing on Nick Chadwick for Rhys Griffiths.  This change upfront was greeted by most fans with the Devonport chanting ‘Chadders for England’. York were looking for an equalizer knowing Argyle haven’t kept a clean sheet for almost three month.  The visitors did nearly grab a goal with some misunderstanding in the penalty box, there was no harm done with the ball rolling comfortably to goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin.  Former Burton Albion midfielder Andres Gurrieri came close to getting the second goal of the afternoon with a rasping shot from outside the penalty area.  It was going at some pace to sting the goalkeeper’s gloves.  The ball went out for a corner to the greens.   In no time at all Chadwick got into the game more and more holding the ball up tremendously well for the other players to run onto.  The player who is in his second spell with Argyle scored the second goal to capture a fantastic afternoon for the Pilgrims, Luke Young made a marvelous run down the right wing to drive a long shot towards goal. Michael Ingham had parried the shot; Chadwick was in the right position at the right time to nod home from close range.   In the dyeing minutes of normal time Paris Cowan-Hall had to be substituted with him being caught in a tackle, Joe Lennox was his replacement going into 4 additional minutes.  In this time Argyle were keeping the ball away from York, they did it from winning corners and free-kicks.  The referee blows for full time Argyle have won 2-0 in a game that they have dominated from start to finish.  Fully Deserved

 

WE’RE PLYMOUTH ARGYLE WE ALWAYS BELIEVE. 

SEE YOU ALL AT ST JAMES PARK. WE’LL MEET AGAIN!!!!

Argyle (4-5-1): 20 Rene Gilmartin; 17 Curtis Nelson, 5 Darren Purse (capt), 4 Maxime Blanchard, 14 Onismor Bhasera; 8 Luke Young, 6 Conor Hourihane, 27 Andres Gurrieri (16 Jamie Lowry 82), 30 Mark Molesley, 7 Paris Cowan-Hall (19 Joe Lennox 90); 10 Rhys Griffiths (9 Nick Chadwick 73). Substitutes (not used): 1 Jake Cole, 11 Warren Feeney, 23 Jamie Richards, 29 Tyler Harvey.

Booked: Gurrieri 82

York City (4-3-3): 24 Michael Ingham; 6 Daniel Parslow, 4 Chris Smith, 23 Chris Doig (3 Danny Blanchett 69), 16 Jamal Fyfield; 19 Michael Potts (7 Jamie Reed 56), 8 Scott Kerr, 26 Patrick McLaughlin (20 Jon Challinor 56); 17 Matty Blair, 9 Jason Walker, 10 Ashley Chambers. Substitutes (not used): 1 Paul Musselwhite, 5 David McGurk, 27 Tom Allan, 33 Alex Rodman.

Booked: Kerr 90, Smith 90, Parslow 90.

Referee: Tim Robinson.

Attendance: 5,881 (188 away)