Sky Bet League 2 - Cambridge United vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

ARGYLE will return to Sky Bet League 2 action this Saturday away to Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium for the start of the season. 

Argyle have had a lot of changes in and around the club players arriving and departing Plymouth.  One noticeable change to the squad is former captain Conor Hourihane joining Sky Bet League 1 side Barnsley for a reported fee of £200,000.  Central defender Curtis Nelson was named the Irishman’s successor for the season ahead.    

Both sets of teams have had very promising pre-season games in the past weeks.  Argyle travelled the short distance for their first pre-season fixture against Tavistock a couple of weeks back.  With five different scorers on the night Argyle hadn’t dreamt of a better start of their campaign winning 5-1.

 

There was one game which everyone was looking forward to and that was Premier League outfit Swansea City visiting Home Park.  In front of more than 5,000 fans Swansea were too good for the Pilgrims winning 4-0. 

The latest game came from Weston-Super-Mare which saw the Pilgrims win 2-1 last Saturday to end the pre-season on a high.         

Cambridge started of their busy schedule brightly winning 3-0 away to Biggleswade Town.  There last pre-season fixture was a 3-0 away win over Sutton United last Saturday.

The Pilgrims last visited the Abbey Stadium 15 years ago in 1998 in Nationwide League Division Three.  Included in the Argyle squad that day was long serving legend Paul Wotton.  With the Pilgrims down to 10 men, Mauge the man sent off Argyle lost 1-0, the only goal coming from John Taylor in the closing stages of the first half.      

Argyle’s last victory over United was 18 years ago when the Pilgrims won 3-2 at the Abbey Stadium also in League Division Three in 1996. Chris Billy, Richard Logan, Ian Baird were the scorers for the Pilgrims.

Cambridge will play in League 2 for the first time since 2005 when they were relegated after 35 years in the league.  The U’s managed by Richard Money were promoted after a 9 year absence beating Gateshead 2-1 in the Conference Play-Off Final which was held at Wembley.   

John Sheridan will have a fully fit squad when they travel to Cambridge on Saturday.  Dominic Blizzard and Deane Smalley have recovered from thigh injuries respectively.  Blizzard has not taken part in any of the pre-season fixtures as he suffered the injury.

Deane Smalley, who joined the Pilgrims from Oxford in the summer has only taken part in some of the warm-up matches due to a similar injury to Blizzard. 

Available: Luke McCormick, James Bittner, Kelvin Mellor, Ben Purrington, Curtis Nelson (captain), Peter Hartley, Anthony O’Connor, Aaron Bentley, Carl McHugh, Paul Wotton, Nathan Thomas, Deane Smalley, Jason Banton, Ollie Norburn, Lee Cox, Lewis Alessandra, Dominic Blizzard, River Allen, Tyler Harvey, Reuben Reid, Marvin Morgan, Matt LeCointe

Unavailable: Jamie Richards – on loan to Linfield FC

SkyBet League Two - Bury vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle’s play-off hopes have taken a step back after a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United last Saturday at Home Park.

Argyle will make the trip to Bury on Easter Friday before welcoming AFC Wimbledon to Home Park three days later on Bank Holiday Monday for the Easter fixture period.

The Pilgrims remain in ninth position after the loss to United who moved into the last of the play-off spots.  There is hope amongst the green army as there are only four points separating Oxford in seventh and Argyle in ninth.  With four games to be played there is still a lot to be played for in the League.    

Plymouth Argyle last trip to Gigg Lane home of Bury was in 2002 in the first round of the FA Cup.  The date was exactly Saturday 16th November 2002 in The Football League Second Division.  Argyle won 3-0 with goals coming from Micky Evans just before the 20minute mark.  Ten minutes later Paul Sturrock’s team had scored another from an own goal from Jamie Stuart.  There was still time for one of Paul Wotton’s spectacular free kicks in the game.

 The last time Plymouth and Bury played each other was in League Two on Saturday 21st December 2013 at Home Park.  Former Pilgrim Caolan Lavery, who was on loan to Argyle from Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday, scored the opening goal on the tenth minute mark.  Exactly four minutes into the second half Bury had pulled back level Chris Sedgwick scored from 20 yards betting keeper Luke McCormick in between the sticks.  Rueben Reid restored Argyles lead by slotting home from close range from a Lewis Alessandra cross.  The Devon club won the fixture 2-1.          

Manager John Sheridan will be without Maxime Blanchard for the Friday fixture.  The Frenchman was sent off in the early stages of the second half in Plymouth last Saturday.  Blanchard will serve a one match ban as he picked up two yellow cards. Lewis Alessandra is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury.  The 25 year old made his comeback in the defeat to the U’s.   If involved in the fixture Tope Obadeyi will come up against his former team mates.  The speedy winger has enjoyed two loan spells with the Devon club this season most recently Tope’s last game in a green shirt was playing in the Devon Derby on March 25th.  Pablo Mills will be looking to start for Bury after putting pen to paper on a new 12 month contract with the Manchester side.             

Available: Jake Cole, Cameron Dawson, Paul Wotton, Neal Trotman Curtis Nelson, Durrell Berry, Ben Purrington, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Andres Gurrieri, Jason Banton, Rommy Boco, Lewis Alessandra, Rueben Reid, Marvin Morgan, Tyler Harvey, Enoch Showunmi, 

Unavailable: Luke McCormick (dislocated and fractured finger), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Matt Parsons (thigh injury), Jamie Richards, Isaac Vassell (both players on loan to Weymouth), Maxime Blanchard (suspended)

SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Oxford United - Match Preview

Five games left of the 2013-14 season where has it gone? Can John Sheridan guide his Argyle squad to the play-offs and even Wembley?

Following years of relegation fight and even administration most fans will agree this season has been very good indeed.  Three points of the last play-off place who would have thought that at the start of the season.  Saturday’s fixture against Oxford can decide who will get the deciding play off place.  The Pilgrims will have to aim for 15 more points if they were to get a play-off position.   

Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United will remember and pay tribute to those who were lost in the Hillsborough disaster.  All Premier League clubs, Football League Clubs, Scottish Clubs and Conference Clubs will all kick-off at 3:07pm in memory of the 25^th year anniversary of the tragedy. 

Resigning from his post as manager at Oxford United on 25^TH January 2014, Chris Wilder took over as Northampton Town manager days later.  Just short of two months later Gary Waddock, formerly of Wycombe Wanders, took over as manager of the U’s.  Since he’s appointment on 22^nd March United have failed to score or win three SkyBet League Two fixtures.       

The last time the teams met in the league was on Boxing Day last year at the Kassam Stadium.  17 year old Left Back Ben Purrington will remember this game especially as manager John Sheridan handed him his Plymouth Argyle debut.  Reuben Reid and Coalan Lavery scored the goals for the Pilgrims which earned them a deserved 3-2 victory in Oxford.      

Pedal for Pounds will also be coming to an end when the cyclists formed of Argyle fans right through to the staff at Home Park will be arriving back to Plymouth in time for the game.  The riders set of on a 220 trip from the Kassam Stadium on Wednesday to raise money for the Argyle Youth team and cancer charities.  Well done to everyone involved.    

Lewis Alessandra will return to the match day squad against Oxford United when they meet at Home Park on Saturday.  The winger has missed the last four matches through a hamstring injury which he picked up in the 2-1 home victory against Chesterfield.  On making his first full Argyle debut since signing a short contract on Christmas Eve Nathan Thomas will hope he will be in the starting 11.  Matt Parsons could miss Saturday’s fixture, the attacking left back is recovering from a thigh injury.  Signed on loan from Notts County prior to the Burton Albion game Enoch Showunmi will be aiming to make his Home Park debut.  Oxford’s Andy Wing could play a part in the fixture after recovering from injury. Players Alfie Potter and Johnny Mullins are ruled out of the fixture at Home Park through injury.       

Available: Jake Cole, Cameron Dawson, Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Neal Trotman Curtis Nelson, Durrell Berry, Ben Purrington, Jamie Richards, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Andres Gurrieri, Jason Banton, Rommy Boco, Lewis Alessandra, Rueben Reid, Marvin Morgan, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey, Enoch Showunmi,  

Unavailable: Luke McCormick (dislocated and fractured finger), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Matt Parsons (thigh injury)

SkyBet League Two - Accrington Stanley vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle moved into the play-off position on Tuesday after a 2-1 victory home to then SkyBet League Two leaders Chesterfield. 

With the end of the season nearing, Argyle have already reached as many points as they did for the whole of last season.  With 52 points on the league table the Greens have every chance of reaching Wembley.  

During the last six games the League Two form table looks very promising from an Argyle prospectus.  The Pilgrims sit in third place with 12 points with four victories and two defeats.  Only York City and Rochdale are above the Pilgrims.  Lancashire side Accrington Stanley are positioned in 14th with three defeats, two wins and a draw in their last six results.

There was no rest time for the players as Stanley and Argyle were both in action on Tuesday evening in SkyBet League Two.  Morecambe made the short trip to Accrington Stanley whilst Chesterfield, formerly managed by John Sheridan, travelled to Plymouth for the 7:45pm kick-off.  Lee Molyneaux a former Pilgrim has made a huge impact on Accrington Stanley scoring 6 goals in 11 appearances including a hat trick in the 3-1 win over Chesterfield since joining them in January on an emergency loan deal.  The left back was on target twice for the Stanley in the 5-1 victory over Morecambe.  Argyle bounced back from a 2-0 home defeat to Scunthorpe last Saturday as they won at Home Park against Chesterfield.  Reuben Reid scored his seventeenth and Eighteenth goal of the campaign as the most inform team in Devon moved into seventh position.   

Argyle’s last trip to Accrington was last season, season 2012-13, December 22^nd 2012.  The game was best remembered for Brighton & Hove Albion fans joining the Argyle fans in the away stand as there fixture against Blackburn was postponed due to the weather.  Onismor Bhasera a former Argyle left back had put the visiting team in front just before the 30 minute mark.  James Beattie now manger of Accrington Stanley had levelled the games in the second half.  The game was to take another turn as Argyle were awarded a penalty following a trip on Paris Cowan-Hall by Michael Liddle.  The keeper saved well from a Warren Feeney penalty.  The full time whistle has gone the game had ended in a 1-1 draw. 

The Pilgrims will be without one of there in form players as the head to Accrington Stanley.  Striker Lewis Alessandra was substituted in the first half of the 2-1 victory over Chesterfield.  The summer signing from Morecambe in the summer will be out of the game for approximately four weeks. In Alessandra’s absence Tope Obadeyi will be looking for a first start in his second loan spell with Argyle.  Durrell Berry will also be pushing for a re-call.  The defender missed Argyle’s midweek game through illness.   Accrington Stanley’s manager James Beattie only injury concern is left back Laurence Wilson who suffered a groin injury in the 5-1 win against Morecambe on Tuesday evening.   

Available: Jake Cole, Cameron Dawson, Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Neal Trotman Curtis Nelson, Durrell Berry, Matt Parsons, Ben Purrington, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Andres Gurrieri, Jason Banton, Tope Obadeyi, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Marvin Morgan, Tyler Harvey

Unavailable: Luke McCormick (dislocated and fractured finger), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Lewis Alessandra (hamstring injury), Jamie Richards, Isaac Vassell (both on loan to Weymouth)

SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Morecambe - Match Preview

Are Plymouth Argyle dreaming of Wembley, I would think so, 8^th in the table, three consecutive away victories the highest position in many years.

The Pilgrims return to Home Park on March 1^st 2014 to face 13th in SkyBet League Two Morecambe managed by Jim Bentley. 

Whilst Morecambe had a free week without no midweek fixture, Argyle made the long trip to Fleetwood on a cold Tuesday night.  Six points on the road from two game games, fans were dreaming, but it was turned into reality following a 2-1 win at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday, the 149 members of fans watched their team run out winners at Highbury Stadium.  Reuben Reid set Plymouth on their way just after the 20minute mark.  The score line was made even better minutes after half time.  Luke Young fired a shot from outside the area and the ball made its way past Chris Maxwell into the bottom right corner following a slight deflection.  Two goals from the visiting team were still to come.  Maxime Blanchard headed home the third goal from a Young corner, getting in front of his man.  The best goal was jet to come.  A free kick was awarded just outside the penalty area.  Luke Young and Captain Conor Hourihane were both over the ball. Who was to take it?  Captain Conor Hourihane slotted home a top class finish in the top left hand corner, the keeper was well and truly beaten.  Argyle had won 4-0.  Fans couldn’t believe it.  Play-offs who knows.  

Current Pilgrim and former Morecambe attacking midfielder Lewis Alessandra will face many friends and former teammates this coming Saturday.  Lewi spent two years with the North West side.  Between 2011-13 Alessandra made 82 appearances scoring 7 goals in the process.  Signed on a two year deal in the summer of 2013 after rejecting a new contract with Morecambe, Lewis Alessandra reunited with John Sheridan, who gave him his footballing debut when at Oldham Athletic in 2007.  During his first season as number 7 at Plymouth the striker has made 32 appearances whilst scoring 10 goals in all competitions for the South West Club.       

Anyone remember last year’s game at Home Park? Days after being named Carl Fletcher’s successor, John Sheridan walked out at Home Park to enjoy he’s first fixture as he took he’s seat in the wooden home dug-out.  On Saturday 12th January just over 6,400 members of the green army turned out to watch Argyle come out 2-1 winners over the Lancashire side.  Two goals within six minutes gave the Pilgrims a two goal cushion.  Captain Conor Hourihane scored the home sides first on tenth minute.  Soon after Paris Cowan-Hall scored Argyle’s second that afternoon to give them a two goal lead at the break.  The Shrimpers did however pull a consolation goal back ten minutes from time but it wasn’t enough to take all three points away from John Sheridan.   

Weeks within joining the Pilgrims from Premier League club Crystal Palace, Jason Banton has been ruled out for a number of weeks due to a groin injury.  The attacking midfielder was substituted in the early stages of the 2-1 win at Dagenham and Redbridge the previous Saturday.  John Sheridan is likely to name an unchanged squad for the visit of the Shrimpers with no new injury concerns.  Morecambe’s Jim Bentley will be nursing the fitness of striker Padraig Amond as he is recovering from a hamstring injury.  Also returning to the match day squad will be Jack Redshaw who has recovered from illness.  A player who wouldn’t have travelled to Devon is Chesterfield loanee Jamie Devitt.  The 23 year old midfielder is currently serving a ban after being shown a straight red card at St James Park.        

Available: Jake Cole, Cameron Dawson, Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Neal Trotman Curtis Nelson, Durrell Berry, Matt Parsons, Ben Purrington, Jamie Richards, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Andres Gurrieri, Tope Obadeyi, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Lewis Alessandra, Marvin Morgan, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey

Unavailable: Luke McCormick (dislocated and fractured finger), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Jason Banton (groin injury)

SkyBet League Two - Dagenham & Redbridge vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle will look to bounce back from their 4-0 defeat at home against York City when they travel to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. 

On the afternoon both sets of players, management staff and fans will pay their respect to Bill Edmands who passed away last weekend in his sleep.  The former Dagenham & Redbridge kit man was at the London club for 30 years.     

The Pilgrims sit in 14^th position in the SkyBet League Two following the defeat last Saturday at Home Park.  Only one points separates Plymouth and Dagenham & Redbridge who are 10^th in the table with 40 points.  The Pilgrims will be looking to get back to winning ways and also to the play-off chase.  The Daggers have not won a SkyBet League Two fixture at home from New Year’s Day when a 1-0 victory was enough to beat of AFC Wimbledon. The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium hosts have won away during that time, on 1^st February they walked away from Deepdale with a surprised 1-0 away win against high flying Rochdale.  The goal came from Rhys Murphy in the second half.  Argyle’s last victory on the road was two weeks to this day when the Pilgrims travelled to 24^th placed Northampton.  Reuben Reid and Lewis Alessandra scored the first half goals which secured Argyle all three points.           

The last time Argyle and Dagenham & Redbridge met in the league was Saturday 23^rd November 2013.  Reuben Reid had put the Pilgrims ahead just before half time.  Argyle were unable to hold on to the lead before the whistle and Zavon Hines equalised soon after.  Home Park had to wait for the 77^th minute before Luke Young fired Argyle to a goal and the three points.    

Brit 2014 award winning Bastile drummer Chris ‘Woody’ Wood will make his commentary debut alongside BBC Devon Sport commentator Gordon Sparks on Saturday afternoon, when his beloved Plymouth Argyle take on Dagenham & Redbridge.    

Neal Trotman will now serve a one match suspension after being shown a straight red card in the 11^th minute last Saturday.  The central defender was sent off for giving away a penalty and being the last man.  John Sheridan will mix with his back four.  The most possibly sign of action Sheridan will take is to bring Maxime Blanchard into his preferred central defence position.  The right back position will then be taken up by Durrell Berry, who last week returned to the squad following a groin injury.  A player who could make his second debut for Argyle is Tope Obadeyi, the speedy winger re-joined the Pilgrims on loan from Bury until March 25^th.   Wayne Burnett will be without defender Jack Connors who was sent off in their away fixture at Burton Albion in the 1-1. Femi Ilesanmi is expected to return to the Daggers squad after recovering from an ankle injury.     

Available: Jake Cole, Cameron Dawson, Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Curtis Nelson, Durrell Berry, Matt Parsons, Ben Purrington, Jamie Richards, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Andres Gurrieri, Tope Obadeyi, Jason Banton, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Lewis Alessandra, Marvin Morgan, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey

Unavailable: Luke McCormick (dislocated and fractured finger), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Neal Trotman (suspension) 

SkyBet League Two - Northampton Town vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Chris Wilder will take charge of his first home fixture at Sixfields since being named the manager on 27^th January 2014.

Following resigning from his position at Oxford after six years with the promotion contenders, Wilder signed a three and a half deal with the Clobbers sitting bottom of SkyBet League Two. 

The last time Northampton and Argyle faced each was on Saturday 2^nd November 2013 at Home Park.  Then manager Aidy Boothroyd was in charge of the Clobbers.  The game went down to the last couple of minutes of the SkyBet League Two fixture when Lewis Alessandra scored the winning goal slotting past goalkeeper Matt Duke.  

Not long ago did the January loan market open for SkyBet Championship and League Clubs.  Plymouth Argyle have signed a replacement goalkeeper, Cameron Dawson, has signed until the end of the season on a youth loan, from Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, for cover for Jake Cole.  Northampton have also been very busy both in the January transfer window and the loan market which opened today since Chris Wilder took over the managerial duties.  Striker Alan Connell formerly of Bradford City has signed on a contract until the end of the season.  Also moving from Yorkshire, Ricky Ravenhill, the midfielder has signed an 18 month contract with the Clobbers.  Leon McSweeney has also signed for Chris Wilder, the 30 year old defender signs until the end of the season.  Crawley Town Striker Emile Sinclair joins Northampton Town on loan for the remainder of the season.  Starting his career at Nottingham Forest, Gregor Robertson a 30 year old defender will remain at Sixfields Stadium for the rest of the current season. The final signing Chris Wilder has made is Brennan Dickenson, the winger has signed on loan from Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the 2013-14 season.       

Jake Cole will return to goalkeeping duties as Luke McCormick will miss the majority of this current season.  The 30 year old suffered a dislocated and fractured finger in the 1-1 draw at home to Mansfield Town.  Stags striker Sam Clucas accidently stood on the finger of McCormick in the second half.  Missing for the trip to Northampton will be Andres Gurrieri, the attacking midfielder has been suspended for the previous two games and must sit out one more game before being included in the team.  In Chris’s first couple of weeks in charge, the manager has let some loan player’s return to their parent clubs.  Matty Blair, who scored the equalizing goal at Cheltenham in Wilder’s first game in charge, has return to Fleetwood, whilst Sean McGinty has returned to League One outfit Sheffield United.  James Hurst has also returned to Crawley Town, his parent club, as a run in the team was very limited. Chris Hackett is set to return on Saturday against Plymouth Argyle after suffering a hamstring injury.       

  

Available: Jake Cole, Cameron Dawson, Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Curtis Nelson, Neal Trotman, Ben Purrington, Jamie Richards, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Jason Banton, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Lewis Alessandra, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey

Doubtful: Matt Parsons (dead leg),

Unavailable: Luke McCormick (dislocated and fractured finger), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Durrell Berry (groin injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Andres Gurrieri (suspended) 

SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Mansfield Town - Match Preview

Just a couple or hours remain for the transfer deadline day finale with Plymouth Argyle and Mansfield Town having very quiet days.   

John Sheridan has expressed his desire to sign a striker on loan but has not been so successful so far this January transfer window.  So far this January transfer window Sheridan has brought in two very promising and talented players.  Crystal Palace pairing Jason Banton and Matt Parson have both swapped the Premier League with SkyBet League Two.  Banton has signed an 18 month contract with Argyle until summer 2015, whilst Parson has signed on to the end of the current 2013-14 season.  Mansfield, however have not signed anyone during this January transfer window.  The reason being the club cannot afford to sign any players as they continue to fight legal action against former shareholders and directors of the club; Andy Saunders and Steve Hymas.  The pair are owned almost £1 million in loans during their time at the club.      

The last time both teams met in the league was on Saturday 26^th October 2013. The Pilgrims left it until the dying seconds of the fixture to score and grab all the three points.  A fairly even encounter was decided with a Neal Trotman header in front of the travelling supporters.  A perfectly amazing ball was delivered into the box by Captain Conor Hourihane.  Floated to the far post, one of his best performances in green, Neal unmarked headed straight into an own goal.  What a feeling, three points at the death. 

Both Argyle and the Stags have not played since last Saturday.  Plymouths fixture away at Newport and Mansfield’s home game to Bury on Tuesday evening both failed victim to the weather. 

Manager John Sheridan will be sweating over the fitness of some of his defenders for the visit of Mansfield.  Durrell Berry will be one definite absentee through a groin injury.  The former Aston Villa youth player was substituted at half time in the 3-2 defeat to Port Vale in the FA Cup third round replay.  Central defender Guy Branston will also sit out the SkyBet League Two fixture through a foot injury which he has aggravated.  The much travelled defender suffered a similar injury in the summer which kept him out in the opening stages of the season Unavailable for the game at Home Park is midfielder Andres Gurrieri, the Argentine will serve his second of a three match ban after being given a straight red card away at Rochdale.  This could mean a first start for winger Nathan Thomas.  The player has contributed in games which he has featured in from coming off the bench.  Mansfield manager Paul Cox has a fully fit squad for the trip to Devon.  Sam Clucas has returned to action and also Ben Hutchinson has returned to training. 

Available: Luke McCormick, Jake Cole, Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Curtis Nelson, Neal Trotman, Ben Purrington, Jamie Richards, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Jason Banton, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Lewis Alessandra, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey

Doubtful: Matt Parsons (dead leg),

Unavailable: Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Durrell Berry (groin injury), Marvin Morgan (knee injury), Andres Gurrieri (suspended)

SkyBet League Two - Rochdale vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Following an FA Cup exit to Port Vale in the Third Round on Tuesday, Plymouth Argyle return to League action, travelling to Lancashire to play Rochdale.    

Eight months previously Argyle were making the exact same trip in a totally different situation, was it relegation or league survival? More than 2500 fans made the trip to the Lancashire town.  All though the Pilgrims had lost 1-0 the trip was made worthwhile as the fans ran onto the pitch chanting ‘We Are Staying Up’.  No one could wipe the smiles of the faces of the members of the Green Army.

Rochdale are unbeaten in three games at Spotland, when Plymouth travel to town.  One very surprised victory at Spotland came in the Third Round of the FA Cup when they won 3-0 against Promotion contenders Leeds United in the Championship.  There last defeat at home was a 2-1 loss to Fleetwood on December 14^th 2013.  Plymouth Argyle are unbeaten in five league games, there last disappointing result coming away at Chesterfield losing 2-0.     

The January transfer window has been very promising for Plymouth Argyle.  In the space of ten days John Sheridan has brought in two very promising players to strengthen the current playing squad.  The latest signing to join Plymouth is Matt Parsons.  The former Crystal Palace left back joins his former team-mate at Palace, Jason Banton, to sign for Argyle in a contract until the end of this current campaign.  Jason Banton and Tyler Harvey will both return to the match day squad after missing Tuesday FA Cup Third Round Replay at Home Park. Winger Jason Banton had already participated in the FA Cup this season with MK Dons, whilst Striker Tyler Harvey was on loan to Salisbury City when Plymouth first played Port Vale. Returning to the starting line-up will be goalkeeper Luke McCormick, the 31 year old sat out Tuesday’s game to ‘cup’ goalkeeper Jake Cole.  John Sheridan will be without Durrell Berry, the defender was substituted in Midweek at half time due to a groin injury.  Rochdale’s Matt Lund is hoping to take part in the fixture this afternoon.  The midfielder picked up a knock in the win against Hartlepool last weekend.  In the event that Lund hasn’t recovered then former Plymouth Argyle player George Donnelly is set to take his place.                

Available: Luke McCormick, Jake Cole, Maxime Blanchard, Curtis Nelson, Neal Trotman, Andre Blackman, Ben Purrington, Matt Parsons, Jamie Richards, Andres Gurrieri, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Jason Banton, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Lewis Alessandra, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey

Unavailable: Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Durrell Berry (groin injury)

FA Cup Third Round Replay - Plymouth Argyle vs Port Vale - Match Preview

Third round replay in the FA Cup, can Plymouth Argyle make an upset against League One opposition Port Vale at Home Park, surely not.

Is it really to early to start to believe?

Argyle will go into the fixture on Tuesday evening unbeaten in six games in all competitions, two defeats in 17 for the team that sit eleventh in League Two. The visitors to Home Park, Port Vale have not won in their last three fixtures.  The last three points they gained was a 2-0 triumph at home to Rotherham United in the last game of 2013.

To get this far in the cup, the clubs have to get pass the test of the first and second rounds.  The Pilgrims travelled to Skrill Premier Side Lincoln whilst Port Vale made the trip to Shortwood United in Gloucestershire, they were through to the next round winning 4-0.  Argyle were to have a replay at Home Park as the full time result was 0-0.  Reuben Reid helped the Devon side, winning 5-0, scoring a hat-trick in the process.  Through to the second round, both teams were at home Argyle to Welling United and Vale to Salisbury City.  Plymouth came away 3-1 winners, Vale won also, 4-1 was the full time score. 

Before the replay was confirmed that Vale were to make the trip to Plymouth, players, management and supporters of Argyle were to make the trip to Stoke on Trent on a Sunday, the date Sunday 5^th January 2014.  The day was confirmed of a flick of a coin as Stoke City a Premier League Club was pulled out the hat first to play Leicester City at the Britannia Stadium on the Saturday also.  Just less than 600 members of the green army made the near 500 mile round trip to Vale Park.  The fans were sure to see a very entertaining game.  The home side were the first to make the break through just over 15 minutes gone.  Gavin Tomlin headed home from a Jermaine Myrie-Williams free kick.  Just before the half time whistle Port Vale had doubled their lead, leading goal scorer Tom Pope also using his head scored following a cross from Doug Croft.  Much of the visiting fans would have felt hard done by for falling behind as they saw Argyle dominate much of the first half proceedings.  Second half was underway and Plymouth had started of the better to the two sides.  Their hard work was soon awarded when Reuben Reid slotted home from close range from a Lewis Alessandra cross.  Game on.  Argyle was pushing for an equalizer.  Under 20 minutes from full time Ben Purrington scored his first professional and Argyles second goal of the afternoon.  The fans were really starting to believe what could be… Plymouth were inches away from winning the tie as Andres Gurrieri was unfortunate that his long range shot from outside the area rebounded of the post. 

Signed from Premier League club Crystal Palace on an 18 month contract, Jason Banton will be unavailable for selection to John Sheridan on the evening due to being cup-tied.  Opting to join MK Dons, a League One club, in the summer of the last year instead of the Pilgrims, Palace gave permission for Jason Banton to participate in the FA Cup.  Due to the rules a player can only play for one club in the FA Cup in that season.  This rule will force manager John Sheridan into a tactical change.  The most likely player to replace Banton is Nathan Thomas; the speedy winger came on in the 80^th minute for the player in the 1-1 draw home to Southend United on Saturday.  Another change Sheridan may opt for in the replay is to switch the goalkeepers.  Jake Cole has been the cup goalkeeper whilst McCormick has been the league goalkeeper this season. Youth player Ryan Lane will be unavailable due to undergoing a knee operation in the New Year. Lane has only appeared in one game this season and that was a pre-season game at Home Park.  As for Port Vale defender Jack Grimmer who is on –loan from Fulham has not been given permission to play in the FA Cup by his parent club.  Chris Robinson and Carl Dickinson both defenders are also expected to come back into the team for the trip to Devon.             

Available: Luke McCormick, Jake Cole, Maxime Blanchard, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Curtis Nelson, Neal Trotman, Andre Blackman, Ben Purrington, Jamie Richards, Andres Gurrieri, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Lewis Alessandra, Isaac Vassell,

Unavailable: Jason Banton (cup-tied), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Tyler Harvey (cuptied) 

SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Torquay United - Match Preview

On the eve of New Year’s Day Caolan Lavery has extended his loan from Sheffield Wednesday, central defender Neal Trotman is also considering his offer. 

Parent club Sheffield Wednesday have allowed striker Caolan Lavery to stay contracted to Plymouth Argyle for a further month.  The deal is also believed to have a 24 hour release clause on the event that Sheffield Wednesday would like to recall the Northern Irish under 21’s International.  Caolan has scored two league goals in three starts and four substitution appearances for Argyle since joining the Pilgrims.  Former Chesterfield man Neal Trotman has been offered a new contract which would see him contracted to the club until the summer of 2014.  His current contract is due to expire in the New Year. 

Playing in their third Devon Derby this season, Plymouth Argyle will be looking to get the all-important win when they entertain Torquay United for the second time this season. 

Torquay will be looking to bounce back from there defeat to Exeter City last Sunday in the Devon Derby when they travel to Devon for the second consecutive Devon Derby in a matter of a couple of days. Before Sundays result the Gulls had been unbeaten for three fixtures in SkyBet League Two.  A 1-0 victory over Southend, 1-0 away victory at Dagenham & Redbridge and a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day.   

The last time the teams met was at Plainmoor in November on a chilly Tuesday Evening.  In a space of a matter of minutes the result had been settled.  Elliot Benyon had put the home side in front on the sixth minute.  Three minutes later referee John East pointed to the penalty spot in Argyle’s favor following a handball in the penalty area.  Reuben Reid calmly slotted home the equalizer to make it one a piece and that’s how it finished, 1-1.  

Jamie Reckord has returned to his parent club Wolverhampton Wanders over the Christmas period.  The left back was struggling to find a permanent place in the team.  Manager John Sheridan expressed that he thought it was best for Jamie to return to The Midlands.  Youth captain, and in his first full season in professional football, Ben Purrington, is a defiant starter against Devon Rivals Torquay United on New Year’s Day at Home Park.  The left back made his debut in the 3-2 away victory at Oxford United and continued his fine form also away at AFC Wimbledon last Sunday.  Also in the thoughts of manager John Sheridan is new recruit Nathan Thomas.  The Sunderland born winger came off the bench in the 81^st minute at AFC Wimbledon.  Torquay United will be without striker John Marquis, the Millwall loanee has returned to his parent club to receive treatment on burst cyst.  The injury ruled him out of the 3-1 defeat to Exeter City played at Plainmoor on Sunday. Jayden Stockley on loan from AFC Bournemouth is set to return after recovering from a back problem.                  

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Jamie Reckord, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Young, Ryan Lane, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Isaac Vassell, Caolan Lavery, Tope Obadeyi, Nathan Thomas

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014), Tyler Harvey (on loan to Salisbury City)

SkyBet League Two AFC Wimbledon vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Boxing Day, 17 years unbeaten, that’s all you have to say to the Plymouth Argyle fans following a cracking 3-2 away victory at Oxford United.

Argyle had recorded a famous victory away at promotion contenders Oxford United.  The Pilgrims have only won at the Kassam Stadium twice in the past 17 visits.                                                                                                                Caolan Lavery, on loan from Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, had put the visitors ahead 25seconds into the second half following good work from Ben Purrington on the left.  Soon after ‘The Big Game’ hosts had equalized from an Asa Hall strike 25 yards from goal.  The last 15 minutes of the fixture still had plenty of action to come.  Referee Andy Davies awarded a penalty to the Pilgrims.  Versatile striker Dave Kitson was penalized for handling the ball inside the box.  Reuben Reid, now the fourth top scorer in the league put himself forward.  The on loan striker from Yeovil had powerfully slotted the ball home past goalkeeper Ryan Clarke, Reid had previously missed his last penalty against Chesterfield.  Soon after going 2-1 up in the game Reuben Reid had scored another and his 11^th goal of the season to put Argyle 3-1.  The Stadium was emptying very quickly until the home side pulled a consolation goal back. Neal Trotman had scored an own goal to make the last 5 minutes very nervy for the fans.  Fortunately John Sheridan and his players celebrated three points and the victory, winning 3-2.       

The Boxing Day fixture for AFC Wimbledon was less kind as they faced Southend United at The Cherry Reds Records Stadium.  Goalless at half-time George Francomb did however see red in the 41^st minute. Southend in the 76^th minute had scored from a Cauley Woodrow headed goal.  Cauley had only been on the pitch less than 15minutes before making an impact to the game.  Can Wimbledon take three important points when they entertain Plymouth Argyle on Sunday?   

On 26^th February 2013, season 2012-13, Argyle traveled to London in the Npower League 2 fixture against AFC Wimbledon.  All the goals came in the first half and in minutes of each other.  Jason Banton who was then on loan from Crystal Palace at the time had given the Pilgrims a 26^th minute lead.  The fans of the visitors didn't even finish celebrating before the Wombles had equalised.  Harry Pell had scored for Wimbledon two minutes after Jason Banton had given the greens the lead.  

Defender Jamie Reckord is doubtful for the trip to AFC Wimbledon due to illness.  The on-loan Wolverhampton Wanders left back missed the Boxing Day fixture away to Oxford United.  Durrell Berry is back in contention for the SkyBet League Two fixture following a one match suspension.  The former Aston Villa apprentice was booked for the fifth time this season in the 2-1 victory against Bury at Home Park.  Ben Purrington will be looking to have impressed manager John Sheridan at the Kassam Stadium to continue playing in the squad.  The 17 year old was making his Plymouth Argyle debut at left back.  AFC Wimbledon will be without many first team professionals due to injuries.  Long term absentee Charlie Strutton is suffering from a broken leg, whilst Alan Bennett and midfielder Harry Pell both have ankle and knee injuries.  The London side have been successful in appealing against George Francomb in the defeat to Southend United on Boxing Day.  

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Jamie Reckord, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Young, Ryan Lane, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Isaac Vassell, Caolan Lavery Tope Obadeyi

Doubtful: - Jamie Reckord

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014), Tyler Harvey (on loan to Salisbury City),

SkyBet League Two Oxford United vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, Plymouth Argyle will make the longest journey in the country as they travel to league leaders Oxford United.

Oxford United have a crowd of 10,000+ expected inside the Kassam Stadium this afternoon with the Green Army bringing over 1000 from Devon.  The U's have 'The Big Match' in League Two on Boxing day with them hosting many different events.  Two of them being a firework display and a display of 5000 yellow flags around the stadium to turn the stands yellow.

Chris Wilder has one of the most well known players in league two this season, Dave Kitson, the Hitchin born striker began his career with non league side Cambridge United. He then moved on to Reading.  The player is most well known for his footballing days at Stoke City in season 2008-2010.Dave Kitson had spells Portsmouth, Sheffield United and now Oxford United.

The Pilgrims were awarded with an early Christmas present on Christmas eve when John Sheridan announced a new signing.  Newcastle born Nathan Thomas, without a club for the majority of the calendar year, signed pen to paper on a deal that would take him to the end of the season.  19 year old Nathan has traveled nearly the full length of the country for first team football.  Formally of Sunderland, Nathan turned down many offers from Premiership and Championship clubs to join the Devon club.  The winger has been on trail at Plymouth for over a week and was meant to sign before the home game against Bury, but some course or another Sheridan was unable to sign the talented player.

In his first full season in professional football, Ben Purrington a youth team prospect, originally from Exeter, has been added to the 18 man squad for the first time this season for the trip to the U's.  Captain Conor Hourihane is back in contention after serving a one match suspension.  The Cork-born midfielder had picked up his fifth book-age offence in the 2-0 defeat to promotion contenders Chesterfield.  Tope Obadeyi is also back in the squad following a hamstring injury.  The on loan winger from Bury had been fit and ready to play last week but only the opposition could stop that.  Bury haven't given Tope permission to play against his parent club.  Oxford United boss Chris Wilder could name an unchanged side for the third success game.

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Jamie Reckord, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri,Conor Hourihane,Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Young, Ryan Lane, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Isaac Vassell, Caolan Lavery Tope Obadeyi

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014),  Tyler Harvey (on loan to Salisbury City),

SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Bury - Match Preview

Sheffield Wednesday loanee Caolan Lavery will make his first start for Plymouth Argyle since arriving to the West country on 22nd November 2013.

Making four substitutes appearance so far, Caolan, has impressed Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan in these fixtures to make his first start for the Pilgrims.  

The SkyBet League Two table does not lie as Argyle sit in 16th place following two successive defeats, home to Burton Albion and away to Chesterfield following a great unbeaten run of results.  However Bury are situated in 19th position, three points separating both teams in the table.  Bury's last result was a 1-1 draw home to Northampton.

A league One team last year, Bury were relegated to League Two at the end of last season, with the team  also struggling very financially causing a transfer embargo to be put over the club.  Finally after the takeover in May, formerly manager, Kevin Blackwell made 23 signings at the start of the 2013-14 season.  Just 2 points from his last six games Blackwell was dismissed of his duties. David Flitcroft was named manager following Blackwell departure in October.  Before being named manager Ronnie Kepson was put in temporary charge, his last game came in the defeat to Cambridge United in the FA Cup.  Ten days prior to joining the Manchester based side, Flitcoft was dismissed by Barnsley who sit bottom of the SkyBet Championship. This week David Flitcroft has added to his backroom staff, Chris Brass has joined as assistant manager.  Chris was previously the assistant manager at near neighbors of Alan Knill at Torquay United.

Ever present captain, Conor Hourihane, will miss Saturday fixture, home to Bury  due to suspension.  The former Northern Ireland 21's International picked up his fifth bookable offence last Saturday in the 2-0 defeat to Chesterfield.  This means Conor will have to sit out and serve a one match suspension.  Another absentee for the Pilgrims tomorrow will be Tope Obadeyi who is on loan from Bury.  Although only recovered from the hamstring injury suffered in the Second Round of the FA Cup, the speedy winger can not play against his parent club due to agreements being made between themselves and Argyle. Newly announced Bury manager will be without midfielder Tom Soars due to a hamstring injury.  Also missing from the trip to Devon is Danny Hylton due to a groin injury.  The striker has returned to his parent club Rotherham United to receive treatment.  

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Jamie Reckord, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Young, Ryan Lane, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Isaac Vassell, Caolan Lavery

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014), Tope Obadeyi (on loan from Bury) Tyler Harvey (on loan to Salisbury City), Conor Hourihane (suspended)

Second Round FA Cup - Plymouth Argyle vs Welling United - Match Preview

Can Plymouth Argyle make it into the third round of the FA Cup in 11 years when the entertain 13th placed Conference Premier outfit Welling United at Home Park.

The last time Argyle made it to the third round of the FA Cup was in 2002 when Paul Sturrock was in charge.  Plymouth had beaten Bury 3-0 in the first round at Gigg Lane.  The second round was also an away fixture at Stockport.  the team had scored three goals on their travels to win 3-0.  A third round tie was in order at home to Dagenham & Redbridge.  The final result of the fixture was a 2-2 draw.  A replay was needed to find out who would progress onto the fourth round of the FA Cup.  Unfortunately that was the end of the Pilgrims cup run as the lost the corresponding fixture 2-0.  

Argyle have been knocked out of the first round of the cup for the past two seasons.  In season 2011-12 Stourbridge defeated the Devon club by successfully winning 2-0 in the reply following a 3-3 draw at Home Park.  Fans were very confident the season after as Argyle were drawn against yet another non league club in Dorchester.  Argyle, reduced to 10 men in the early stages of the game with Conor Hourihane serving a second yellow, were yet again defeated following a 1-0 defeat.  This season however Argyle have beaten a non league side in the first round.  Argyle were drawn away at Lincoln and drew 0-0 in the fixture.  The replay at Home Park saw Plymouth thrash the Conference side 5-0.

Welling United made up of part time players had their best spell in the FA Cup reaching the proper first round on six separate occasions knocking out football league club and rivals Gillingham in one year.   Based in Kent, United have also reached the third round of the cup but lost 1-0 to Blackburn in 1989.  This current season Welling have played in the FA Cup qualifying round to participate in the first round of the FA Cup.  The Conference South Champions of 2012-13 beat Brislington 1-0.  They then beat Luton Town 2-1 to now be in the second round.  

Jake Cole will make his sixth cup appearance this season at Home Park taking over the goalkeeping duties from Luke McCormick.  Jake Cole has started every cup game this season whilst Luke contributes to SkyBet League Two.  Also missing for Argyle are Caolan Lavery and Tope Obadeyi.  Northern Ireland 21 international is on loan to the Pilgrims from Sheffield Wednesday.  The League One club are not allowing Caolan to take any part in the resulting fixture.  Bury loanee Obadeyi will also be unavailable to manager John Sheridan through a hamstring injury.  Tope suffered the injury in the first half of the defeat to Burton Albion last Saturday.  Former Argyle trialist Kieron Hugh-Mason is unavailable for player-manager Jamie Day as he is on loan to Concord Rangers.  After making their debuts last week, Callum Webb, Sam Corne, Josh Ekim and Artisde Bassele could all start for Welling United at Home Park.  Fraser Franks comes back into the squad following serving a one match suspension last weekend.    

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Jamie Reckord, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Young, Ryan Lane, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Isaac Vassell, Paul Hayes.

Doubtful: - Dominic Blizzard (thigh injury)

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014), Caolan Lavery (cuptied), Tope Obadeyi (hamstring injury), Tyler Harvey (on loan to Salisbury City)

SkyBet League Two - Torquay United vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

IT’S Derby Day, Plymouth will make there shortest journey yet as they travel to Devon Rivals Torquay United on a Tuesday evening in a 7:45pm kick-off . 

Can Argyle make it eight games unbeaten when they travel to the seaside town or will United get their first win in three games?

The last time The Pilgrims went seven games unbeaten in the league was season 2006-2007.  Recently having his contract terminated by Premier League Club Crystal Palace, Ian Holloway was the man in charge of the greens that season when the team was chasing a play-off space in the Championship. Ian Holloway’s team finished in 11th position that season on 67 points.  Is the season starting to make a turn, will Argyle make it eight games in all competitions unbeaten?

Twenty third placed Torquay United captained by Lee Mansell are currently placed in the last relegation place just above Northampton Town who are occupying the bottom of League Two this season after an outing to Wembley in the play-off final last season.  Winning once in nine, the Gulls will look to get back to the winning ways. Torquay's last outing in SkyBet League Two was the Saturday just passed.  The Gulls were up in Liverpool to play Accrington Stanley.  The visitors took the lead through former West Ham Loanee Paul McCallum in the first half.  Accrington equalized shortly afterwards after Kal Naismith scored twice, the first goal coming from a header.  The second goal came when Nicky Hunt floated in a cross and Naismith headed the ball into the back of the net.    

On the same Saturday Plymouth Argyle were home to a much improved Dagenham and Redbridge squad than past seasons in League Two.  After quite a cagey first half from the Pilgrims, hat trick hero from the previous game Reuben Reid popped up with a fine finish coming from the inside of the post from 25yards on 44minutes.  The lead didn't last long, a finalist with Bradford City at Wembley last season, Zavon Hines, was on the front foot calmly passing the ball passed Luke McCormick in  the bottom of the corner following a slip from right back Maxime Blanchard in added time of the first half.   Argyle improved their game hugely in the second half and it was awarded with a superb goal from loyal lad Luke Young.  Reuben Reid forced a free kick from just outside the box.  Young hit a sweet curling ball inside and passed goalkeeper Craig Lewington and into the goal in front of the Devonport Stand.  The fans went wild.       

John Sheridan will welcome back left back Jamie Reckord for the short trip to South Devon.   The Wolverhampton loanee has missed the past two games, the FA Cup first round reply and a SkyBet League Two fixture, due to illness after being substituted in the 1-1 draw at York City.  Torquay United are however without many first team players for the visit of Plymouth Argyle at Plainmoor.  Striker Paul McCallum has returned to his parent club, West Ham United, after suffering a back injury.  Billy Bodin and Ben Harding will also miss the much awaited Devon Derby due to cartilage and foot injuries.  As fellow striker McCallum returned to London Alan Knill has been forced into looking for a striker in the loan market.  John Marquis joined the Gulls on an initial one month loan deal from Championship outfit Millwall on Monday afternoon.  

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Jamie Reckord, Andre Blackman, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Ryan Lane, Luke Young, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Tyler Harvey, Isaac Vassell, Tope Abadeyi, Caolan Lavery   

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014),

SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Dagenham & Redbridge - Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle will go into the game against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday six games unbeaten with only one goal conceded.

The Pilgrims go into Saturdays fixture full of confidence following a 5-0 thrashing of Conference Skrill club Lincoln City. The Wednesday night contest surely entertained the crowd with Reuben Reid, on a season long loan from Championship side Yeovil, scored a Hat-trick. Reuben Reid was the first Argyle player to do so for 7 and a half years.

A former Plymouth Argyle player will return to Home Park with the visiting team, Dagenham and Redbridge. Manager Wayne Burnett, a former Argyle player between the years of 1993 and 1995 made 70 appearences scoringthree goals in his time in Plymouth.

John Sheridan has strengthed his attacking options by making his second signing out of the loan market during Friday Afternoon. Born in Canada, America, Caolan Lavery first began his career at Red Deer Renegades. Moving to Northern Ireland soon after he started playing for Goodyear F.C. Whilst over in Ireland Caolan had trials with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic. Neatherless Caolan never gave up and was awarded with a trial at Championship side Ipswich Town and was succesful in 2009. In 2011, the striker turned down an offer from the Tractor Boys and left after his academy schoolarship expired. In 2011, the Cadanian joined Sheffield Wednesday following unsuccessful trails at Sunderland and Leicester. Sheffield Wednesday striker Caolan Lavery has joined the Pilgrims on a deal until the New Year 2014. Caolan has recently been on International Duty with the Northern Ireland 21's squad.

Plymouth Argyle will still be without Marvin Morgan and Matt LeCointe due to shoulder and knee injuries. Tope Abadeyi will be eager to make his SkyBet League Two debut after signing on loan from Bury prier to the Lincoln City fixture at Sincil Bank in the first round. Caolan will also be aiming to make the starting 11 following his move from Sheffield Wednesday. John Sheridan has stated Andres Gurrieri will start the SkyBet League Two fixture on Saturday after his post match interview on Wednesday. Luke McCormick will alsostart in goal for the game against Dagenham and Redbridge. Jamie Reckord is very doubtful for the fixture due to illness. The left back was subsitituted during Argyle's 1-1 draw at York City last Saturday and did not take any part in Plymouth's victory on Wednesday.

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Ryan Lane, Luke Young, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Tyler Harvey, Isaac Vassell, Tope Abadeyi, Caolan Lavery

Doubtful: Jamie Recford (suffering with illness)

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014),

First Round FA Cup - Lincoln City vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Plymouth Argyle will be trying to make it third time lucky this Saturday in the first round draw of the FA Cup when they travel to Skrill Conference side Lincoln City.

Plymouth will be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins following two late goals to win the previous two fixtures in League Two. Firstly three points came away at Mansfields while the second three points came at home to Northampton Town last Saturday. Both of the goals to win the matches have come in the 90minute or more. Unbeaten in the last three fixture both in League and in the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup. The full time Skrill team will be looking to make it four unbeaten when Plymouth Argyle visit on FA Cup weekend.

From the previous two season Argyle have failed to progress to the second round after being knocked out of the cup by two non league clubs both televised on ESPN each year. The first club to overcome The Pilgrims were Stourbridge in October 2011, who are currently playing in the Southern League Premier Division. The first result was a 3-3 draw at Home Park and a replay was needed to be played to decide who was to progress to the next round of the draw. Live on ESPN at The War Memorial Athletic Ground Stournridge were to make one of many upsets when they had nocked Plymouth out with a 2-0 win. The following season the Devon club were also drawn against a lower opposition team. Was the luck to change? Unfortunetly not, live also on ESPN, Argyle travelled to Dorcester in the first round draw. Following an early red card for Conor Hourihane, Exeter City striker, who was on loan to Dorcester at the time, Jake Gosling scored the only goal in the 49minute.

In season 2012-13 Lincoln City, who were playing there game in the Conference Premier, were through to the first round of the FA Cup after progressing through the FA qualifing round with a victory over FC Halifax Town winning 2-0 after a first 0-0 draw at home. Lincoln City were to travel to Walsall for the replay. The RedImps won the fixture 2-3 and were put into the second round draw. The Lioncolnshire side were drawn at home to Mansfield in the second round. A 3-3 draw was the result of the fixture and so another 90minutes was to be played at the One Call Stadium. Lincoln were sadly knocked out of the cup after a 2-1 defeat in December 2011. This season the RedImps have defeated Worcester in the FA Cup qualifying rounds following a replay after a 1-1 draw, they were 3-0 winners at home on Tuesday 29th October 2013.

The Plymouth Argyle squad travelled to Lincoln on Friday without defender Guy Branston. The centre back picked up his five bookage offence last Saturday at Home Park in Argyle's 1-0 over Northampton Town. Guy may now serve a one match ban. John Sheridan made his third loan signing on the season on Thursday afternoon. Joined on loan from League Two opposition Bury, former England U20 International Tope Abadeyi has joined Sheridan for the second time, firstly at Chesterfield 2011, until January 4th 2014. Jake Cole will replace regular goalkeeper Luke McCormick in goal against Lincoln City with Sheridan stating in his press conference Luke will resume his place in the squad next week when Plymouth Argyle return to League action with a fixture away at York City. Lincoln City's Liam Farman will face a late fitness test following a knee injury. Jon Nolan will be looking for a recall to the squad after missing last weekends 1-0 defeat to Welling.

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Jamie Reckord, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Young, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Tyler Harvey, Isaac Vassell, Tope Abadeyi

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014), Ryan Lane (knee injury), Guy Branston (suspended)

Remembrance Day Rugby Match In Aid Of The Poppy Appeal - Combined Services vs The Barbarians

For the second time in a few years Plymouth will host one exciting rugby match at Brickfields on 12th November 2013 home of Plymouth Albion.  The Combined Services will take on the Barbarians at Brickfields live on Sky Sports and the BBC in a 7:15pm kick-off.

A remembrance Day fixture will be in aid of the Royal British Legion to get together to remember the ones who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Services for their country.  The poppy has been in use since 1920 to remember solider who have unfortunately lost their life in the war.  The poppy was first used by The American Legion in 1914 to remember the fallen.  Some after the poppy was then wore in Commonwealth countries, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  To this day the United Kingdom and Canada are the main countries to respect the service men and women who have lost their lives doing the jobs they loved and cherished.  The poppy is worn on clothing weeks upto and including the day 11th November of Remembrance Day.     

There are going to be many highlighted players playing at Brickfields non so than Gareth Evans who is currently in his second spell of playing for Plymouth Albion.  Born in 1982 in Taplow, Buckingshire, Gareth standing at 6'0 started his rugby career at Slough.  Following a spell with Slough, Gareth Evans made the long trip down to Devon to sign a contract with Plymouth Albion in 2007.  After six season at Brickfield, the Royal Marine Sergeant signed for Premiership outfit London Welsh.  The 30 year old returned to Brickfields in 2013 following an injury hit previous season in the Premiership.    

Another stand out player who will be featuring is Apolosi Vonowale Satala, born in Namoli, Fiji 1978.  Satala has served in the Army for the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.  Currently at Sale Sharks in Manchester Satala has previously worn the colours of Gloucester, year 2010-12, and Leeds Carnegie, years 2007-2010.  Nicknamed Apo, Apolosi also featured in international rugby participating for his hometown club Fiji making four caps since 2005. 

An afternoon full of activities followed by the Combined Services vs Barbarians match, what other way do you want to spend a remembrance day than at Plymouth Albion? 

SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Northampton Town - Match Preview

There is only one name to be announced around Home Park and that is Neal Trotman. Conor Hourihane floated in an exquisite free kick to the back post, BANG Trotman headed home the winner in the 93rd minute.

Plymouth Argyle welcome Northampton Town to Home Park on Saturday, following there victory over Mansfield the week previously. Northampton however drew 1-1 at home to Cheltenham Town. the one point which the Clobbers picked up left them in 23rd place in the relegation zone on 10points. Argyle however dropped one place to 19th position following York City marvellous 4-1 victory over Scunthorpe in midweek.

Aidy Boothroyd's last visit to Plymouth with his Clobbers came on September 1st 2012, in season 2012-13. Alex Nicholls gave the visitors a half time lead 1-0 lead after scoring in the 26th minute. A second half turn around it was when Warren Feeney, now playing his football at Salisbury, equalised for the Pilgrims. Back in his hometown of Wales Rhys Griffiths the Fire-fighter gave the Green Amy something to shout about when he gave Argyle the lead inside the hour mark. Transformed into a striker for the game Curtis Nelson gave the Pilgrims a 3-1 lead before the fixture finished 3-2 when David Artell's scored with the last kick off the game.

Going to Wembley would be a dream come true for any player or fan, and so it did for Matt Duke who has played at the heart of English Football twice in a space of a few months. Matt first stepped on the Wembley pitch when Bradford entertainment Swansea in the 2013 Football League Cup Final. Unfortunately it didn't end up with smiles on the faces of the City players or fans as they lost 5 -0. In the fixture Matt Duke received a straight red card for bringing down Jonathon De Guzman in the box. It must have been second time lucky when Matt Duke returned to Wembley Stadium with his Bradford City teammates in May 2013. Matt kept a clean sheet and helped defeat Plymouth Argyle opponents on Saturday afternoon Northampton Town 3-0. In June 2013 Matt Duke signed a 2-year deal with Northampton Town. So far this season the goalkeeper has made 12 appearences for the Cobblers.

Matt LeCointe and Marvin Morgan remain the only absentee's for the fixture against Northampton, whilst Nick Chadwick has joined and scored two on his debut last weekend for Tamworth in the Skrill Premier. The Evertonian has joined the Staffordshire side until the New Year of 2014. Northampton manager Aidy Bothroyd will be looking to put new loan signing Kane Ferdinand straight into the squad against Plymouth. The cousin of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Antalyaspor defender Anton Ferdinand and former professional footballer Les Ferdinand has joined Northampton Town from parent club Peterborough, in League One, on a one month loan deal. Roy O'Donovan is out of Saturday's League Two fixture, the forward has had a successful Hernia operation and will be out of action for a period of time. Roy joins a host of other players on the injury list; Clive Platt, Matt Heath, Lewis Hornby, Kelvin Langmead, Alex Nicholls and Kevin Amankwaah.

Available:- Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Curtis Nelson, Maxime Blanchard, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Guy Branston, Paul Wotton, Durrell Berry, Andre Blackman, Jamie Reckord, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Dominic Blizzard, Romuald Boco, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Young, Ryan Lane, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Tyler Harvey, Isaac Vassell, Paul Hayes.

Unavailable: - Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Marvin Morgan (shoulder injury), Nick Chadwick (on loan to Tamworth until January 2014)