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)