Sky Bet League 2 Accrington Stanley vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Argyle will be looking for a second win in a row when they travel to Accrington Stanley after the victory at Home Park last weekend.

The Pilgrims last travel to the Store First Stadium last season on 22nd March 2014, the result being a 1-1 draw.  Reuben Reid had put Argyle ahead in the first half before Tom Aldred equalised with 10 minutes of the game to go. 

The trip for the Green Army will make the return for John Coleman who was named Stanley manager, having previously managed the club from 1999 to 2012.  The game will be his first home fixture since his appointment on 17th September 2014.   

Coleman has been named as James Beattie’s successor after the former Stoke City player left by mutual consent.  During his first spell as boss Coleman gained promotion with the club to League 2.  Stanley went on a 19 game unbeaten run in their promotional season. 

Coleman left Accrington for Rochdale in 2012 having sat behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger in being the third longest serving manager in England. 

Accrington Stanley’s first Sky Bet League 2 match with John in charge saw them see off Northampton Town 5-4 at Sixfields Stadium.  The visitor side were 3-1 up at half time before winning the game after a late consolation goal by Northampton. 

Argyle will go to Accrington of the back of a 2-0 victory over Hartlepool United at Home Park.  Marvin Morgan celebrated his first goal at Home Park since arriving in Plymouth at the start of the 2013-14 season with a baby celebration after the birth of his son days before the game.  Nathan Thomas rounded the game up scoring his first professional goal after coming on at half time for injured Reuben Reid. 

John Sheridan will leave it as late as possible to examine the fitness of Reuben Reid and Peter Hartley, who both had to be substituted during the 2-0 victory over Hartlepool United, last weekend at Home Park.  Sheridan will also be without Jason Banton who will be out for up to a month with a groin injury.  

John has signed Bobby Reid from Bristol City on a month loan and is set to go straight into the starting line-up.

Accrington have signed goalkeeper Aaron Chapman from Chesterfield on loan and he could make his debut against the Greens. 

Defender Michael Liddle will be side-lined with a knee injury with Adam Buxton also doubtful. James Gray will miss the game through suspension. 

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

Doubtful: Reuben Reid, Peter Hartley (both hip injuries) 

Unavailable: Jamie Richards – on loan to Linfield FC, Jason Banton (groin injury)

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

Plymouth Argyle are unbeaten at home this season in the league as they welcome Phil Brown’s Southend United on Saturday with Chris ‘Woody’ Wood from Bastille watching on.

The last time Argyle and Southend met was January of last year, the game finishing in a 1-1 draw.  Dominic Blizzard gave the Pilgrims the lead just after the hour mark through a deflected shot from outside the penalty area.  Argyle’s lead didn’t last long as Southend equalised through Kevan Hurst two minutes after. 

There will be a few familiar faces to the Green Army on Saturday as Phil Brown’s men visit.  Former Ivybridge Community College student Ryan Leonard will be leading his squad out, come kick-off against his boyhood club.  The Plymouth-born signed for Argyle aged 9 as a schoolboy.  Leonard spent 11 years with the Devon club before joining the Essex club in 2011.

Will Atkinson is another former Pilgrim who is most likely to be lining up alongside his former team mates. 

The midfielder was part of Peter Reid’s team in the 2011-12 season. Then on loan from Hull City, Atkinson made 22 appearances scoring 4 goals in all competitions.

The final ex Pilgrims is Conor Clifford who joined on an initial one month loan deal.  Then his parent club and Argyle had agreed an extension to his loan but the football league declined it due to the Pilgrims finical problem then. 

The midfielder who signed for Southend in 2013 made 7 appearances for the greens.      

A name which will ring fondly in the ears of the Green Army is Graham Coughlan.  Playing a key role in the Pilgrims promotional season under Paul Sturrock in 2001-2002, Graham spent four rememberable seasons in Devon.  During his first year Coughlan was named in PFA’s Division Three team of the year for the 2001-2002 season.

Making 177 appearances for the South West side, Coughlan is now the first team coach of the Seasiders, having previously been the assistant manager under former manager Paul Sturrock. The central defender retired from professional football in 2013 having took on the role in 2013 under Sturrock.

John Sheridan’s only absentee this weekend is 19 year old Matt LeCointe who has aggravated his knee injury that he suffered during last season’s pre-season fixture against Truro City.      

The news which fans didn’t want to hear was made after Matt had visited a second specialist this week. 

Jack Payne, David Worrell and Gary Deegan could all return for the Shrimpers as they visit Home Park on Saturday. 

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

Unavailable: Jamie Richards – on loan to Linfield FC, Matt LeCointe (knee injury)

Sky Bet League 2 Bury vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

LUCKY to get the point says manager John Sheridan after Tuesday dramatic finish to the game against Stevenage at Home Park.

Argyle now travel the length of the country for their Bank Holiday fixture against Bury in Sky Bet League 2. 

On Saturday the two teams will meet for the 70th time with the first fixture being played at Bury’s Gigg Lane in the 1930/31 season on September 6th in the Second Division.  

The result was a 2-0 win for the home side managed then by Arthur Paine.  Bury did the double over the Pilgrims that season, the reserve fixture played at Home Park ended in a 6-3 victory for the visitors on 3rd January 1931.   

The Manchester side just have the edge over the Greens winning 27 compared to Argyle 26 wins over ‘The Shakers’.  During this time the side have drawn 16 of the 69 games that have been encountered between the sides. 

Argyles last visit to Gigg Lane unfortunately ended in defeat for the Pilgrims in April of this year in the previous season, season 2013-14.  The home side took an early lead through Andrew Tutte and that was soon doubled just after the break, Daniel Nardiello kicking from the penalty spot after Curtis Nelson had brought the striker down.

The former Grecian then doubled his tally, in the game, netting past Jake Cole to make it 3-0 in the 53rd minute.  Danny Rose put the game to bed, minutes from time slotting past former Argyle goalkeeper Cole, into the far corner.     

Following the close season only eight first team players including the substitutes that took part in the fixture remain with the Devon club today. 

Curtis Nelson, Ben Purrington, Dominic Blizzard, Nathan Thomas, Jason Banton, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid and Tyler Harvey were all included in the fixture in Greater Manchester.

John Sheridan has a fully fit squad for the trip to Bury on Saturday.  Nathan Thomas and Ollie Norburn have both recovered from illness to travel after missing Tuesday’s game at Home Park against Stevenage.

Bury manager David Flitcroft will be hoping Daniel Nardiello is fit, the 31 year old was only an un-used substitute in their 1-1 draw with Luton on Tuesday due to a groin injury.  Craig Jones is also doubtful for the match through a back injury. 

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

Sky Bet League 2 Plymouth Argyle vs Stevenage Borough - Match Preview

‘THE coolest goal I’ve scored’ says Plymouthian and goal scorer Tyler Harvey, talking after the win against Devon Derby Rivals Exeter City on Saturday.

Everyone has enjoyed and relished the win on Saturday and now we focus on Tuesday nights game.     

Argyle will return to Home Park to play Stevenage Borough for the very first time in their history in Sky Bet League 2.

Stevenage who have only been in League Football for five season were first promotion to League 2 for the 2010-11 season after being named Conference Champions the season before.  The Boro were only in the fourth tier of English Football for a season before being promoted to League 1 via the play-offs.

Stevenage won against Torquay United, John Mousinho scored the only goal in the game which was played at Old Trafford.  

Former Captain and Pilgrim Simon Walton, who went without pay for several months when Argyle were in administration, will make his first appearance at Home Park after leaving for Hartlepool over 2 years ago.

The midfielder joined up with the Hertfordshire side at the beginning of the season following the expiry of his contract with the Pools spending 2 seasons with the club. 

Argyle will be looking to continue their good form on Tuesday following the excellent victory over Exeter City in the Devon Derby.  Tyler Harvey put the greens ahead before Reuben Reid gave the Pilgrims a 2 goal lead going into the break.  Newly named captain Curtis Nelson scored the third goal in front of the Devonport and finished the game off.

Graham Westley however will be looking for a quick response from his players as they were on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Southend at Roots Hall last Saturday.  First half goals from Myles Weston and Ben Coker were on the score sheet for the Shrimpers.

John Sheridan has a fully fit squad following Lee Cox not being included in the match day squad in the 3-0 victory over Exeter City last Saturday.  The Pilgrims boss is likely to name an unchanged squad for the visit of Stevenage. 

Stevenage manager Graham Westley will be without Chris Beardsley, Ronnie Henry, former Pilgrim loanee Dean Parrett and Calvin Zola through knee, anterior cruciate ligament and hamstring injuries respectively.    

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

Sky Bet League 2 - Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City - Match Preview

‘WE have to win’ insists Pilgrim’s 21 goal scorer last season Reuben Reid as Argyle line-up against Devon Derby Rivals Exeter City at Home Park.

Argyle will return to Home Park for the second time in a matter of days in Sky Bet League 2.  The Pilgrims have played over 120 minutes of football against Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening in the first round of the Capital One Cup.  Orient now travel to Aston Villa after a 6-5 win on penalties.  

City are also out of the cup following a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at St James’.  An unfortunate own goal by Scott Bennett gave the Cherries the lead before former Pilgrim himself Dan Gosling doubled the lead.    

The Greens and City both had disappointing starts to the League 2 season last weekend against Cambridge and Portsmouth respectively.  Argyle lost 1-0 to United the goal coming from a Josh Coulson header at the Abbey Stadium just past the hour mark.

Exeter City drew 1-1 at St James Park against Pompey.  Tom Nicholas had put the home side in front in the first half before Jed Wallace equalised in the second half for the visiting side.     

Friday before the big game Exeter City have had their transfer embargo lifted after paying back the loan to the Professional Footballs Association which they borrowed to help with running cost. 

This has meant that City have been unable to sign any players during the summer. Today Irish striker Graham Cummins on a 12 month deal, Cummins has been training with the club following his release from Sky Bet League 1 side Preston North End at the end of last season.     

Following the events of last season when Exeter did the double over Argyle, the Pilgrim players will be hoping at a much better outcome. 

The last fixture between the Rivals was played at Home Park on Tuesday 25th March 2014. More than 13,000 packed Home Park to watch Argyle lead through a Reuben Reid penalty in extra time of the first half.

The excitement didn’t last long as Exeter scored twice in the second half.  Liam Sercombe had equalised before Eliot Richards won it for the Grecians seven minutes from full time.       

There are no injury concerns for Sheridan as he prepares his squad for the visit of Exeter City on Saturday.  Sheridan is unlikely to make any changes to the squad that lined-up against Leyton Orient.  Graham Cummins having signed on the Friday is certain to make his debut in one of the biggest games for each club having trained with the club for some time.       

 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

 

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)