Newport County (a) (League 2) 28/12/2015

Following on from back to back to wins, confidence was once again high going into our first return fixture of the season. Argyle's opponents for the day were Newport County, and what would their only venture across the Welsh border this season for this league fixture at Rodney Parade. A lot has changed since the Green Army's previous meeting, a 1-0 victory at Home Park in August settled by an outstanding Graham Carey volley. First off, the Exiles' form is much improved under the stewardship of their new manager, ex Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan, who replaced Terry Butcher at the helm after a torrid first few months in the league. With Kevin Feely leaving the sport for personal reasons and Regan Poole's glamour move to Manchester United, Sheridan has no doubt steadied an otherwise bumpy ship. Add to that the improved form of striker Scott Boden and Newport were not the guaranteed three points they may have been seen earlier on in the campaign. The good news for Argyle however is the steady progress of yet another loanee  in Oscar Threlkeld, as well as the impending return of Hiram Boateng. Also Luke McCormick's reassuring presence between the sticks has been a factor in the recent upturn in results. Having reached the summit to be top of the pile at Christmas, it was now time to cement that position to say the Green Army could be top for the opening of the New Year!

With the crowd in good spirits, fresh from Christmas festivities and celebrations, referee Frederick Graham got proceedings underway. The match opened in an even fashion with both sides having an equal share of the ball, as well as early long range efforts from Craig Tanner and Lenell John-Lewis respectively. Scott Bennett also had an effort on the quarter of an hour mark, cutting inside of Curtis Nelson before sending a fizzing right footed effort along the ground and into the grateful clasping hands of McCormick. Other than these chances, the match was pretty scrappy, with both teams cancelling each other out, no doubt wanting the points desperately for entirely different reasons. It came as no surprise then, when the opening goal really came out of nothing. A long hopeful ball from Exiles stopper Joe Day was flicked on by John-Lewis. Nelson and Peter Hartley both seemed to misjudge the flight of the ball, allowing Boden to run in on McCormick, before expertly lifting it over McCormick with his right foot and into the net. 1-0 to Newport, and the quality of Boden's finish meant it was probably deserved in an otherwise evenly contested match. The rest of the half seemed to peter out quite quietly, with Ryan Brunt trying a right footed speculative effort after cutting inside of Janoi Donacien, that Day held comfortably. The energetic John-Lewis also tested McCormick with a right footed snap shot just inside the box, but again it was the keeper who came out on top, holding comfortably. As the half came to a close, it seemed that both sides could benefit from a break as the play and the crowd were becoming tiresome. Referee Graham duly obliged and brought proceedings to a halt.

As with a lot of half time breaks this season, it was up to Derek Adams to rouse the troops for the second half. Whilst Argyle hadn't been awful, the play was probably too cautious and the Green Army needed a route back into the match. On change was made with Josh Simpson replacing the tired looking Gregg Wyld and whatever Adams said to accompany that change at half time seemed to have the desired impact straight away. Argyle came out with purpose, and barely three minutes into the second half the Pilgrims had their equaliser. A heard into the Green Army's half was sent back with interest by Nelson. Simpson managed to bring the ball under control before laying it back to Brunt. Brunt then cut inside before delivering an in swinging left foot cross to the far post, which was met perfectly by Jake Jervis, who sent his accurate header into the bottom left corner to level things. This early equaliser really inspired Argyle and just moments later it could have been 2-1. A through ball from Kelvin Mellor found Brunt in space in the box but his sharp effort from close range just cleared Day's crossbar. The Green Army were not to be perturbed however and kept on pushing. Brunt again created a shooting opportunity by bamboozling Exiles centre back Matt Partridge before sending a twenty yard left footed effort swerving towards goal. Day did well again however, to both judge the flight and speed of the shot to adjust his body accordingly and hold onto the effort. Shortly after and Simpson had a clear cut chance to give Argyle the lead. Freed on the left hand side of the box by Threlkeld, he was one on one with Day. Simpson tried to slide the ball in at his near post, but Day did well to send the ball behind with his feet. With twenty two minutes left on the clock it was the turn of Nelson to squander a golden opportunity. Tanner whipped in a corner from the left and Nelson had a free header from six yards out that he managed to put wide with the goal at his mercy. It was beginning to feel like a goal wouldn't come for the travelling fans to cheer. Then yet again it was Brunt who stepped up to the plate with what would be a crucial and decisive goal. A long throw into the box from Mellor was flicked on by Brunt. The ball appeared to hit Donacien on the arm and the appeals from the Green Army seemed to distract everyone but Brunt. He sent the ball back with interest, smashing a left foot volley across Day and into the far bottom corner. 2-1 to Argyle and at this point, no more than they deserved. As seems to be typical of football in general, rather than act as a catalyst for the Green Army, this seemed to push the back into a defensive shell and in turn reignite Newport. Only four minutes later and the Exiles almost had their equaliser. A superb in swinging cross from Mark Byrne was met by a powerful header from John-Lewis towards the bottom left hand corner. McCormick did excellently well to parry the ball to safety, before it was then picked up by Boden. He laid the ball back to the onrushing Byrne who it a first time effort just wide and into the side netting at McCormick's near post. Newport felt a creaking ship and began to pile the pressure on. Another cross into the box bounced around before landing invitingly at the feet of Byrne who seemed destined to score. McCormick came out to meet him, spreading his big frame and producing another excellent save in the process. Further efforts from Tommy O'Sullivan and Scott Bennett followed, but again McCormick was equal to both of them with great saves. Adams felt the need to steady the ship and Tanner was replaced by Ben Purrington for the final ten minutes. This change seemed to have the desired effect once again as Argyle slowed the match down and saw the game out for another vital three points in their promotion push!

Well after no wins in five, it's now three wins in three! Football is a fickle game at the best of times! Today's performance, whilst by no means Argyle's finest, was yet again effective. Small bits of quality were the difference, and the presence of McCormick in between the sticks certainly brings a cakm and more assured performance from Hartley and Nelson in front of him. That coupled with Brunt's consistent and confident form seem to have brought about a resolute winning formula. With Boateng due back for our next match away to Carlisle United and with arguably our two best performers in Care and Reuben Reid to return, 2016 looks very bright and hopeful indeed!

Best Player - Luke McCormick

Attendance - 4314 (1074 Argyle)

Next Game - Carlisle United (a) (League 2) 02/01/2016








As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something that I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come along and visit the site and it's writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 17 year old Joe Balsdon from Crownhill, Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I have been an Argyle fan all my life (17 short years!), which was started by my granddad taking me to my first match when I was just 3 weeks old!'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'Going to an Argyle match just before the Millennia! I cant remember who it was against but we won 2-1. You have to bear in mind I was only 18 months old!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Darlington away during the season we won promotion. It was a great atmosphere. The coaches were buzzing and as we won we were singing all the way back to Plymouth!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'In my opinion it was David Friio. I loved his passion for the club and his drive to achieve his ambitions with the club'

Best current Argyle player? 'Luke McCormick has got to be one of our greatest keepers ever. He has a passion for the club which is second to none, and he also has a lot of time for all of the faithful Argyle fans'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'I think Derek Adams is a great manager. He has passion, ambition and drive for the club. He always seems to have the upmost time and respect for the supporters and everyone involved with club'

Season Prediction? 'I think this season we will gain automatic promotion, albeit in first or second place!'

Prediction for our next match away to Carlisle United? '2-1 because it will be evenly matched and we are both in good form'

Yeovil Town (h) (League 2) 26/12/2015

Firstly before this match report I'd like to wish all my readers and fellow Argyle faithful a very merry Christmas. I hope you all enjoyed your large helpings of Christmas dinner (with a little bit of a tipple!) and are ready for the Green Army's three exciting festive fixtures against Yeovil Town, Newport County and Carlisle United respectively. So with that being said it was time to welcome second bottom of League 2 Yeovil Town to Home Park. Prior to Argyle's dramatic last minute victory away to Hartlepool United and both times have been in indifferent form to say the least! However based on current league positions and if the Green Army have continued aspirations of getting promoted or even winning the league title, then this falls into the 'must win' category. Argyle are starting to welcome back players after a torrid run of injuries and today it was the turn of Reuben Reid and Josh Simpson, albeit onto the substitutes bench. For the Glovers there are no real standout names other than centre back Darren Ward and fans favourite striker Ryan Bird, who himself started on the bench today.

Referee Charles Breakspear blew his whistle and the match was underway, with Argyle coming out with purpose. Craig Tanner came out determined to prove his worth, as did Oscar Threlkeld who was getting stuck into challenges. Barely three minutes on the clock and the first chance fell the Green Army's way. A great ball out wide on the right from Threlkeld was picked up by Jake Jervis and his fizzing cross found the outstretched leg of Tanner on the edge of the six yard box, but the ball flew agonisingly over Chris Weale's goal! It was the start of a dominant opening period from the Green Army that saw wfforts from Gregg Wylde, Threlkeld, Ryan Brunt and Tanner respectively either well saved by Weale or fly just over the bar. At this stage it was becoming apparent why Yeovil were sitting in the perilous position they were occupying in League 2. Another chance came for Argyle, this time Gary Sawyer sending a whipped cross from the left that Tanner get just underneath with his header and send over the bar. With the nature of football, the Green Army's wastefulness was nearly punished went out of nothing Matthew Dolan sent a swerving twenty five yard effort at goal that pinged back off the crossbar with Luke McCormick well beaten. It proved short respite for the Glovers and not long later and Jervis worked some space on the right, outfoxing Nathan Smith before sending a powerful drive at goal, which Weale did well to punch away. A few minutes more and Brunt was in on the act, cutting inside of Connor Roberts before sending a right foot towards goal that was unfortunately too close to Weale, who gathered comfortably. For the last quarter of an hour of the first half, the game became a bit scrappy before referee Breakspear brought the match to an end for the half time interval.

Derek Adams couldn't have had many problems with a dominant first half display, other than the need to be more clinical with their chances. The second half started in much the same vein as the start of the first half with the Green Army making the early running. Jervis nearly took heed of the need to be more clinical when his brilliant right footed curling effort was expertly saved by the diving Weale. A minute late and a long range Tanner effort was equally well saved by the Glovers keeper. It seemed that the keeper could prove to be Argyle's folly, but then the irony of football hit again. Tanner set his sights from long range again, and perhaps the ball swerved at the last moment, because what seemed like a fairly routine catch was parried by Weale. The big Yeovil keeper fell over and Brunt accepted the belated Christmas present accordingly, reacting quickest and smashing into the back of the net! 1-0 to the Green Army and no more than they deserved. There was still half an hour of the match to see through however so focus was to be important. In a worrying moment shortly after the goal Carl McHugh went down under a heavy challenge from Ward. Thankfully after a few minutes delay he was back to his feet and ready to continue. Both Tanner and Jervis then had chances to seal the points but both of their efforts flew over the bar of Weale's goal. Yeovil did try to press, as teams do, in the final quarter of an hour but really lacked the quality in the final third to trouble the Green army's resolute defence. Adams replaced Tanner with Simpson, and Reid with Wylde to big applause from the crowd after their respective injuries. The Glovers then did fashion a half chance of sorts when Francois Zoko turned inside of Sawyer only to see his right footed cross come shot go well wide of McCormick's left post. A late Ward header flew well over the goal from a Yeovil set piece, but in truth that was all that could be noted of a poor Glovers team and performance. Ben Purrington came on for Brunt for the last few minutes, with the latter receiving a standing ovation! It was much deserved with himself and Threlkeld both stand out performers. Shortly after Breakspear blew his final whistle and Argyle secured the points they richly deserved.

What a great start to the festive period for the Green Army!! Three points and a very solid performance. In light of the recent injury spate, it has been great to see the likes of Threlkeld really develop into a solid and tenacious midfield dynamo. Equally Brunt has grown with confidence as more responsibility has been placed on his shoulders. With players returning from injury, as well as the January transfer window opening after our next game away to Newport County the furture is beginning to brighten again. These facts coupled with both Portsmouth losing away to Leyton Orieny and the York City versus Northampton Town match being clled off means Argyle have made a two point gap at the top of League 2! I'd say that makes for a very Merry Christmas indeed!

Best Player - Oscar Threlkeld

Attendance - 12821

Next Game - 28/12/2015 Newport County (a) (League 2)








As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something that I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come along and support the site and its writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 32 year old Anthony Tucker from St Stephen

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I have bee an Argyle fan for 30 years'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'I was a mascot at the age of five'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'When we beat QPR 2-0 that won us the Division 2 title!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Paul Wotton'

Best current Argyle player? 'Three of them. Reuben Reid, Jake Jervis and Graham Carey!'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Fantastic!'

Season Prediction? 'Top 3'

Prediction for our next match away to Newport County? 'I think we will win 2-0 because we will be keen to get one over on Shez (John Sheridan

Hartlepool United (a) (League 2) Match Report 19/12/2015

Following on from a dismal spell where only two points were collected from a possible twelve for Argyle, came an opportunity against a similarly out of form team in Hartlepool United. Pools had struggled themselves in recent weeks, culminating in a laboured midweek FA Cup performance, where it took extra time to beat part timers Salford City. Taking both side's low performance and lack of confidence into account, on paper this match could potentially be a very important fixture in determining future aspirations in the League 2 table. Looking to the sides and the Green Army welcomed back Luke McCormick in between the sticks after a position on the bench last week against Cambridge United. With Hiram Boateng, Graham Carey and Reuben Reid still nursing injuries the rest of the side remained unchanged, although I was sure that local lad Peter Hartley would relish a return to his old stomping ground! Notable players for Hartlepool included Michael Woods, (who was once a highly regarded prospect that Chelsea snatched from under the noses of Leeds United), playmaker Kai Naismith and the fortunately for Argyle injured striker Billy Paynter. With lots at stake for both sides in terms of both pride and confidence it was time for the Green Army faithful to find out if the near 800 mile round trip would be worth missing a valuable Christmas shopping Saturday!

Referee Graham Salisbury got proceedings underway on a grey and mild afternoon in Hartlepool. the match started at an even tempo with both side showing caution, perhaps with recent results in mind. Possession was shared and it wasn't until the ninth minute that any opening on goal came to fruition. A looped ball from Gregg Wylde found Kelvin Mellor at the far post, but his header under pressure went just wide of Trevor Carson's left post. the game was still very much finely poised and a couple of tentative long range shots from both sides were well claimed by each respective keeper. Firstly Craig Tanner jinked around Pools' centre backs Adam Jackson and Matthew Bates before firing a twenty five yard effort down the throat of Carson. This was followed by a slightly better effort from Hartlepool's Jake Gray from just inside the box that was well held by McCormick, high in the centre of his goal. As the half wore on it became a bit scrappy, indicative of a lack of confidence, with both sides lacking the cutting edge needed to break down their opponents. Woods and Naismith shared hopeful long range efforts for Pools, whilst Wylde and Tanner did similar for Argyle. It wasn't until just five minutes before the break that a real opening of note came to excite the crowd. A free kick from Naismith found Jackson on the edge of the box and his right footed effort fizzed wide of McCormick's post, with the keeper probably beaten. Shortly after Naismith had a long range left footed drive that flashed just wide of McCormick's post yet again. With Hartlepool finishing the stronger there was time for one last long range effort before the break. This time it was Jake Carroll who's left footed shot from twenty five yards just cleared the crossbar. As referee Graham Salisbury brought the half to a close there was a real sense from the travelling Green Army that this match, and with it the three points were there for the taking!

Derek Adams must have worked some of his magic at the interval as Argyle came out for the second half with real purpose. Barely a minute into the second half and Gregg Wylde hit one of his early season left footed drives that whistled just wide of the post. Incidentally Wylde is beginning to show some of his early season promise and bizarrely looks more confident in a failing Argyle team rather than a successful one! This Wylde effort was shortly followed by a Carl McHugh attempt from just outside the box, but his shot was just a bit too high and cleared Carson's crossbar with relative ease. The Green Army were now definitely on top and when Wylde cut inside of full back Scott Harrison it looked like a real opening had came. However once again his drive failed to test Carson and missed narrowly at his near post. Up until now Ryan Brunt had been relatively quiet but he came the closest yet to opening the scoring. Tanner cut inside of Carroll before sending an in swinging ball to the far post, and when Brunt rose it seemed he would power it home. However rather than do this, Brunt seemed to just glance the ball and it dropped agonisingly wide! It really was becoming all Argyle now and Brunt had another effort shortly after. this time picking up the ball in the centre of the Hartlepool half before powering towards goal. This time however his left footed drive was high, wide and handsome! Perhaps learning from the mistakes of last Saturday's match against Cambridge, Adams made the first of three changes. The ineffectual and largely anonymous Jake Jervis was replaced by academy product Tyler Harvey for the final twenty five minutes. As he bedded into the game, Hartlepool showed a bit of resistance and fight for the first time in the half. The architect of this resurgence was midfielder Scott Fenwick who firstly had a long range drive after Curtis Nelson backed off that fortunately was too high again. Barely a minute later and Fenwick really should have given Pools the lead! A in swinging Naismith corner was whipped in, finding Fenwick unmarked in the centre of the box, but his free header failed to trouble McCormick and cleared the crossbar again. This moment served as another wake up call for the Green Army and following the clearance from the resulting goal kick Harvey found himself in space on the right side of the box. His cross come shot just trickling wide of Carson's far post. Brunt then had another left footed sighter, hitting a sharp twenty yard effort that Carson punched away. With the pressure building from Argyle once again it felt the goal was coming. A Tanner corner found Brunt in the box, and his drive was well blocked by Bates. Hartlepool partially cleared the ball to Hartley and he sent a looping ball back towards goal. Nelson headed it down across the edge of the box and into the path of McHugh. He in turn opened his body up before shaping it around Carson and into the bottom corner! 1-0 to Argyle from the first bit of real quality shown! With fourteen minutes left, the question was whether the boys could hang on? Oscar Threlkeld had a chance to sew things up but his shot was well held by Carson. Then came a moment to forget for Mellor! A curling ball in from Bates from the right missed the diving header from Pools substitute Rakish Bingham and was about to fall into the path of the onrushing Fenwick. Mellor blatantly tugged him back and referee Salisbury had no choice but to award the penalty. For me the challenge was a clear red card, although fortunately the referee only deemed it to be worthy of a yellow. Fenwick stepped up himself before sending McCormick the wrong way and placed the ball into the bottom left hand corner for the equaliser. 1-1 and had Argyle thrown away a vital three points. Adams then made his second change with Ben Purrington replacing Wylde and it proved to be inspired! With ninety minutes on the clock, some fine link up play between Harvey and Brunt found Purrington on the left. He looked up before playing a beautifully timed and well measured ball to the far post for the onrushing Mellor to smash across Carson and into the bottom corner for the winner! The villain had become the hero in a great football moment! There was still time for Deane Smalley to get on the pitch in place of Brunt for his first action if the season, but shortly after the final whistle was blown and the match was over!

Well what a match that was. A very much each way game with two teams initially lacking confidence. What was great to see, was the renewed emergence of the side once youth players were introduced. Harvey and Purrington combined for the winning goal and both proved credible additions to the first team. For me this was a vital match in terms of where Argyle's season could go. With other results going the Green Army's way, it means that top position is acquired for Christmas and a feel good factor hopefully grows going into the busy festive schedule. I for one know that my Christmas dinner will be ever more the succulent due to Mellor's last minute heroics! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope to see some of you at Home Park on Boxing Day for the visit of Yeovil Town!

Best Player - Kelvin Mellor

Attendance - 3534 (237 Argyle)

Next Game - 26/12/2015 Yeovil Town (h) (League 2)





As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something which I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come along and support the site and its writers. It's a great site with broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 42 year old Tim Pike from Hertford

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'Every childhood holiday was split between one set of grandparents in Wembury, and the other in Mutley Plain. Despite never living in the city, I have had a lifelong affinity with Plymouth and Argyle. Growing up near London meant that I had to spend my formative years on the terraces at Highbury. In more recent times though, I am increasingly appreciating the real passion and relative affordability of attending lower league games with Argyle. I definitely consider them my first team in recent years, and it's always their results I look for first!'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'I couldn't tell you the game, and who we were playing, but being about 8 years old huddled on the Devonport from a freezing sea wind!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Always the next one! I live in Hertfordshire and I have a young family, therefore time is limited, so I really relish the grounds that I can make it to, and the days out with Argyle. As I type, I'm really looking forward to the next game that I can attend!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'I will always have a fond affection for the players that have spent their careers at both Argyle and Arsenal. Not necessarily the 'best', but Paul Mariner would spring to mind'

Best current Argyle player? 'For all round attitude, professionalism and work rate - Curtis Nelson'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'You can't deny what a great start this is. It will be a telling mark of a manager how he now goes on to deal with the spate of injuries, and the tough winter months. I have faith in the man. He seems to have instilled a real team ethos and belief in the side'

Season Prediction? ' Despite the ever impending threat from Oxford and Portsmouth I’m going to put my neck out and say we will win the league. If you can’t be an optimist in the present position, when can you be?!'

Prediction for our next match at home to Yeovil Town? 'I'm going for a prediction of 2-0 against Yeovil. There's a bit of momentum and confidence heading back into the side!

Cambridge United (h) (League 2) Match Report 12/12/2015

So after a two week lay off due to Argyle's early exit in the FA Cup, along came a chance to change recent fortunes. It was hoped that after a fourteen day rest some of the Green Army's injury concerns would be resolved, however it was only Peter Hartley making a welcome return to the starting eleven, in place of Luke Croll. There was further positive news in the sense of seeing Luke McCormick return to the match day squad, albit on the bench, with Christian Walton maintaining his place in goal. With injuries to key players such as Hiram Boateng, Reuben Reid and Graham Carey respectively, it would be interesting to see if Argyle's performance would improve on recent attempts. moving onto the Green Army's visitors for the day, and it was the turn of Cambridge United to make the fairly long trip down to Home Park. Recent managerial changes with former QPR player Shaun Derry taking the reins, combined with a fitness first approach have seen an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks. Having said that, the U's form can only be described as indifferent at best. Key players for Cambridge include local lad Luke Berry, Everton loanee and heralded prospect Ryan Ledson, and former England international goalkeeper Dave Beasant's son Sam Beasant, himself also a goalkeeper. This would prove to be a challenging test for Argyle and one, with the busy Christmas schedule approaching that the fans would hope to get a result from.

Referee Tim Robinson got the match underway and the match got off to fairly mundane pace. Both sides were closing each other down well and it seemed that it may prove to be a tight game. However with only six minutes on the clock and the U's opened the scoring. Berry picked the ball up in the middle of the Green Army's half before some neat and quick passing with Ledson allowed the latter to play a through ball to Ben Williamson down the right side of the Argyle box. Wiliamson allowed the ball to come across his body before firing a quick right footed shot across himself, beating Walton and nestling in the bottom left hand corner. Not the start the Green Army faithful wanted, and with injuries and confidence low it proved to cause indecision for the rest of the half. Despite a couple of speculative Craig Tanner efforts, the rest of the half belonged to the impressive Cambridge side. With just under twenty minutes on the clock, Kelvin Mellor was nowhere to be seen, and this let tricky winger Harrison Dunk in on the left. He cut inside the with the whole goal to aim at he hit a solid drive that Hartley did incredibly well to block and prevent further embarrassment. Possession seemed to be equally spread, but individual errors and a lack of creativity in the final third was preventing Argyle from making any in roads into the U's defence. Another chance came, this time it was Berry who found space inside the eighteen yard box. Again given too much time, he took the invitation to shoot and Hartley again made an impressive block. With the fans beginning to grumble and the obvious lack of final ball, the Green Army were being reduced to long range strikes. Gary Sawyer saw another one of them fly high and wide, when he struck from just outside the eighteen yard box with his left foot. This effort probably summing up an Argyle side devoid of both ideas, confidence and perhaps with the absence of Carey, creative ability. Cambridge were soon to be on the attack and Wiliamson found himself with space and time in the Green Army's eighteen yard box yet again. From the right hand side he fired a cross come shot across the box and it was Ledson who missed the open goal tap in by the slightest of margins. With a real sense of dejavu from the performance at Dagenham and Redbridge two weeks previously, it seemed lessons were yet to be learnt and when Robinson blew for half time, there was relief from the Argyle fans that we weren't further behind.

During he half time break, there was wondering over whether Derek Adams would make any changes. But with so many injuries it would have to be for an untested youngster, or Dean Smalley who has only recently come back from a lengthy lay off with injury. There were no changes however, so perhaps a stirring half time team talk would bring a different side out. Alas it was not to be and it was the U's who came out on the front foot, probably even more so than in the first half! An early effort from McHugh, who incidentally had been the player in green who had performed well!, flew high and wide over Beasant's goal. Shortly after Ryan Brunt had a long range effort easily blocked, and with United dominating possession and defending impeccably it seemed the side from Cambridgeshire were toying with their Devonshire counterparts. With the Green Army pushing forward, yet to no avail, it left inevitable gaps for Cambridge to exploit. Conor Newton ploughed forward with the ball at his feet and with Curtis Nelson backing off, let fly with a swerving effort from twenty yards with his right foot. Walton did well to parry the shot to his right. However a weak challenge from the mistake prone Mellor meant that Ryan Donaldson picked the ball up. He played it back into the path of Newton who in turn laid it off to Ledson for a first time shot that was well blocked by Oscar Threlkeld before looping safely back into Waton's grasp. The performance was for me the most laboured of the season, and with no changes forthcoming, it became apparent that Adams evidently lacked faith in the youth players, as if they couldn't get game time in this match, then I struggle to see when they will get it! Just as it seemed that the game would flow to a potential two or three goal win for the impressive U's, the Green Army started a mini resurgence of sorts. Firstly a smart through ball found Tanner in on goal on the left hand side. He cleverly dinked it over the oncoming Beasant and into the net, only for the linesman to correctly flag him offside. A short while later and a ball from Tanner into the box seemed to scrappily bounce around before falling to Nelson. He controlled the ball well before turning and swinging a left footed shot towards goal from about ten yards. The ball looked destined for the top corner with Beasant well beaten bit flew agonisingly over. Maybe Argyle's chance had come and gone, but only two minutes later an unlikely equaliser came. Jake Jervis was played in down the right by Gregg Wylde, who continued his run into the box. Jervis then sent an inviting right wing cross into the box and it was the diminutive Wylde who rose highest to head superbly across Beasant and into the bottom right hand corner! 1-1 and cue 'Wylde' (excuse the puns!) celebrations amongst the fans. Would this fortunate equaliser now spur the Green Army on to a possible winner with seventeen minutes still remaining. Sadly again, the answer was no and if anything it seemed to galvanise Cambridge further. Only three minutes later and Newton had the ball on the edge of the Argyle area. He laid it back to Ledson who hit a stunning right footed drive that Walton superbly tipped over the crossbar. From the resulting corner a U's goal so very nearly came. Donaldson whipped the ball in swinging with his right foot. Leon Legge jumped highest and headed the ball down into a congested penalty area causing a melee that eventually looped up, and from just three yards out Mark Roberts somehow hooked the ball just over the bar, when he really should have scored! With the Green Army support breathing a sigh of relief it seemed that Argyle would, much like at Dagenham, getting an equaliser and point that was little deserved. Cambridge weren't finished however and after a free Roberts header flew over, the winning goal would prove to be an early Christmas gift! Largely untroubled keeper Beasant sent a hopeful goal kick forward. The ball was allowed to bounce and as Hartley came into control the ball unchallenged, he appeared to stand on the ball and fall over. This let in the evergreen Berry through on goal, and as he closed in, he fired a curling early side footed effort past Walton and into the right hand corner of the net. 2-1 to the U's and no more than they deserved. here was four minutes left for the Green Army to salvage something but in truth the closing stages were very comfortable for Cambridge and no doubt Derry will be mightily pleased with an impressive display. Referee Robinson blew for full time and Argyle's sour patch still ever continues!

Whilst this game was on paper a fairly close encounter, in reality it was far from it. Argyle looked devoid of ideas and it was alarming to see how the lack of recent confidence so apparently affected the player's ability to perform the simplest tasks. The whole match was strewn with individual errors, and it was perhaps ironic that the otherwise fairly impressive Hartley made the mistake to give Cambridge their richly deserved late winner. What started as a little bad run is now becoming worryingly more consistent. This is now two very abject performances on the bounce. I feel the Dagenham and Redbridge performance was slightly glossed over due to Brunt's late winner. As a club the Green Army are fortunate that it is a tight division and no teams are pulling away, especially considering that Argyle have now taken only two points from their last four matches. What is for sure is that most supporters would have taken this league position at this stage of the campaign in pre season. Double that up with the passionate flair up between Adams and Derry and it is obvious to see that our recent form is riling the manager. Wit three matches left until the transfer window and a busy Christmas period of three matches (two being away!) in seven days and we all have to hope that the injury list becomes smaller and that we potentially invest in some player recruitment in the January transfer window. I'm off to Hartlepool next Saturday with many other passionate Argyle fans and we can all only pray that the corner is turned up in the North East next Saturday!

Best Player - Carl McHugh

Attendance - 7246

Next Game - 19/12/2015 Hartlepool United (a) (League 2)








As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something which I hope to do for every match day. If you would to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come along and visit and support the site and it's writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 58 year old Tony Bullock-Formosa from Melbourne, Australia

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'For about 50 years!'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My father made me a wooden rattle. I think I was about 7 or 8. We were in front of the Mayflower stand, standing by the fence so we could see! I held my rattle over the fence constantly twirling it and driving everyone around me crazy, because I was so loud!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'I was going to say the Santos game because of the huge crowd, but probably for a performance, it has to be the 6-0 Boxing Day win over Torquay United'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Hard to split Paul Mariner and Billy Rafferty, because they played so well off each other'

Best current Argyle player? 'I haven't seen Graham Carey play, but he sounds excellent! Who I have seen (last season) it would have to be Curtis Nelson. I still cant believe he is so young!'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'He's a great appointment! Comes across as a very focussed, capable man with a winning attitude. Long may it last at Argyle!'

Season Prediction? 'Bit scared to answer this one...but hope we stay in the Top 3! I think Derek Adams has the right stuff!'

Prediction for our next match away to Hartlepool United? 'Eek I fear another defeat, injuries are a real problem! Hopefully we can bring in a couple of replacements in the January transfer window'

Dagenham and Redbridge (a) (League 2) Match Report 28/11/2015

With the disappointment of only taking one point from our last two home fixtures, a trip on the road seemed like a welcome on for Argyle. Especially as that away trip was to Dagenham and Redbridge who boasted only one victory in their previous ten matches. Similar to our last away trip to York City, the Daggers are very much in a relegation battle of their own. Added to that their poor recent form, it could be forgiven for the Green Army followers to expect a much needed three points, and with it to get back to winning ways. Looking at Argyle's opponents today and the one key player who stands out is evergreen 40 year old striker Jamie Cureton. Other notable additions include winger Ashley Hemmings and Trinidad and Tobago international Andre Boucaud. For the Green Army it was the same starting eleven that took to the field against Leyton Orient in the previous fixture.

Referee Darren Deadman got the match underway and it was the Daggers who took control of possession from the outset. Good early link up play between James Dunne and the lively Jodi Jones were causing the Green Army's back four a number of problems. Despite this lack of possession it was Argyle who created the first chance when Craig Tanner tried a right footed pot shot from just outside the area that flew high over Mark Cousins crossbar. Shortly after and a Graham Carey from the left was met by a Carl McHugh header that was easily captured by Cousins in the Dag and Red goal. Both of these chances were at best half chances and the match was meandering at a slow pace. Even the travelling Argyle fans were fairly muted compared to their usual vociferous nature. With the match becoming sloppy it was up to someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck. That man appeared to be the diminutive Jones, who had two good efforts a few minutes apart. The first came when Joss Labadie played a short ball to Jones on the right wing. With his back to goal, a few silky step overs bamboozled Gary Sawyer and he managed to turn, before firing a hard left footed effort that just cleared Christian Walton's crossbar at his near post. With this acting as a sighter, a few minutes Jones was at it again. It was an initial Hemmings effort that was well blocked by Curtis Nelson on the left hand side of the box that started it. As the ball looped up it fell to the oncoming Jones, who hit a smart left foot volley that Walton did well to save in the bottom corner. The Daggers were beginning to get on top, and the Green Army were not on their game. As half time approached their was still time for one more chance wen Labadie picked the ball up on the edge of the box. As he brought the ball under control, he cut inside of defender Luke Croll, before hitting a curling right footed effort that beat Walton but also cleared the crossbar. There was little else to report on a rather limp and boring first half, and when Deadman blew for half time with the score at 0-0, even the fans needed a break!

With Carey seemingly picking up an injury at half time, coined with an abject first half display from Josh Simpson, both were replaced. Ben Purrington came on in place of Carey and Ryan Brunt replaced Simpson. As the second half got underway, there was little suggestion that the changes were proving effective. An early speculative effort from Gregg Wylde was easily saved by Cousins and after that some real scrappy and poor play from both sides. The match was really proving to be a non classic! It was perhaps apt then that the opening goal came from rather limp Argyle defending. A hopeful long ball from Boucaud was flicked on by Dunne. Hemmings still had Croll to beat, but brushed him off with relative ease before closing in from the left hand side of the box. Walton was outfoxed by Hemmings drop of the shoulder, and with the big keeper on the floor, coolly slotted the ball past him at his near post. 1-0 to Dagenham and there could be no excuses for the Green Army. Surely there would now be a response from Argyle, but alas there was nothing. With respect to the Daggers, against a more confident and in form side the Green Army could have been blown away. As it was the match just appeared to be petering out to a 1-0 defeat. Tyler Harvey replaced Wylde for the last seventeen minutes, but again this had little to no impact on the match. Then as time was almost up, there came a moment that may hopefully come to define a successful season. With ninety three minutes on the clock and dejection on the faces of the Argyle fans, a long bal from Walton was flicked on by McHugh. Brunt chested the ball around Boucaud before running towards goal. As the defenders backed off he let fly with aright foot screamer from twenty five yards that flew past Cousins and into the roof of the net. There were hints of a deflection but Argyle didn't care, and somehow they had managed to salvage a point. Referee Deadman brought the match to a close and the Green Army got a very underserved point!

This match is one of those frustrating games to get a report from. Two poor sides, the fans quiet and without the last minute drama I was struggling to give this any coverage. What can I say other than this really was a dreadful performance and match of football in general. Where in the matches against Exeter City and Leyton Orient there were arguments Argyle possibly deserved more, in this match they deserved nothing. Perhaps to finish on a positive note is the Green Army now have two weeks to recover both their bodies and their form in anticipation of the visit to Home Park of Cambridge United. An improvement is definitely needed! Equally Argyle have only dropped to second in League 2 despite this grey patch of form and you could call getting a point in these circumstances 'Championship Form'? Whatever you choose to take from this game, I believe we have to back Derek Adams as we are fighting and in the mix for glory this season!

Best Player - Ryan Brunt

Attendance - 2344 (991 Argyle)

Next Game - 12/12/2015 Cambridge United (h) (League 2)








As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something that I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come along and visit and support the site and it's writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Din Dierendonck with Argyle striker Jake Jervis 

Today's fan is founder of the 'Belgian Green Army'! 22 year old Din Dierendonck from Sint-Niklaas, Belgium

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I have been a fan since 2009'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My earliest memory is the FA Cup match against Arsenal t the Emirates Stadium. It was the first Argyle match that I watched'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Argyle v Oxford United two seasons ago. We lost the match but it was my first time at Home Park and I had the time of my life'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Rory Fallon'

Best current Argyle player? 'Graham Carey'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'He has been brilliant so far, and the way he talks about the club is fantastic. He wants what is best for the team and you can see that. If there is one man who can get us back in League One and maybe even the Championship it's Derek Adams!'

Season Prediction? 'Top of the League!'

Prediction for our next match at home to Cambridge United? 'I think we will win 2-0 with a good strong performance from the lads. Adams will have used this training time to get them back in shape'

Leyton Orient (h) (League 2) Match Report 24/11/2015

So after a weekend humbling to Argyle's local rivals Exeter City, it was back to formalities and amore realistic League 2 Home Park crowd for the visit of Leyton Orient. Previously I stated that coming into the match against the Grecians, the Green Army had a realistic chance of getting nine points from their next three matches. Obviously now that had reduced to six, but the team played well on Saturday and there was a feeling, that against an out of form Orient, it could be time to get back to winning ways. Within the O's ranks was yet another former Arsenal academy product Jay Simpson in attack, who after a blistering start to the League 2 campaign, has slightly tailed off, but is no doubt a considered threat. Another player of note is of course Dean Cox, who is as talismanic for Orient as Graham Carey is for Argyle. With Cox out injured, it could only increase positivity for the Argyle faithful. For Argyle, there was a welcome return to the starting line up for Carl McHugh, as well as second starts for new loan signings Christian Walton and Luke Croll respectively. Oskar Threlkeld kept Josh Simpson out of the side, and with Reuben Reid still side lined, Jake Jervis continued in his central striking role.

Referee Andy Woolmer got the match underway, and the initial possession was firmly in the Green Army's hands. Yet again, in what has been a feature this season, a defensive howler almost let in Orient's Ollie Palmer. A hopeful punt down the field from Bradley Pritchard was allowed to bounce by Croll. He attempted a weak and short header back to Walton, and as Palmer closed in, Walton just managed to clutch the ball from above his head, but in turn fell over the top of the striker, landing on his neck with what appeared his full weight. Home Park held it's breath and could it be yet another player off to the treatment rom? Fortunately Walton rose to his feet to applause from the fans and the match continued. Respite wasn't to last long however and some head tennis between Sammy Moore and Palmer found Simpson on the edge of the box. A superb first touch took him past McHugh before his second produced a fantastic right volley cross volley that flew past Walton and into the top corner of the net. Less than five minutes on the clock and already the beginning of a mountain to climb! To be fair to Argyle, they responded very well to this setback. Just two minutes later and it was Carey who came close to equalising, dinking around the O's captain Sean Clohessey before hitting a curling left foot effort that beat Orient stopper Alex Cisak, but also the frame of the goal. Again though indecisive defending nearly let it Orient for  second. Jack Payne picked up the ball at the midway point of the Argyle half, and with Croll and Curtis Nelson backing off, he hit a right foot shot that fizzed just past Walton's near post. This produced an antagonised reaction from Walton who berated his defenders to push up and close down and it appeared to finally bear fruit. The Green Army then took a stranglehold on possession for the remainder of the first period. Carey won a free kick on the left, which Jervis managed to get a head to, but again it was wide of Cisak's near post. Shortly after, McHugh found space on the edge of the box, bit his drive was brilliantly blocked by Cole Kpekawa. More attacks came, and it was apparent that some of the Orient players were already appearing to waste time with only twenty minutes on the clock. Another chance, this time from Threlkeld slotting a perfect through ball into Jervis on the left. He fired a left foot shot that bet Cisak but also agonisingly the far post as well. With the pressure mounting, another big game changing decision came and went for the Green Army. Carey played the ball back to Threlkeld, who in turn let the ball run across his body. In came Simpson with a rash and ill timed two footed tackle that took Threlkeld out (injuring him in the process), and leaving him crumpled on the floor. It looked a nasty one and on another day could have been a red card, but on this occasion, referee Woolmer decided only a yellow was sufficient. On came Josh Simpson in place of Threlkeld and the match resumed. It was still the same intensity from Argyle and further opportunities came. A left foot shot from outside the area from Gregg Wylde flew just over, as well as another great block from a Carey smash, this time from Jean-Yves Mvoto. As the pressure grew and grew it seemed only a matter of time before the equaliser would come. It was Simpson who had the golden opportunity, but he fluffed his lines. Great play from Nelson and then  a wonderful through ball from Kelvin Mellor released him in on goal on the right. But a kind of rushed swipe at the ball sent it high, wide and handsome. There was still time fir another Wylde left foot attempt, but again it was close, nut still wide of the goal. As the half time whistle sounded, although behind there was much room for optimism heading into the second period!

After a warm cup of half time Bovril and a famous Argyle pasty it was back to the action. But rather than continue in the same vein as the first half, it appeared that the roles had reversed. It was now Orient who seemed to have all the energy and the Green Army who looked laboured. An early John Marquis effort was easily saved by Walton, but it proved a precursor for the half that was to follow. Carey had another close effort with his left foot from a similar area to where he scored his screamer against Morecambe, but again it was just wide. This slight bit of respite proved to be our last for some time as the O's began to dominate both possession and the tempo of the game. The Orient were finding more and more time and space in the Argyle half as the defence stopped pressing. Moore found time to dig out a strike from twenty yards that flew over, and it began to feel a bit like a training session for the team from east London! Shortly after Payne had an effort from a similar distance that was well gathered by Walton. This was followed by another two great saves from Walton, both low to his left. The first a instinctive parry from a flash right foot Marquis volley, before a couple of minutes later doing similar from a Pritchard effort. Mvoto then found himself in space from a corner, but put his header over the bar when he really should of hit the target. The crowd were getting restless, and with the prospect of Argyle's fourth defeat in five games looming, Derek Adams made his second change. Wylde came off in place of Ryan Brunt, presumably to give an outlet for the beleaguered defence and to hold the ball up to relieve the constant stream of pressure from the O's! This did seem to work to a degree and the match became somewhat more balnced. Although now with the Green Army pressing for an equaliser, and combined with tired legs, there were still openings to be found for Orient. From a set piece it was Marquis, who had been a thorn in the side of Argyle the whole second half, who found himself in space. His left footed strike from the left was thankfully mistimed and sliced over. A minute later and on the break, it was the same man Marquis again who found himself in a shooting position in the centre of the goal. This time Nelson did very well to block his goal bound effort. Then in a rather bizarre twist, the Green Army found their equalising goal. McHugh was fouled on the right hand side about thirty yards from goal. In what was Carey territory, it was surprisingly Craig Tanner who took responsibility, sending in a curing left foot ball into the box. Ironically it was the miniature in stature Carey who won the ball, heading it across to Croll. He chested it down like a striker before lashing a left volley seemingly destined for the bottom right hand corner. Cisak dived and threw out a hand, parrying it fantastically to his left. Nelson then ran onto the loose ball and kind of scuffed a miskicked right footed effort back across goal, that beat Cisak and two defenders before nesting in the far corner. Unbelievably it was 1-1 and the Green Army had done it. With nine minutes left on the clock, this gave Argyle another resurgence and the match swung again in their favour, albeit only for a moment. Moments after the equaliser, the Green Army had a chance for all three points when Brunt headed down for the onrushing Tanner. He smashed the ball low and hard with his right foot, but it ricocheted off an unknowing Orient leg and away. In typical Adams style, Argyle pressed on, leaving the inevitable gaps in defence! The ever present Marquis still had time for a hat trick of winning opportunities before the game was out. His first, a right footed effort from just outside the box was well claimed by Walton to his left. Next an in swinging free kick found his head, but the ball dropped just wide of Walton's left hand post. And finally in injury time, another right footed effort from just outside the box flew over. The final whistle was blown to what was quite an extraordinary and bizarre night of football at Home Park

What a strange game football is sometimes. Argyle dominated the first half but lost it, Orient the second half and lost it! All in all a draw was probably a fair result, but there are worrying inconsistencies around Argyle's game management. Admittedly, there have been numerous injuries and new personnel entering the side,  but I also see a lack of maturity at the moment. With Hiram Boateng returning to Crystal Palace from his loan spell, Lee Cox joining Stevenage on loan and Threlkeld now injured, we look very light in the centre of midfield. Having said that, we still sit top of the league (mainly due to our rival's failings!) and we do have an away game at lowly Dagenham and Redbridge to follow. My feeling is that although we are not performing to our finest we are still performing ok, and if that is our lowest margin then we can be confident of a promotion season. I am a 'glass half full' kind of guy, but I say keep backing Adams and we will be in League 1 next year!

Best Player - Christian Walton

Attendance - 6469

Next Game - 28/11/2015 Dagenham and Redbridge (a) (League 2)




As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something that I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come along and visit and support the site and it's writers. It's a great site with a broad rnge of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 35 year old Al Holbeach from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I have been a fan for 25 years'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'I remember watching Adrian Littlejohn. Can't remember anything in particular, but he was a class player'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Has to be the Playoff final when Ronnie Mauge scored the winner!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Mickey Evans'

Best current Argyle player? 'Graham Carey'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Derek Adams has been a godsend for this club. I think he is doing great!'

Season Prediction? 'I think we will go up via the playoffs if I'm honest'

Prediction for our next match away to Dagenham and Redbridge? '2-0 to Argyle. We are a better team than them and they have only won once in ten games!'

Exeter City (h) (League 2) Match Report 21/11/2015

Coming into this match in fine form, Argyle were presented with further opportunity to delight their fans with the forthcoming 'Derby Day' match against Exeter City. Optimism was high, after a return to winning ways, with a dominating display at Bootham Crescent (home of York City) one week previously. Following on from injuries to first team regulars Luke McCormick and Peter Hartley, Derek Adams decide to bring on two more loan signings to bolster the ranks. Firstly in between the sticks, the Green Army welcomed back former academy starlet Christian Walton, who has found first team opportunities hard to come by at parent club Brighton and Hove Albion. Argyle's second loan signing is that of another Crystal Palace academy and Hiram Boateng parent club teammate, 20 year old centre back Luke Croll. Another who has had limited first team opportunities at Palace but like Boateng has been included on Premier League benches previously. For the Grecians, who were languishing in mid table, and still hurting from the 2-0 Johnstones Paint Trophy defeat, a chance for redemption and reclaiming local bragging rights. Within their ranks they included playmaker Ryan Harley, hard working midfielder David Wheeler and a second start for young striker Jamie Reid. With both sides having injury concerns, it would be interesting to see how the match played and who would cope with the changes the better.

Referee Graham Scott blew his whistle and the match got underway. A scrappy start almost started brightly for Exeter when an early Reid effort flashed just wide of Walton's near post. Soon after the Grecians won a succession of corners that were easily and well cleared by Curtis Nelson, Gary Sawyer and Oscar Threlkeld respectively. Soon after and it was Argyle on the attack, and from a surprising source too. Nelson picked the ball up in the centre of midfield and went on one of his customary, twice match, rampaging runs. This time instead of a long range effort, he kept running, outfoxing Exeter's Troy Brown, leaving him ground, before closing in from the left hand side of Bobby Olejnik's goal. A rasping left foot shot was well parried out for a corner from the big Grecian stopper. A couple of minutes later and Sawyer cut inside from the left before sending a right footed in swinger into the box. Jake Jervis sent a flicked header towards goal but it was easily saved by Olejnik, low to his left. The Green Army were starting to create chances and shortly after Jervis had a shot well blocked by early Exeter substitute Christian Ribeiro. The possession was being well shared between two good footballing sides, but it was Argyle who were creating the initial first half chances. Another chance came, this time from a familiar Graham Carey corner from the right. Kelvin Mellor met the in swinging cross with his head, but could only glance it over. Things were looking bright for the Green Army and the Grecians defence, and in particular Brown, were looking nervy. Another Carey in swinging cross from the right was only partially cleared by a Brown header to the non expectant Ollie Watkins. When he got the ball caught under his legs it was Craig Tanner who nicked it off of him before firing a similar shot to Nelson's earlier chance that was again brilliantly parried by Olejnik. It was becoming an ideal of 'not if' but 'when Argyle would take the lead. Then came a moment that seemed to change the game. A long ball forward by Sawyer found Jervis running alongside Ribeiro. The latter misjudged the bounce of the ball leaving Jervis clear through one on one with Olejnik. Then came the first of referee Scott's many mistakes for both sides during the course of the match. It was to prove a costly one for the Green Army. From the resulting free kick, a long ball was played up field by Ribeiro. Nelson lost out on the first ball in a challenge with Wheeler. the second ball fell to Mellor and when his attempted clearance hit the onrushing Wheeler, it left Wheeler in on goal on the left. A perhaps ill advised and certainly rash challenge leading to a stonewall penalty for Exeter. Harley stepped up and hit a solid right foot effort across himself, and although Walton got a hand to it, it nestled in the corner, much to the delight of the travelling support. This seemed to change the balance of the match, and although the Green Army toiled, the creative spark seemed to have gone missing. The Grecians took full advantage of Argyle's wastefulness and doubled their lead six minutes before the break. Harley picked up the ball just outside the box and showed great class as he fooled both Threlkeld and Josh Simpson by cutting inside and delivering a perfect right foot shot across Walton and into the bottom left hand corner for 2-0. Things almost got even worse. After a limp Threlkeld header from a corner, Exeter broke with Reid on the left, he sent a left footed cross into the near post and after a scuffle between Wheeler and Nelson the ball fell to Wheeler and Walton did well to prevent further embarrassment, saving at his near post. the half time whistle blew and the game had turned on it's head.

After much half time grumblings from the fans, firstly about the performance, and also the lack of further refreshment facilities given the bumper crowd!, it was back to the match. Adams made his customary change of bringing Ryan Brunt on for Gregg Wylde, with Jervis moving to the right and Tanner to the left, and the second half began. With Argyle chasing and the Grecians sitting back, happy to play on the counter attack, it kind of nullified the match. Carey as usual was showing willing, with Sawyer supporting him well down the left and showing solid delivery from his left footed crosses and passing. The chances weren't being created however. Fifteen minutes into the second period and the Green Army had their first opening with Carey picking up the ball down the left. After being crowded out by three Exeter defenders, he managed to dig out a left foot cross. Mellor met it with a firm but unfortunately misdirected header wide of the goal. Still Argyle pressed and pursued and finally got some reward for their endeavour. Carey again on the left, this time playing it back to Sawyer who played a lovely inviting ball into the box. When Brunt's shot was blocked by Jordan Moore-Taylor, the ball fell invitingly to Threlkeld on the edge of the box. He hit a first time right foot volley into the ground and the ball bounced all the way through, beating Olejnik and into the bottom left hand corner. 2-1 and still thirty minutes to play. Just as the Green Army had got back into things, the tide nearly turned again. Another mistake from referee Stott, this time saved them from another penalty. Watkins picked the ball up on the edge of the box, before feeding David Noble in on goal on the right. Carey made a rash challenge from behind, winning the ball, but going through Noble to do so. For me it was a certain penalty, but Scott waved Exeter protests away. This again seemed to reignite Argyle and soon after a cross from Tanner bounced all the way across the face of the goal, finding Carey on the left hand edge of the box. He hit a stunning left foot volley that narrowly missed the top corner with Olejnik well beaten. Tyler Harvey then replaced Tanner for a mine minute cameo. Time was almost up when Harvey won a free kick on the right hand side and just outside the eighteen yard box. Up stepped Carey and lashed a trademark left foot curler. The shot beat the wall but didn't dip quite enough and landed on the top of Olejnik's net. Scott blew for full time shortly after, and the spoils of this particular 'Devon Derby' were going back to Exeter!

So for a game that garnered so much anticipation and a near full house, alongside the casual fan, ultimately ended in disappointment. Reading the online forums, it appears that this was a game that Argyle really didn't perform. I don't agree! I felt that up until the first penalty, the Green Army were very much the better side. The huge changes to the personnel featuring due to injuries, of course had an impact, but not a huge one. The second Exeter goal was a piece of brilliance from Harley and we were unlucky not to get something from the game in the second half. That being said, the Grecians were great value for their win and more than matched us for long periods. Derby's are always strange occasions, a bit like cup ties, and our form in them hasn't been great this season. The positives are that Argyle still sit top of the league with a two point cushion. Tuesday's match with Leyton Orient becomes slightly more important now, and with an away trip to bottom of the league Dagenham and Redbridge following on Saturday, hopefully six points could come. After that we have two free weeks for our players to recover due to our early exit from the FA Cup two weeks ago. Perhaps that defeat, along with today's could prove bittersweet some May 2016?

Best Player - Gary Sawyer

Attendance - 14008

Next Game - 24/11/2015 Leyton Orient (h) (League 2)




As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something that I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come along and visit and support the site and it's writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 20 year old Luke Petherbridge from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I have been an Argyle fan all my life. I was born into a family that has supported Plymouth Argyle for generations. It's even where my parents met! So in a way I suppose I even have Argyle to thank for my existence!'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My first game was at home to Tranmere Rovers back in 2003. It was a Tuesday night and we lost 1-0. Well it's the first one I remember! I was supposedly taken to one at an even younger age and fell asleep! Everyone was apparently 'awww, bless him!' I wonder if I'd get the same reaction now?!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Torn between two. Home against QPR when we won the old Second Division. The atmosphere and the excitement of getting promoted will be treasured forever. And the other match being away against Arsenal in the FA Cup back in 2009. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to play one of the 'big boys'. also to hold the record for the biggest away support in an FA Cup game is absolutely fantastic!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Probably Akos Buzsaky. in my time supporting Argyle I believe he was one of the biggest threats we have had. I also believe he potentially  could have even played at a higher level had injuries not held him back at QPR'

Best current Argyle player? 'Luke McCormick or Graham Carey. Both have been vital parts of our start to the season'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Derek Adams has brought back to Argyle what we have been missing since the Championship days. A bit of passion, team spirit and belief amongst the players and fans. He has been a breath of fresh air. He's also a fantastic young manager and hopefully he stays. He could go on to become one of the greats at Home Park!'

Season Prediction? 'Based on the position we are in currently I would be heartbroken if we did not make the top 3. However, should we keep the way we are going through Christmas and are still top of the league come February, I think we will win the league!'

Prediction for our next match at home to Leyton Orient? 'Going on today's game, I believe that we seek to have lost our link between defence and attack. Something that is present when we have Boateng and McHugh. Having said that, this could have just been a situation of this game and we should still be positive of a 2-0 win on Tuesday. This despite looking like we could do without a Tuesday night fixture due to fatigue!'