Plymouth ARGYLE vs Exeter City-Match Report

Plymouth Argyle 1

Jason Banton 45

 

Exeter City 0

 

 

Plymouth Argyle move further away from the relegation zone after Crystal Palace loanee scored the winning goal against Exeter City in the Devon Expressway Derby at Home Park.   

In John Sheridan’s first ever Devon Derby, he had made two changes to the side that were victorious at Southend United 11 days previous.  After a recurrence of his groin injury in that fixture Anthony Charles was replaced by Paul Wotton in central defence alongside Guy Branston.  The other change to the squad came in midfield where Paris Cowan-Hall was replaced by Argentine winger Andres Gurrieri. There was also a change on the substitute bench with Sheridan welcoming back Curtis Nelson after two months out with a groin injury. For the visiting team Paul Tisdale made two changes to the side after the 4-1 home win against Capital One Cup Finalists Bradford City, Tommy Doherty came into midfield dropping former Argyle Apprentice Jake Gosling to the substitute bench.  The other change from Exeter City came with Jamie Cureton coming in the side with John O’Flynn also dropping to the bench. Former Pilgrim Mark Molesley was also in the side to face his former team-mates after he signed a contract until the end of the season, after being released by his former employers AFC Bournemouth in January.       

Both teams emerged from the tunnel following referee Darren Drysdale to walk out onto the Home Park pitch surrounded by green and white placards, from blocks 1 to 15 created by fans group Forza Verde.  Argyle was to kick off with Conor Hourihane and Lee Cox in a 1pm kick-off at Home Park. The visitors Exeter City started the brighter side having long stages with the football.  Not long after this Exeter had their first sight on goal with 20 goals this season Jamie Cureton firing high and wide of Jake Coles goal in front of a very packed out Devonport.  Soon after that attack Plymouth Argyle saw their first shot on target saved comfortably by goalkeeper Artur Krysiak, Jason Banton had intercepted a loose ball by Exeter and fired it straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.  Argyle were soon getting into the game competing against City with both team eager to add to their points to guide themselves further away from relegation and closer to the Npower League Two automatic promotion places.  The main threats for the Pilgrims were Bristol City loanee, Joe Bryan, Crystal Palace loanee Jason Banton and Andres Gurrieri all attacking players who have all played a huge part in recent games under Sheridan. Andres Gurrieri had nearly given the Pilgrims the lead on the 20minute mark after he powerfully drove a shot millimetres wide of the near post from outside the penalty area on the right.  Ten minutes later the Pilgrims were creating more and more opportunities to open the scoring.  After being awarded one corner Argyle were awarded three more in quick succession with wingers Bryan and Gurrieri causing chaos in the penalty area.  From this little spell the scores were still level. Following his goal at Roots Hall Reuben Reid was full of spirit holding the ball up under huge amounts of pressure from the defenders.  Jason Banton had many chances to create an opening to score by cutting in from right wing position, but the City players knew what he was capable off and defended solidly as a unit.  With three minutes additional time added onto the 45, Jason Banton had given Argyle the lead; he controlled a pass from Captain Conor Hourihane and skipped around the defender with his trickery.  From around 25 yards out he unleashed a magnificent shot to the far right hand post past Artur Kryisak and into the back of the net sending the Home Park faithful totally wide.  Soon after that goal the referee blew for half time.         

Half Time Argyle 1-0 Exeter

Both managers had made changes at the start of the second half.   Midfielder Lee Cox had to be replaced by Plymouth born Luke Young after he landed on his shoulder awkwardly in the first half.  As for Exeter City, Jake Gosling, who knocked Argyle out of the FA Cup by his goal for Dorchester, was recalled to the squad to replace Tommy Doherty in midfield for the start of the second half.  Not long after the re-start Argyle’s current top scorer Jason Banton had nearly added to his goal tally.  From a defensive mistake by Danny Coles inside the penalty area Banton quickly made sure the ball was his and shot straight at the goalkeeper. From conceding a very late goal in added time of the first half, Exeter City were enthusiastic for an equaliser and so they decided on the long ball.  The central defenders Paul Wotton and Guy Branston defended solidly to deny City’s top scorer Jamie Cureton from scoring.  Exeter’s second substitution of the afternoon came with John O’Flynn replacing Lawson D’Ath to booster there attacking threat.  Minutes after a cross was whipped with pase across the penalty area the ball finally fell to Cureton, free inside the box, side footed it wide of the post flat footing goalkeeper Jake Cole. From being awarded a few kick outside the penalty area Gurrieri curled a shot wide of the near post.  Half way through the second half John Sheridan made his final two substitutions bringing on Paris Cowan-Hall and Ronan Murray replacing goal scorer Jason Banton and Andres Gurrieri.  The last 15 minutes was very nervy for the fans as Exeter pushed for a very last equaliser.  In this Argyle were forced deeper and deeper inside their own half to defend Exeter’s long ball tactics.  Whenever Argyle had cleared there lines the ball would come straight back at them and so they had to defend extremely well.  It seemed as if the forth official was taken ages to hold up the board to indicate how many minutes were added on, three minutes it was.  In this time Exeter was forcing everyone forward to attack, but once the Pilgrims got hold of the ball they slowed the game down.  The Greens was awarded a throwing in the ding minutes of additional time, Ronan Murray didn’t have time to take it as the referee blew for full time.  Home Park went wild after winning their third consecutive game.

Full Time Argyle 1-0 Exeter City                                                                                                                                        

Plymouth Argyle has taken 4 points out of a possible 6 from their nearest rivals Exeter City.

 

 

Argyle (4-5-1): 1 Jake Cole; 4 Maxime Blanchard, 15 Paul Wotton, 5 Guy Branston, 14 Onismor Bhasera; 27 Andres Gurrieri (7 Paris Cowan-Hall 76), 6 Conor Hourihane (capt), 19 Jason Banton (28 Ronan Murray 72), 10 Lee Cox (8 Luke Young h-t), 18 Joe Bryan; 24 Reuben Reid. Substitutes (not used): 9 Nick Chadwick, 17 Curtis Nelson, 20 Rene Gilmartin, 29 Tyler Harvey.

Exeter City (4-5-1): 1 Artur Krysiak; 16 Kevin Amankwaah, 6 Danny Coles, 5 Pat Baldwin, 3 Craig Woodman; 14 Tommy Doherty (32 Jake Gosling h-t), 28 Mark Molesley (22 Jimmy Keohane 71), 4 Scot Bennett, 25 Lawson D'Ath (19 John O'Flynn 59), 11 Arron Davies; 12 Jamie Cureton. Substitutes (not used): 2 Steve Tully, 21 Guillem Bauza, 24 Rhys Evans (gk), 37 Jordan Moore-Taylor.

Booked: Bennett 90, Coles 90.

Attendance: 13,251 (1,635 away)

Referee: Darren Drysdale.



Plymouth ARGYLE vs Exeter City-Match Preview

Following the postponement of last Saturday’s fixture, away at Chesterfield, Plymouth Argyle return to Home Park to face Devon Rivals Exeter City in a 1pm kick-off.   

For the 96^th meeting between the two clubs John Sheridan will exploit in his first ever involvement in a Devon Derby, after being appointed the successor of former Argyle manager and player Carl Fletcher on 6^th January 2013 after his sacking of January 1^st. John Sheridan is not the only one that will experiment the Devon Derby in full flow, Jason Banton, Joe Bryan, Lee Cox, Ronan Murray and Rueben Reid are all players who have been brought into the club on loan from Championship and League One clubs by Sheridan, and will playing a huge part in the fixture that will promise to attract a huge crowd to Home Park.

The Devon clubs have met once already this present season at St James Park, home of Exeter City in the 1-1 draw on Saturday 15^th December 2012.  Bristol-born Joe Lennox equalised for the Pilgrims with a spectacular shot into the top left hand corner on 72 minutes after Liam Sercombe had given the home side the lead in the first half. Since this fixture there have been changes to the Pilgrims squad and management staff.  Darren Purse, Mark Molesley, Joe Lennox, Rhys Griffiths and Robbie Williams have all departed the club to start a new chapter in there footballing careers.  However one ex- Pilgrim will return to the club, Mark Molesley signed for the Pilgrims on loan from AFC Bournemouth earlier this season and participated in the Devon Derby at St James Park in December.  Following 4-years in Dorset with AFC Bournemouth Molesley was released by the club in January after spending time out on loan to Aldershot and Plymouth Argyle.  On January 18^th 2013 Exeter City signed the attacking midfielder on a contract until the end of the 2012-13 season.  There has also been a change of manager since the last meeting.  John Sheridan is now in charge of the Pilgrims after Carl Fletcher was relieved of the job earlier this year after a run of poor results.   

John Sheridan will still be without defender Anthony Charles on Saturday after he was substituted against Argyle’s 2-0 victory over Southend after he suffered a recurrence of his groin injury.  The manager will also be without Jamie Richards after the defender signed on-loan to Weymouth until the end of the season on Thursday.  Defender Curtis Nelson will be aiming to make it back into the match-day squad after recovering from a groin injury, which has kept him out of the squad for two months. Midfielder Jamie Lowry will be out until next season after suffering an ankle injury that has kept him out for the past few games.  Striker Reuben Reid will be available for selection for John Sheridan after he had his loan deal extended until the end of the season. For Exeter City, Paul Tisdale will be without Liam Sercombe and formally of Argyle Alan Gow for Saturday’s game at Home Park after they both have ankle injuries. Both Matt Oakley and Tommy Doherty will also be missing through shoulder and back injuries.  Anton Rodgers son of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be looking to make his first start in an Exeter Jersey after he signed on loan from Brighton.                 

Available: - Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Maxime Blanchard, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Curtis Nelson, Onismor Bhasera, Jason Banton, Luke Young, Conor Hourihane, Lee Cox, Ronan Murray, Joe Bryan, Paris Cowan-Hall, Andres Gurrieri, Jared Sims, Isaac Vassell, Nick Chadwick, Tyler Harvey, Matt LeCointe, Reuben Reid.      

Unavailable: - Jamie Richards (on loan to Weymouth), Anthony Charles (groin injury), Warren Feeney (short of match fitness), Jamie Lowry (out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury)

Chesterfield vs Plymouth ARGYLE-Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan will return to familiar surroundings when the Pilgrims visit Chesterfield on Saturday for their second of two consecutive away games.

Sheridan will revisit Chesterfield where he enjoyed three successful seasons as manager from the years of 2009 to 2012 after being appointed on June 9^th 2009 on a three year contract.  During his spell at the club he won two trophies, with the first one coming in his second season in charge as The Spireites won promotion to Npower League One. The celebrations started after a 3-1 victory over play-off chasing Gillingham in the last fixture of the season.  The following season guaranteed even more festivities when the club reached the Johnstone Paint Trophy Final held at Wembley against Swindon.  After being victorious at Wembley the club were relegated back to Npower League Two after finishing in 22^nd place.  The following season ended with Sheridan leaving the club on 28^th August 2012 after a result of two points from three games at the start of the season.

Following Tuesday’s Npower League Two results the Pilgrims will go into the fixture full of confidence after a 2-0 victory over Southend United at Roots Hall with goals from Paul Wotton and Reuben Reid.  However for Chesterfield they will be aiming to re-group after a 2-1 defeat at Plainmoor against Torquay, who were winning their first fixture under interim manager Alan Knill.  As the League Two table stands Chesterfield sit in 12^th position on 53 points while the Pilgrims are placed in 20^th place on 43 points.  Plymouth Argyle is one of four teams placed on 43 points with only goal difference separating the teams.

John Sheridan will be without Anthony Charles when Argyle take on Chesterfield on Saturday.  After recovering from a groin injury he returned to the squad to play Southend United on Tuesday. From suffering a recurrence of his groin injury on Tuesday he will miss Saturday’s encounter. Scorer from Tuesday’s game replaced Charles and is set to start the fixture alongside Guy Branston in central defence.  Captain Conor Hourihane will have to be extremely carefully not to earn himself one more yellow card if he wants to participate in next Saturday’s Devon Derby at Home Park.  The Irish midfield is one yellow card away from 10 bookings and an automatic two match suspension. As for Chesterfield they will be without defender Nathan Smith who will miss the rest of the current season with a foot injury.   He suffered the injury in the first half of their away win at Oxford United last Saturday. Scans had revealed that Smith had broken a bone in the top of his foot.                               

Available: - Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Onismor Bhasera, Jason Banton, Lee Cox, Luke Young, Conor Hourihane, Andres Gurrieri, Ronan Murray, Isaac Vassell, Joe Bryan, Jared Sims, Paris Cowan-Hall, Matt LeCointe, Tyler Harvey, Nick Chadwick, Reuben Reid.  

Doubtful: - Curtis Nelson (groin injury), Warren Feeney (ankle ligament injury).

Unavailable: - Anthony Charles (groin injury), Jamie Lowry (ankle injury)

Southend United vs Plymouth ARGYLE-Match Preview

Following Saturday’s victory over Fleetwood Town at Home Park, Plymouth Argyle visit Roots Hall on Tuesday evening for the first of two consecutive games away from home.

Goals from Paul Wotton and Crystal Palace loanee Jason Banton ensured Argyle all three points on Saturday against play-off chasing Fleetwood Town, as the Pilgrims rose out of the relegation zone on goal difference.  The players now travel to Johnstone Paint Trophy finalists Southend United on Tuesday evening, a rearranged game from Saturday 19^th January where this fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. 

Earlier in the season Argyle welcomed Paul Sturrock’s Southend United to Home Park, a fixture which finished in a draw after then on loan from Burnley Alex MacDonald, had given the Pilgrims a 50minute lead.  Paul Sturrock returned to a familiar hotspot in the South West after he had enjoyed two spells as Plymouth Argyle manager in the years of 2000-2004 and 2007-2009.  In this fixture the Aberdeenshire born former player and current manager faced one player who he signed himself whilst he was the Argyle manager in 2009.  This player was fans-favourite Carl Fletcher, after he was appointed player-manager in September 2011; the day after Peter Reid was sacked by then acting-chairman Peter Ridsdale after defeat at Roots Hall against Argyle opponents this evening.

Whilst visiting Roots Hall, Plymouth Argyle will face some very memorable faces that have all played for the Devon club.  Although he is ruled out of this fixture due to an Achilles injury former Argyle defender and current United captain Chris Barker represented the Greens from 2008-2010 making 54 appearances for the club. Barker moved to Southend on August 5^th 2010 to join up with Sturrock who had brought him down to Plymouth in 2008 signing on a 3-year contract from Queens Park Rangers.   Another former player who is on the books at Southend is Plympton-born midfielder Ryan Leonard.  During his time at Argyle he made one appearance for his home-town club, during this time he also spent time on-loan at Western-Super-Mare and Tiverton Town.  After being released at the end of the 2010-11 season by Argyle he went on trial at Southend.  During his time on trial he had impressed Paul Sturrock enough to offer him a one-year contact with an option for a further year.  So far Leonard has made 35 appearances scoring two goals. One noticeable face that has also played a huge part in Argyle's most successful seasons is current Southend player-coach Graham Coughlan. The 38 year old enjoyed 4 triumphant seasons as a Pilgrim making 177 appearances scoring 25 goals.  During his time in Devon he was the Division Three top goal scorer, he then followed that by being named Division Two player of the year in the clubs most successful years.  In the 2001-2002 season he had seen his named featured in PFA Division Three team of the year.  These players have all played under Paul Sturrock twice formerly at Plymouth Argyle and now currently at Southend United.

John Sheridan will look to name a un-change side when his squad of players walk out onto the Roots Hall pitch this evening. Anthony Charles is doubtful for the fixture through a slight groin injury that he picked up during the 2-1 defeat to Gillingham.  Implicating on this it will look set that Guy Branston and Paul Wotton will continue to partner each other at the heart of the Pilgrims defence if Charles is still struggling with injury.  Southend however have players facing late fitness tests ahead of the game, Defender Ryan Creswell missed the match against Torquay at the weekend due to a calf injury and will under-go a late fitness examination. Luke Prosser will serve the second of a two match suspension after he collected his 10^th yellow card.  Both Chris Barker and Mark Phillips will miss the Npower League Two encounter through an Achilles injury and a broken toe.  Striker Barry Corr is looking to make a return after missing the Torquay contest at Roots Hall through illness.            

Available: - Jake Cole, Rene Gilmartin, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Onismor Bhasera, Jason Banton, Lee Cox, Conor Hourihane, Luke Young Andres Gurrieri, Paris Cowan-Hall, Joe Bryan, Ronan Murray, Jared Sims, Isaac Vassell, Reuben Reid, Nick Chadwick, Tyler Harvey, Matt LeCointe.   

Doubtful: - Anthony Charles (slight groin inury)

Unavailable: - Curtis Nelson (groin injury), Warren Feeney (ankle ligament injury), Jamie Lowry (ankle injury)

 

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Fleetwood Town-Match Report

Plymouth Argyle move out of the relegation zone on goal difference after a 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town in a ‘must-win’ fixture in Npower League Two.  

Manager John Sheridan had named an unchanged side that was included in the goalless draw against Bradford on Tuesday evening.  Veteran Plymouthian Paul Wotton was to partner Guy Branston in central defense for the second consecutive game after Anthony Charles failed to make the squad of 18 through injury.  However there was a change on the substitute bench, Sheridan welcomed back Irish born goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin after he recovered from an hamstring injury which he sustained in the Accrington Stanley fixture which was played at Home Park on Saturday January 26^th 2013.  The visitors to Plymouth Fleetwood Town had made two changes to their side which was victorious at Accrington Stanley winning 3-0 on Tuesday evening.  Both of the changes from Fleetwood’s manager Graham Alexander came in midfield.  The first of the changes to the side was in central midfield with Ryan Crowther coming into the starting 11 with Anthony Barry dropping to the substitute bench.  The second of the changes came in the left midfield position with Paul McKenna replacing Gareth Evens. 

On the afternoon of Armed Forces Day at Home Park both team emerged from the tunnel following the referees for the afternoon, who have all served in the Armed Forces. After the match-day ball was delivered by a current service member, Fleetwood, who were making their first ever visit to Home Park, were ready to kick off and attack the Devonport End.  The fixture started very slowly with neither team getting into the rhythm of the ‘must-win’ fixture for Argyle.  It was the visitors who were finding their feet in the game at Home Park with the first shot on target.  Jon Parkin known as ‘The Beast’ shot from long range from outside the penalty area, to force goalkeeper Jake Cole into a low save down to his right, in front of the home supporters. This came after Argyle’s Andres Gurrieri had fired a shot from long distance, it did not trouble the goalkeeper as the shot had taken a deflection and gone out for the Pilgrims first corner of the afternoon.  On the 25minute just over the half way mark in the first half Paul Wotton had given the Green Army something to cheer about after slotting away a penalty straight down the middle of the goal-mouth in front of the Barn Park Stand.  The penalty was awarded to Plymouth after a corner had been delivered on the right side.  The referee for the afternoon Trevor Kettle had pointed to the spot after ‘The Beast’ Jon Parkin had fouled Captain Conor Hourihane, who ended up on the floor from the resulting corner.  After much discussion Paul Wotton was given the go ahead from manager John Sheridan to take the penalty, and so he did, powerfully slotting the ball straight down the middle with the opposing goalkeeper Scott Davies not having a chance to save as he dived down to his right.  Argyle 1-0 Fleetwood Town.  After Wotton had given his beloved hometown team the lead against the Lancashire side, Argyle were very slopping in possession of the football surrendering possession to Fleetwood under no pressure under the opposition players.  On loan Crystal Palace winger was Argyle only threat in that time but soon after he had doubled the lead for Argyle 6minutes before half time.  After nicking the ball of off Fleetwood’s midfielder Paul McKenna down the right wing, he used all of his experience from his previous clubs to cut inside and set free a magnificent shot that hit the back of the net side the top left hand corner from outside the penalty area.  Argyle 2-0 Fleetwood.  Minutes before the half time whistle was blown goalkeeper Jake Cole had made a fantastic save to deny Junior Brown from a consolation goal from           close range after Ryan Crowther had crossed the ball in. Jake Cole saved extremely well after the players were caught out of position as Cole saved down to his left to put it out for a corner so that the players could re-group. After 1 minute of additional time had been played the referee signaled for half time.  

Half Time Argyle 2-0 Fleetwood.  

During the half time break the Armed Forces band HMS Drake were out to entertain and so were the team that faced Santos at Home Park in a friendly 40years ago winning 3-2. After the lap of honor it was time to welcome back both team, Argyle and Fleetwood onto the Home Park pitch.  The teams were un-changed for the start of the second half with Argyle re-starting the fixture with Captain Conor Hourihane and his midfield partner Lee Cox.  Fleetwood Town had emerged after half time as a much better team attacking at every opportunity they could.  Fleetwood were shooting from every ankle as well to score a consolation goal.  This goal nearly came from a long range effort from Ryan Crowther, Jake Cole saved comfortably in goal.  The Argyle defense was forced to defending on numerous occasions forcing Guy Branston and Paul Wotton to intercept many crosses that were crossed into the penalty area.  Half way through the second half Fleetwood had a glorious opportunity to score.  From a Alan Goodall’s cross on the right Jamie McGuire headed wide a header as he was unmarked by the Argyle players. When Plymouth were to attack Banton was the only real threat down on the wing with Reuben Reid on loan from League One Yeovil Town, central in the attack to hold the ball up.  With every ball that was to come from the defense straight through to the attacks Reid was caught off-side on some occasions as he was on the shoulder of the last man in Fleetwood’s defense.  John Sheridan made his first two substitutions of the afternoon by bringing on both Paris Cowan-Hall and Nick Chadwick in place of Andres Gurrieri and Reuben Reid with 20minutes remaining in the encounter.  With minutes of these substitutions Fleetwood had capitalized on a misplaced header by Guy Branston.  David Ball had got round the back of defender Maxime Blanchard to shot from a very acute angle from a cross to the near post.  In intense pressure by the visitors Argyle stood tall and defended extremely.  With under 5minutes remaining referee Trevor Kettle produced a red card for Paul McKenna the Fleetwood midfielder after he had fouled Paris Cowan-Hall on the right wing.  From picking up an earlier yellow card in the game the referee had no chose to issue another yellow card to the player who walked of and went for an early bath.  From the red card that he had picked up, he will now miss there next fixture which is against Barnet at Underhill on Tuesday evening.  With four additional minutes added onto the 90 Fleetwood were putting Argyle under huge amounts of pressure to earn a draw.  In this added time Jon Parkin was fortunate not to see red after he had pushed Banton to the floor with Banton just being fouled; Parkin moments earlier had just been shown a yellow card. Argyle was able to see the game out with composure and belief to lift themselves out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Full Time Argyle 2-1 Fleetwood Town.       

 

Argyle (4-5-1): 1 Jake Cole; 4 Maxime Blanchard, 15 Paul Wotton, 5 Guy Branston, 14 Onsimor Bhasera; 27 Andres Gurrieri (7 Paris Cowan-Hall 72), 10 Lee Cox, 19 Jason Banton, 6 Conor Hourihane (capt), 18 Joe Bryan; 24 Reuben Reid (9 Nick Chadwick 72). Substitutes (not used): 2 Durrell Berry, 8 Luke Young, 20 Rene Gilmartin, 28 Ronan Murray, 29 Tyler Harvey.

Booked: Wotton 46

Fleetwood Town (4-4-2): 1 Scott Davies; 2 Shaun Beeley, 6 Nathan Pond, 25 Robert Atkinson, 13 Alan Goodall (5 Jean-Michel Fontaine 89); 12 Junior Brown, 18 Jamie McGuire (11 Barry Nicholson 70), 24 Ryan Crowther (32 Gareth Evans 68), 37 Paul McKenna; 26 David Ball, 9 Jon Parkin. Substitutes (not used): 4 Anthony Barry, 10 Jamille Matt, 15 Conor McLaughlin, 33 David Lucas (gk).

Booked: McKenna 45, Parkin 88

Sent-off: McKenna 85

Referee: Trevor Kettle

Attendance: 6,776 (62 away)

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Fleetwood Town-Match Preview

In John Sheridan’s managerial career no match is more important than Plymouth Argyle vs Fleetwood Town he states as the Pilgrims fight against relegation.

Plymouth Argyle return to Home Park for their second of two consecutive home match to be played, after Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Bradford, the Capital One Cup finalists. From Tuesday evening’s result promotion chasing Fleetwood Town are the visitors on Saturday, with the Pilgrims having to fight for all three points in a must win game. 

As the Npower League Two table stands there are 18points separating both Plymouth Argyle and Fleetwood Town.  The visitors Fleetwood Town are positioned in 8^th place with 55points; they are 5points away from the automatic places in the table.  Whilst for Argyle they are positioned just below the relegation line in 23^rd place with 37 points.  With three points on Saturday for John Sheridan’s Plymouth Argyle will mean that they will rise to 20^th place above both Aldershot and Devon rivals Torquay United.      

The last and only time Plymouth Argyle and Fleetwood Town met was on Saturday 17^th November 2012.  In this fixture in Lancashire former player and manager Carl Fletcher was the Plymouth Argyle boss in the 3-0 defeat.  Also in this encounter at the Highbury Stadium former Pilgrims captain Darren Purse was given a straight red card, which resulted in an automatic three match suspension.       

One familiar face returning to Home Park will be midfielder Damien Johnson.  The 32-year old first arrived at Home Park on 1^st February 2010 signing a two year contract with the Devon club after leaving Birmingham.  During this time Argyle were still playing in the Championship with manager Paul Mariner in charge.  Unfortunately that season Argyle was relegated to Npower League One after finishing in 23^rd position.  On the 5^th August 2010 Johnson joined Huddersfield Town on a season long loan with a view to a permanent deal come to the end of the season.  In December 2010 his season ended after the midfielder suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury.  However the following season after the Pilgrims were placed into administration in March 2011 Johnson joined the terriers once more on a season long loan deal.  After being released from his contract at Plymouth Argyle Damien John signed for Blue Square Conference Premier promotion winners Fleetwood Town on the 7^th July 2012.   Another player which Argyle players will be wary off is striker Jon Parkin.  The striker best known as ‘The Beast’ has played for many clubs including York City, Stoke City and Championship clubs Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Hull City.  In his first season at Fleetwood he has scored 7 goals in 14 appearences.         

John Sheridan will be aiming to name an un-changed squad that faced Bradford City at Home Park on Tuesday evening in the goalless draw.  Joe Bryan who recently signed on loan until the end of the season from championship side Bristol City will be looking to make his second appearance in a green shirt after arriving into Plymouth on Tuesday morning.  Defender Anthony Charles is rated 50-50 to be included in the 18-man squad after he had to be substituted last Saturday after he sustained a groin injury in the 2-1 defeat to Gillingham.  Whilst for Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander only has two injury concerns over Steven Gillespie and defender David Howell.  Gillespie is still recovering from a hamstring injury whilst Howell is recovering from a leg injury that he sustained in last weekend’s fixture against Exeter City.     

Available: - Jake Cole, Ollie Chenoweth, Durrell Berry, Jamie Richards, Guy Branston, Maxime Blanchard, Onismor Bhasera, Jason Banton, Paul Wotton, Conor Hourihane, Lee Cox, Luke Young, Andres Gurrieri, Joe Bryan, Paris Cowan-Hall, Ronan Murray, Jared Sims, Isaac Vassell, Nick Chadwick, Reuben Reid, Matt LeCointe, Tyler Harvey.    

Doubtful: - Rene Gilmartin (hamstring injury), Anthony Charles (groin injury), Jamie Lowry (ankle injury), Warren Feeney (ankle injury)

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Bradford City-Match Report

Plymouth Argyle secured a vital point at home to Capital One Cup finalists Bradford City on Tuesday evening to move them of the bottom of the Npower League Two table.

John Sheridan had made two changes to the side that were defeated 2-1 by Gillingham the pervious Saturday.  Defender Anthony Charles was rested for the game after he had picked by a slight groin injury in the fixture on Saturday. Replacing Charles in central defence was Paul Wotton, making his 468 appearance for his hometown club Plymouth Argyle; most of these appearances have been played in central defence before switching to a more defensive midfield player. Another change from John Sheridan was to be in midfield, after arriving on loan from Bristol City in time for the fixture, left sided midfielder Joe Bryan was to make his full Argyle debut in place of Ipswich loanee.   There was also a change on the substitute bench after Tyler Harvey was given a chance to feature in a first team game after he has been scoring goals in the youth team.  The visitors to Home Park, Bradford City, had made six changes to the side that drew 1-1 at home to Aldershot on Saturday. Matt Duke came back into the side after he served his match ban after being given a straight red card in the Capital One Cup Final held at Wembley.  Defender Andrew Davies was put into the starting 11 in favour of Michael Nelson.  In midfield Kyel Reid took the place of former Pilgrim Will Atkinson, who was dropped to the bench.  The other changes in the side were that Strikers Andy Gray and Nathan Doyle both came into the side in favour of James Hanson and experienced midfielder Gary Jones. The final change was Garry Thompson coming into the side.

On a Tuesday evening where temperatures were below zero both teams emerged from the tunnel lead by their captains Conor Hourihane and Ricky Ravenhill.  The first half was underway with Conor Hourihane and Crystal Palace loanee getting play underway in the 7:45pm kick-off shooting towards the barn park end in the first half where Plymouth Argyle had the first attack of the evening.  After collecting the ball out wide by the corner flag Reuben Reid skipped passed his man with ease to fire it into the penalty area where Argentine winger Andres Gurrieri was situated.  After running towards the ball to fire it into the back the net the ball found itself behind Andres Gurrieri and he ended up shooting high and wide of the goal.  Within a couple of minutes of Argyle having their first attack Bradford had nearly gone in front from a goal from Garry Thompson.  After the defenders tried to play off-side for Thompson just outside the penalty area Thompson spirited passed with only Jake Cole to beat in the Devonport goal. Thompson was getting ever closer towards goal with Jake Cole standing tall and spread out wide; he saved with his feet to deny the visitors a first half lead.  After scoring at the weekend against Gillingham, Jason Banton had a chance to add a goal to his name from outside the penalty area, Banton had plenty of room to shot from outside the penalty box, and a good save from Matt Duke denied the speedy winger from adding to his goal tally. The danger did not end there with defender Andrew Davies having to clear the ball after Duke could not hold onto the shot.  From the clearance Onismor Bhasera calmly passed it back to Conor Hourihane from the defenders clearance.  The next attack came with Banton sliding the ball through to Gurrieri after some trickery inside the box, Gurrieri’s powerful exceeding shot was going into the back of the net but the goal was prevented by a goal line clearance from Captain Ricky Ravenhill to turn it over the bar. Just towards the half hour mark Bradford, who had got more and more into the game, had a chance to take the lead from a Kyel Reid free-kick from 25yards. A dipping free kick was caught well by goalkeeper Jake Cole.  With one additional minute added on to the 45, Bradford was awarded a free-kick after Guy Branston had fouled his former teammate.                                                                                                        Half-Time Argyle 0-0 Bradford City

Player’s officials and management staff appeared for the second half with the Pilgrims shooting towards the green army situated in the Devonport. Passy winger Jason Banton had nearly scored once again from a piece of brilliance from himself.  After shutting the Bradford defenders down extremely well Jason had won the ball and passed it to Lee Cox who was alongside him.  The loanee then slide it to Banton once again who fought his way through the defence to create an opening and shot towards goal.  A touch from Duke helped the ball onto the post, the rebound of the ball feel to Rory McArdle who cleared away from danger. Bradford first corner of the first half was met by Carl McHugh whose header just went wide of the post. Bradford was to make their first substitution of the evening by bringing on striker James Hanson, who not so long ago was working in Co-operative and playing non league football for Eccleshill United, in place of Andy Gray.  Immediately John Sheridan was to bring on Plymouth Argyle’s number 9 Nick Chadwick for Rueben Rid.  Great play down the left wing from debutant Joe Bryan, Jason Banton and Onsimor Bhasera created a great opportunity for Andres Gurrieri to score.  Triangular play from the three invited Banton once again to find freedom down the left.  A high in-swinging cross was presented to Gurrieri who was very unlucky not to connect with the ball at the near post.  Bradford were to bring on two substitutions, returning to Home Parkfor the first time since leaving Will Atkinson took the place of Zavon Hines. After hitting the cross bar from 20yards Garry Thompson was the player to also make way as the away team sensed all three points to take back to Yorkshire on a Tuesday evening.  On the 86^th minute John Sheridan brought on two more players to freshen the squad up.  Paris Cowan-Hall and Tyler Harvey were the men to take the places of debutant Joe Bryan and Andres Gurrieri. With six minutes additional time added on the 90 Argyle had nearly got the winner in the last few seconds of the six added on.  After Lee Cox had nicked the ball on the half way line he then booted it up field to where Tyler Harvey and Nick Chadwick were situated.  From where the ball had landed the defender was put under huge pressure from Tyler Harvey that he had actually kicked it back to Matt Duke in goal, from the ball slipping from his hands both Harvey and Chadwick were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.                                                                                                                                                                                       Full Time Argyle 0-0 Bradford.                 

Argyle (4-5-1): 1 Jake Cole; 4 Maxime Blanchard, 15 Paul Wotton, 5 Guy Branston, 14 Onismor Bhasera; 27 Andres Gurrieri (7 Paris Cowan-Hall 86), 10 Lee Cox, 19 Jason Banton, 6 Conor Hourihane (c), 18 Joe Bryan (29 Tyler Harvey 86); 24 Reuben Reid (9 Nick Chadwick 69). Substitutes (not used): 8 Luke Young, 13 Ollie Chenoweth (gk), 23 Jamie Richards, 28 Ronan Murray.

Booked: Branston 45, Blanchard 68.

Bradford City (4-4-2): 12 Matt Duke (gk); 2 Stephen Darby, 23 Rory McArdle, 5 Andrew Davies, 16 Carl McHugh; 20 Zavon Hines (14 Will Atkinson 78), 4 Ricky Ravenhill (c), 24 Nathan Doyle, 7 Kyel Reid; 10 Andy Gray (9 James Hanson 66), 11 Garry Thompson (17 Alan Connell 80). Substitutes (not used): 1 Jon McLaughlin, 18 Gary Jones, 21 Nahki Wells, 22 Michael Nelson.

Booked: Ravenhill 65.

Referee: Andy Davies.

Attendance: 5,609 (174 away).

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Bradford City-Match Preview

Following the defeat to league leaders Gillingham on Saturday, Plymouth Argyle return to Home Park to face Capital One Cup finalists Bradford City.

Seventeen whirl wind days after walking out onto the Wembley pitch to perform against Premier League opposition Swansea City, Phil Parkinson’s Bradford City now make the long trip south to Devon to Home Park home of Plymouth Argyle in Npower League Two fixture which is to be played on a Tuesday evening in freezing temperatures.   

With fourteen points separating Bradford positioned in 11^th place and Argyle in 24^th place bottom of the football league, both teams will be aiming to achieve maximum points to guide themselves closer to the play-offs and to football league safety. 

The last time Bradford travelled down to Plymouth was on Saturday March 31^st 2012. The Bradford squad that day included current Argyle defender Guy Branston.  The result of the fixture was a 1-0 victory for Argyle after Juvhel Tsoumou, on loan from then his parent club Preston North End, had given the Pilgrims an early lead on 4minutes after Paul Wotton had delivered from a free-kick.  This season however produced a victory for Bradford when Argyle visited the Coral Windows Stadium on Tuesday 20^th November 2012.  An early strike on the 20^th minute mark from there Captain Gary Jones earned them the three points.  

Another player who will compete against his former club will be Will Atkinson.  The midfielder joined Argyle on loan from then his parent club side Hull City in August 2011. Having made his debut and scored the opening goal at the beginning of August 2012, he was re-called by Hull in January 2012 having made 25 appearances whilst scoring 4 goals for Argyle in all competitions. Having gone back to Hull, Atkinson signed with Bradford City until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal for the following season.  So far Will Atkinson has made 44 appearances for the Bantams whilst scoring 2 goals in all competitions.       

The visitors on Tuesday evening have surprised everyone this season by reaching the Capital One Cup Final which was held at Wembley.  To reach that milestone of the competition they faced though opposition along the way, beating Notts County, Watford, Burton Albion, and Premiership Sides Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Aston Villa.  The finalists were Swansea City and Bradford City.  Unfortunately the Yorkshire side were beaten 5-0 by the Welsh side. 

One player who manager John Sheridan will be without is striker Gozie Ugwu, the striker was re-called by his parent club Reading on Monday.   John Sheridan will welcome Tyler Harvey back into the match-day squad after the striker has been scoring plently of goals in the youth team.   Defender Anthony Charles will be closely monitored leading up to Tuesday night’s fixture following a slight groin injury that he sustained in Saturday’s encounter against Gillingham.  Guy Branston will be set to face his former club when he will be named in the match-day squad to compete against Bradford City.            

 Available: - Jake Cole, Ollie Chenoweth, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Guy Branston, Onismor Bhasera, Jason Banton, Luke Young, Lee Cox, Paul Wotton, Conor Hourihane, Paris Cowan-Hall, Andres Gurrieri, Ronan Murray, Jared Sims, Isaac Vassell, Reuben Reid, Nick Chadwick, Tyler Harvey, Matt LeCointe.       

Doubtful: - Anthony Charles (slight groin injury), Durrell Berry (knee injury), Curtis Nelson (groin injury), Rene Gilmartin (hamstring injury) 

Unavailable: - Jamie Lowry (ankle injury), Gozie Ugwu (been re-called by hometown club Reading), Warren Feeney (ankle ligament injury),

Gillingham vs Plymouth ARGYLE-Match Preview

From the 2-1 victory over Barnet last Saturday at Home Park, Plymouth Argyle now travel to Gillingham to face the promotion chasing team.

After gaining there first three points following two defeats and a draw at AFC Wimbledon, John Sheridan’s Pilgrims will take a trip to Kent in very high spirits to face Gillingham positioned top of the Npower League Two table after their very promising results the previous weekend.  It isn’t by mistake that Gillingham are in the position that they are in, they have had to work extremely hard to be where they are right now, aiming to be promoted to Npower League One.  Three time Barnet manager, Martin Allen was appointed the Gillingham boss on the 5^th July 2012 signing a 2 year deal after he’s contract at Barnet finished at the end of the 2011-12 season.  Martin Allen’s first win as the manager came away from the MEMS Priestfields Stadium with a 2-1 victory at Ashton Gate in the League Cup on August 15^th 2012.     

Last Saturday John Sheridan put his faith into the Argyle players by playing a new formation against Edgar Davids Barnet.  The shape that the manager played was an extremely attacking 4-3-3 formation.  From this formation it allowed Captain Conor Hourihane to join the attack with on-loan midfielder from Swindon Lee Cox holding his midfield role. 

Plymouth Argyle last visited the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday 20^th August in 2012 the beginning of the 2011-12 season.  In this encounter in Kent saw then manager Peter Reid in charge of the Pilgrims with the end result a 3-0 defeat to Argyle with a fifth consecutive defeat coming for the Pilgrims that season. Not long after the result Peter Reid was removed of his post as the manager with Carl Fletcher appointed the player-manager of the club. This current season saw Gillingham visit Home Park on Saturday 10^th November 2012, the eve of Remembrance Day.  This result was a 2-2 draw, which saw Argyle leading the game on two separate occasions with the goals going from Curtis Nelson and Luke Young. 

Plymouth Argyle will still be without, Rene Gilmartin, Curtis Nelson, Warren Feeney and Durrell Berry through slight injuries.  Newquay-born Jamie Lowry will also miss the trip to Kent through damaging his ankle.  The former Chesterfield midfielder picked up the injury in training.  It is unfortunate for Lowry who injuried the same ankle in a pre-season game at Truro City.  On loan Reading striker Gozie Ugwu will be available for selection after he picked up an abdominal muscle injury playing for the reserves in a 2-0 defeat to Exeter City at Home Park on Tuesday.  Whilst for Gillingham, Martin Allen will be without several first team players on Saturday when they face Plymouth Argyle at the Priestfield Stadium.  Both Andy Frampton and Charlie Allen will be unavailable for selection due to concussion and a broken hand, whilst Myles Weston is doubtful due to a foot injury.  Danny East is likely to make his debut for Gillingham on Saturday after signing on loan until the end of the season from Championship side Hull City.      

Available: - Jake Cole, Ollie Chenoweth, Maxime Blanchard, Guy Branston, Anthony Charles, Jamie Richards, Onismor Bhasera, Jason Banton, Conor Hourihane, Luke Young, Paul Wotton, Andres Gurrieri, Lee Cox, Paris Cowan-Hall, Ronan Murray, Gozie Ugwu, Matt LeCointe, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey, Nick Chadwick, Reuben Reid.    

Unavailable: - Rene Gilmartin (hamstring injury), Durrell Berry (knee injury), Curtis Nelson (groin injury), Jamie Lowry (ankle injury), Warren Feeney (ankle ligament injury),

Plymouth ARGYLE vs Barnet-Match Report

Plymouth Argyle moved off the bottom of the Npower League Two table after a 2-1 victory at Home Park against relegation rivals Barnet.

John Sheridan had made one tactical change to the side that drew 1-1 at AFC Wimbledon the previous Tuesday evening.  Gozie Ugwu who is on-loan from Premiership side Reading was replaced by former Burton Albion player Andres Gurrieri an Argentine Winger.  The Pilgrims had set up in attacking 4-3-3 formation.  On-loan from Championship side Crystal Palace winger Jason Banton was named in the starting line-up after recovering from a thigh strain that he had picked up during the mid-week draw at AFC Wimbledon.  John Sheridan had also included on-loan striker Rueben Reid after his loan was extended for another month after his first loan spell with the Pilgrims ended after Tuesday Evening’s game.   As for the visitors Barnet player manager Edgar Davids made one change to the side that overcame Jonstone Paint Trophy finalist Southend United by beating them 2-0 at Underhill. Sintra born Mauro Vilhete was replaced by Holloway born Andy Yiadom in right midfield.  In the Barnet line-up it also saw former Argyle players returning to Home Park, Goalkeeper Graham Stack and Defender Bondz N’Gala played the full 90minutes.  The Barnet line-up also saw a very well-know figure in the midfield.  Player, manager and captain Edgar Davids formally a Holland International midfielder named himself in the starting line-up.     

First half was very much nearing when the two teams emerged from the tunnel and onto the Home Park playing field, following there captains for the afternoon Edgar Davids and Conor Hourihane. After both captains had taken their time for photographs and to shake hands with the referee and linesmen Argyle had swapped ends as they were attacking the home fans which were situated in the Devonport. John Sheridan’s Pilgrims had started the encounter very positively indeed passing with confidence throughout the team.  After recent performances over the last few weeks, the Pilgrims believing they could stay in Npower League Two, with this fixture being in particular important to the Green Army with Argyle’s fight against relegation to the Blue Square Conference Premier.   Within the first 15 minutes of the fixture the home side was very unlucky not to take the lead on several occasions through Onismor Bhasera and Rueben Reid.  Former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Graham Stack saved them with no difficulty.  On the 21^st minute in the game with one shot on target and not challenging Jake Cole earlier in the encounter, the visitors Barnet had found themselves take the lead from Jake Hyde.  An Elliot Johnson low cross into the penalty area was turned into the net from close range after Jake Hyde had got in front of central defender Guy Branston to try the ball into the net passing goalkeeper Jake Cole.  It was very disappointing from an Argyle’s fan view to concede as they were totally in control of the match before the opening goal.  After the Pilgrims had conceded the goal, there was no time to dwell on the goal as Argyle started over again passing the football with confidence.  Just after the half hour mark Plymouth Argyle had found themselves level after captain Conor Hourihane had found the back of the net with a fantastically taken goal from just outside the penalty area in front of the Devonport Enders.  In his second spell with the Pilgrims Reuben Reid held the ball up devoutly until team-mates joined him in the attack.  He then found Hourihane free after being surrounded by three Barnet players; he took a touch then swung a curling ball into the back of the green and white goal with his left foot.  Graham Stack was left ruling the goal as he was left static in the middle of the goal. The equalizer from Conor Hourihane was a relief, all they had to do until half-time was to keep their composer defending and attacking.  After one minute of additional time due to the goal celebration the referee for the fixture Dean Whitestone blew his whistle for half time.                                                                                         

Half Time ARGYLE 1-1 BARNET

Second half was fast approaching with the Pilgrims first to appear from there half time break.   Edgar Davids was to make a half time substitution with goals corer Jake Hyde making way for Luke Gambin.  Barnet were to kick-off the second half, the visitors were very much improved from the first half where Argyle were in control of much of the first half encounter.  John Sheridan’s half time message must have been to score an early goal and so they did from on-loan Swindon Striker Roan Murray in the 49^th minute.  From a long ball over the midfield Conor Hourihane who held the ball up exceptionally well from experienced defender Guy Branston, the captain then found on rushing left back Onismor Bhasera, he then lade it off to Rueben Reid who saw his shot blocked, the re-bound found Reid’s strike partner for the afternoon Ronan Murray.  The Irish-man shot found the back of the net with Barnet’s goalkeeper Graham Stack already on the ground from the blocked shot couldn’t get across to the near post to prevent Ronan Murray’s shot going into the back of the net. This was Murray’s first Argyle goal since joining the greens on-loan from Swindon until the end of the season.    Plymouth Argyle continued to run the show after taking the lead with corner after corner.  These corners did not come to anything through Barnet clearing there lines.  Edgar Davids still on the playing field was to make his second substitution of the game.  Striker Iffy Allen was to take the place of Andy Yiadom. The introduction of the striker had nearly been a super sub after a cross had found him inside the penalty box at the far post.  Onismor Bhasera didn’t notice he was behind him and so Cole had to save extremely well down to his right at the near post.  With the last 8minutes plus additional time John Sheridan was to make three substitutions.  Lee Cox was the first to make way with Luke Young coming on.  The next two players to make way were Reuben Reid and Andres Gurrieri; the players to come on were Gozie Ugwu and Paris Cowan-Hall.  The fourth official had added on 3minutes from the winning goal and the substitutions made by both managers.  A late corner in additional time was to be very nervous for Argyle fans but the header went wide of the post.  Argyle had won the game 2-1 after going behind early on from goals from captain Conor Hourihane and Ronan Murray.                                                                                                                                                                                   Full Time ARGYLE 2-1 BARNET

Argyle (4-3-3): 1 Jake Cole; 4 Maxime Blanchard, 5 Guy Branston, 26 Anthony Charles, 14 Onismor Bhasera; 27 Andres Gurrieri (7 Paris Cowan-Hall 85), 6 Conor Hourihane (capt), 10 Lee Cox (8 Luke Young 82); 19 Jason Banton, 24 Reuben Reid (18 Gozie Ugwu 85), 28 Ronan Murray. Substitutes (not used): 9 Nick Chadwick, 13 Ollie Chenoweth (gk), 15 Paul Wotton, 23 Jamie Richards.

Barnet (4-4-2): 29 Graham Stack; 2 Barry Fuller, 45 Bondz N'Gala, 30 David Stephens, 26 Elliot Johnson; 15 Andy Yiadom (22 Iffy Allen 76), 4 Clovis Kamdjo (20 Curtis Weston 54), 38 Edgar Davids, 8 Mark Byrne; 19 Jake Hyde (12 Luke Gambin h-t), 40 Dani Lopez. Substitutes (not used): 3 Jordan Brown, 34 Chiro N'Toko, 35 Dillon Barnes (gk), 43 Dominic Vose.

Attendance: 8,210 (151 away)

Referee: Dean Whitestone