Newport County (h) (League 2) Match Report 29/08/2015

4 match's played, 3rd in the league and with 9 points on the board. Could this finally be the season that we leave the basement division? Although too early to begin getting excited for such a feat, the opening to Adams' tenure at Home Park has been as uplifting as it has been unexpected. Lots of goals, an array of positive new signings and a new found belief in the side set us up nicely for Saturday's encounter with Newport County. Looking at it on paper, there would only be one winner, with the Exiles managing a meagre one point from their first four matches. Although coming back in their previous encounter from 2-0 down against a rampant Leyton Orient, albeit to end up on the end of a 3-2, should have made sure caution was heeded.

Going into the game there were two changes from the side that lined up against Northampton Town last Saturday. Gregg Wylde was on the bench in place of Craig Tanner due to a thigh injury picked up at Sixfields. Equally Reuben Reid was out with the hamstring problem he picked up in the same game, being replaced by Ryan Brunt. There was rumour of this potentially being linked to Portsmouth boss Paul Cook's comments in the media of his interest in bringing him to Fratton Park. Claims that have riled Derek Adams and are so far unfounded! We will hopefully see Tuesday's transfer deadline pass with Reid still very much an Argyle player. Anyway on to today's match and for the first time this season we came out of the blocks at an enthralling pace. Perhaps buoyed by the positivity that filled Home Park and the confidence in our recent results. The boys were knocking the ball around confidently and expertly in the middle of the park and early on some neat footwork from Gary Sawyer, saw him find himself some space on the left corner of the box, drilling a left foot shot that was well saved by Rhys Taylor in the Newport goal. Graham Carey was also getting in on the act, cutting in from the right before hitting a scuffed shot towards the near post, again saved by Taylor. Not long after and a ball was played by Tanner across the box, Hiram Boateng brilliantly let it run through his legs and Carey struck a similar shot to his first effort, again with Taylor producing the save. Newport had barely been out of their half, and were only seeming to find space in our half due to what seemed  a slight overconfidence in numbers of Argyle shirts plying forward. One of their few forays into our half ended with Yan Klukowski skiing a speculative 20 yard effort over the bar. Carey and Boateng were dominating the middle of the park and it wasn't long before Boateng stepped inside of a challenge, driving into the box and hitting a solid strike that went into Taylor's midriff. It was all Argyle.

Kelvin Mellor was having a particularly good game, maybe due to the recent loan signing of Oscar Threlkeld from Bolton Wanderers in midweek, keeping him on his toes. He cut inside and into the box on a number of occasions as well as hitting a lovely 30 yard shot just over. Ryan Brunt also fizzed a shot across the goal and just wide after good work creating the angle for himself. Fans were saying it was some of the best football  they had seen in years at Home Park. Then right against the run of play Newport had a breakaway with striker Lenell John-Lewis cutting inside from the left and shooting with his right foot, hard and fast, producing a great reflex save from Luke McCormick. Almost a County smash and grab! Just as it felt that Argyle may not make our dominance count, it was none other than the magnificent Carey who made the difference. Seven minutes before half time, we were given a throw in on the left wing. Sawyer took the throw and it was chested down by Brunt for the oncoming Carey to fire home a sweet volley into the right corner of the net. It was absolutely no more than we deserved in a half where on another day it could have been 4 or 5. But for today we had to settle for 1-0 on the way to getting our half time Bovril!

After finishing our half time fare the lads were back out for the second half. Newport had made a change Aaron Collins coming on for the near non existent Scott Boden. Former England international and County manager Terry Butcher had to do something after watching his side be on the receiving end of a totally dominant first half performance form the Green Army. The half started at a more gentile pace, with the Pilgrims keeping possession but Newport showing a bit more than on their abject first half effort. A Scott Barrow free kick went close for them, narrowly missing McCormick's near post before Jake Jervis cut in from the left, similarly to when he scored against Carlisle, but this time slicing a shot that Taylor made a hash off, with the ball looping just over him and the crossbar. Carey was showing some lovely touches and making a few openings, sometimes being slightly over zealous taking long range pot shots when an easier pass down the flanks was available. Josh Laurent replaced Danny Holmes for Newport and Wylde came on for Tanner for the last 25 minutes. Tanner had an okay game, but looks like he overthinks things sometimes. He was great against Gillingham in the League Cup and needs to get back to that for an extended spell in the side. Wylde's introduction sparked a bit more life into Argyle and he forced a croner, which Carey took and Carl McHugh headed just over at the near post. We just couldn't get that second goal to kill them off, like we had done at Northampton last week. We were almost punished when the Exiles substitute Laurent fired just wide from outside the box. Peter Hartley then went up the other end and had a shot at the break down of a corner that was again well saved by Taylor. Newport made their final substitution with former Argyle player Zak Ansah coming on for Klukowski. Ansash received a warm reception from the Argyle faithful, but he almost spoiled the party shortly after. The Green Army were beginning to tire and Newport seemed to find a second wind. Ansah found the ball on the edge of the box, cut inside and fired a shot that cannoned back off McCormick's crossbar. We all breathed a sigh of relief!! Argyle then forced a free kick that produced an outstanding strike from Carey that hit right where the post and crossbar meet. It would have been no more than we deserved but the game looked to be petering out to what can only be described as one of the most one sided 1-0 score lines you are ever likely to see. Newport had one last effort with Collins tame effort being comfortably saved by McCormick before the referee blew his whistle for full time and a 1-0 win.

It was a brilliant performance with so many candidates for man of the match. We look so much like a team and Adams's has a real attack minded focus for the team. This can sometimes be nervy but is far removed from the performances under John Sheridan last season. There are things to work on, like Tanner playing to his strengths and hoping that we keep Reid come 6pm on Tuesday, but the signs are positive. Wimbledon are up next in the Johnstones Paint Trophy on Tuesday and it will be a chance for Adams' to blood a few of the younger players. I for one hope the likes of Louis Rooney, Aaron Bentley, Ben Purrington, Callum Hall and the Harvey brothers get some game time. If just one or two of them. But it's Adams who will be the architect of that and I and I'm sure all Argyle fans are happy with any decisions he chooses to make right at this moment in time!

Best Player - Graham Carey

Attendance - 7811

Next Game - 01/09/2015 AFC Wimbledon (a) (Johnstones Paint Trophy Southern Section 1st Round)




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 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 at @danstone84 or on one of the Facebook forums tagging me in Dan Stone. This week I have kindly be asked by Argyle Life to be a feature writer for them after seeing my blog. Please come and visit and support the site and writers at www.argyle.life. Its a great site with a broad range of opinions and views on all things Green Army. Thanks!!

Today's fan is 55 year old Diane Aggett-Magro from Nottingham

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'Been a fan all my life. Well since I was old enough to understand, so since I was 6 years old'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My first memory is my Dad and Uncle taking me to Home Park in 1973. I remember having my photo taken and seeing myself in the Herald's match day pictures the next day!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Wembley 1996 when we beat Darlington to win promotion. I was my daughter's first ever time at a football match and my father in law's first time at Wembley!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Best all time player in my eyes is Paul Mariner'

Best current Argyle player? 'Luke McCormick'

General feeling around Derek Adams' appointment? 'I like the start we have made and that Adams' isn't scared to change things when they are not working'

Season Prediction? 'I think we will finish 2nd given the start to the season'

Prediction for our next match away to AFC Wimbledon? 'I think it will be 2-1 to Argyle, just going on our form at present'

Northampton Town (a) (League 2) Match Report 22/08/2015

After an up and down start to the season we visited the Sixfields on the back of a great result against Carlisle in midweek. For the first time this season there was a real feeling of optimism amongst the travelling support for our second away day of the season. Both sides came into the game on 6 points, with two wins apiece. The previous week had seen Northampton beat our rivals Exeter 3-0 last Saturday but also concede their first goals and with it receive their first defeat to Barnet on Tuesday by a score line of 2-0. The Cobblers received us well, giving us a fairly warm welcome and we hoped to see the attacking flair and tactical nous that Adams' brought in the second half of the game against the Cumbrians in midweek.

The game got off to a gentle start, with Argyle again taking some time to warm to proceedings. An early corner produced one of many great balls from the again excellent Graham Carey, which was met by a powerful Peter Hartley header that flew just over the bar. Northampton also created their own opening with Nicky Adams finding space on the edge of the box before hitting a scuffed shot that McCormick gratefully grasped. Reid was creating plenty of problems for the Cobblers backline, and this was emphasized by getting in behind a couple of times, the first resulting in the ball put into the back of the net, only to be adjudged offside. Shortly after this, a hamstring pull forced Reid off, with Brunt coming on his place. To be fair Reid hasn't looked himself this season and perhaps a lay off could do him some good. It was beginning to look like the footballing gods were against us again! Just as the game was meandering towards a goalless first half another defensive howler let in Carey. Northampton tried playing the ball out of defence, Ryan Watson picking the ball up on the halfway line before being pickpocketed by Carey, who ran the length of the pitch before slotting calmly and precisely past Cobblers keeper Adam Smith and in turn putting us 1-0 up. In fairness it was no more than we deserved, in a first half that we just edged in terms of both effort and quality.

 The half time break was filled with a bit of light entertainment, with a couple of Cobblers fans and Argyle and Big Brother's Pieface trying to find the boot of a car from 20 yards for the princely sum of £250. It was an abject performance from all parties and this time the money stayed firmly in the coffers of Northampton Town FC!! Adams' again made the same change as in midweek, bringing on Josh Simpson for Gregg Wylde and it seemed to have the same desired impact. The second half began in much the same vain as the first with the Green Army streaming forward and creating chances. The goal shortly before the half time break had seemed to reinvigorate Argyle, whilst also forcing Northampton into their shell. Brunt had an early close range effort which he scooped just over Smith's crossbar. Carey began causing havoc down both flanks with both his dribbling ability and his crossing and it was he who forced a fingertip save from Smith. Carey picked the ball up on the left wing before cutting inside and shaping to cross. By doing this he cleverly disguised his rasping left foot effort which Smith impressively tipped onto the cross bar and over. From the resulting corner  the ball was whipped in at the near post and it appeared to catch Jervis unaware, hitting him and looping just over. It was all Argyle now and Northampton were struggling to get out of their half. Brunt was working hard, holding the ball up well and playing in the midfield. A good battle was ensuing between him and Cobblers centre back Ryan Cresswell. It was a battle Brunt appeared to be winning, turning Cresswell on a number of occasions and firing just over at the near post. We were well on top and the fans were getting anxious for that second goal to secure the 3 points. Another Carey cross caused problems for Smith, and after a scramble at the far post, Jervis, who was laying on the his back managed to hook the ball across the goal with his right foot and it found the right corner of the net! 2-0 and we had what we deserved. Tanner came on for Boateng for the last 8 minutes and the team stood firm. In the closing stages a petulant challenge from the Cobblers Josh Lelan meant a second yellow and the first red of his career and it summed up their performance. But for Argyle it was a day of many positives. Gary Sawyer seems to have shaken off his poor performance against Portsmouth and is back on form, Brunt looks like a workhorse and an ideal replacement for Reid, should he be out for a length of time. And then there's Adams' new boys. Gregg Wylde, Jake Jervis and Graham Carey. All have performed brilliantly so far, but a special mention has to go to Carey who was outstanding today and I'm sure if he continues there will be many suitors for him come January! I really hope we can keep hold of this young, energetic and attacking side. The calls of 'Scottish Mourinho' are becoming more frequent and perhaps the laughs are starting to die down. Roll on Saturday and the visit from South Wales of Newport County!

Best Player - Graham Carey

Attendance - 4505 (710 Argyle)

Next Game - 29/08/2015 Newport County (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 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.

 

 

Today's fan is 49 year old Nigel Harradence from Letchworth, Hertfordshire

 

 

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I have been an Argyle fan for 15 years and I'm currently one of the stadium announcers at Home Park'

 

 

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'I remember the 1984 FA Cup Semi Final against Watford'

 

 

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'The best game I was present at was at home to QPR in 2004 when we won promotion to the Championship'

 

 

Best all time Argyle player? 'My favourite all time player would be David Friio'

 

 

Best current Argyle player? 'My current favourite would be Luke McCormick'

 

 

General feeling around Derek Adams' appointment? 'I think there is a very positive feeling around Derek Adams' appointment because of his attack minded philosophy'

 

Season Prediction? 'Judging by the start we have made, I see no reason why automatic promotion isn't achievable. Although I would love a day out at Wembley in a Playoff Final!!!'

 

 

Prediction for our next match at home to Newport County? 'I really enjoyed the Northampton game. I think we will win comfortably on Saturday 3-0. I don't think Newport have anyone that can hurt us and our defence has been awesome. This Saturday my half time guest is Tommy Tynan so look out for that!'

Carlisle United (h) (League 2) Match Report 18/08/2015

179 brave souls took on the 779 mile round trip from northern most club Carlisle United to the southernmost, our Plymouth Argyle. To make such an arduous journey on a Tuesday night is surely something the Football League has to look at when the computer gets the fixtures wrong? However there is no room for sentiment in football and we were hoping to make sure that they went home disappointed. Carlisle came into the game on the back of a memorable 4-4 draw with Cambridge United on Saturday that included a hat trick from the in form Jabo Ibehre. The Argyle support was in upbeat fashion, even if we did lose a few fans to the fireworks down at the Hoe.

The first half started as much of our season has been so far. A lack of pressure on the ball combined with long balls up to an isolated Reid. An early Wylde chance being put over the bar after good work down the left. The game was moving pretty laboriously with Carlisle's Charlie Wyke and Jabo Ibehre almost getting in on a couple of occasions. Jake Jervis was back from his groin strain and he was linking well with Mellor down the right wing, with the industrious Carey scrapping at the heels of the Cumbrians,  but it all felt rather forced. Our defence still looked very open and a close range header from Ibehre pinged back off the inside of the left post. It was looking ominous when another opening fell to Luke Joyce in the Argyle box and he managed to somehow scuff his shot wide when he really should of scored. The feeling inside the ground was beginning to get moody and when Argyle fan Pieface was told off in the Executive box for airing his opinion it felt like the pessimism that followed the Portsmouth result could spill over onto an 'Adams Out' chant. It was probably a relief for both Adams and the fans when closing in on half time, the impressive Jervis picked the ball up on the left before taking it inside and thumping an unstoppable shot across the keeper and into the top right hand corner. This act no doubt saved the team from half time boos and it would have been easy for Adams to keep things the same, masked by a false 1-0 score line.

At half time something refreshing happened. Adams noticing our first half flaws made a change bringing on Josh Simpson for Gregg Wylde. He also changed the formation to a 3-5-2 with McHugh dropping into the back 3 with Nelson and Hartley, Sawyer and Mellor moving onto the wings and Jervis supporting Reid up top. The impact was immediate and we began to look like a team that will be fighting for promotion. We began harassing their midfield and dominating possession and it wasn't long before we were rewarded. A corner was whipped in by Carey and flicked on by McHugh to the far post where Reid was on hand to bundle it in, and  with it also open his account for the season. 2-0 and the ground was rocking. You could see Carlisle sensing a shift of the balance of power and it wasn't long before Carey nicked the ball off the lethargic Danny Grainger before closing in on the keeper and coolly slotting home. We were now looking rampant and our constant pressing caused another mistake in the Cumbrians defence. This time a loose ball from Michael Raynes was picked up again by Carey who closing in on goal showed a cool head by slotting a pass to the oncoming Jervis on his right. He was composed and hit a lovely shot across Carlisle keeper Mark Gillespie and into the bottom corner....4-0! We were in dream land and the fans were loving it! An unfortunate minor knock on Boateng meant a change with Ryan Brunt coming on for him. This also meant moving to a 3-4-3 which again seemed to disrupt the balance. Craig Tanner replaced Jervis (who got a standing ovation) near the end and it looked like McCormick would keep his second clean sheet of the season. However a late left wing cross from Grainger found Carlisle substitute Joe Thompson in the box and from 8 yards out he guided a side foot volley into the net to give the travelling support a little cheer for the long trip home. McCormick looked furious and showed his frustration by walloping the ball out of the stadium! But in truth it was no more than Carlisle deserved for their first half efforts, and who could begrudge them after their mammoth journey. Next up is a trip to the Sixfields to face Northampton Town on Saturday and after this performance it will be met with expectation and not trepidation and maybe even a few more chants of 'Scottish Mourinho'.

Best Player - Graham Carey

Attendance - 6071

Next Game - 22/08/2015 Northampton Town (a) (League 2)

This post brings with it the new feature of Match Day fan, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something 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 get in touch through one of the forums on FB, tagging me in Dan Stone. The next opening is for Northampton away and I will be on Coach 1 so please get in touch.








Josh Simpson (The Fan) with his namesake Josh Simpson (The Argyle Player)!!

Today's fan is 19 year old Josh Simpson from Torpoint.

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? '11 years.'

What' your earliest PAFC memory? 'The victory parade in 2004.'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Rochdale away, the day we stayed up, need I say more.'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Paul Wotton.'

Best current Argyle player? 'Carl McHugh.'

General feeling around Derek Adams' appointment? 'Very positive appointment, I love him!'

Season prediction? '2nd behind Pompey.'

Prediction for our next match away to Northampton Town? 'My prediction for Saturday is a 2-0 win for Argyle. My reasoning for the prediction is that the momentum and positivity from the Carlisle win will carry us forward.'

Portsmouth (h) (League 2) Match Report 15/08/2015

After the disappointment of the midweek robbery against Gillingham, came the hotly anticipated clash with Pompey in the first derby of the season...the Dockyard. Social media was awash with excitement from Argyle fans across the country and this spilled out onto match day with Home Park creating a fantastic feel good atmosphere on what was a bright sunny day. There was an air of optimism in the air, if a little caution as we up against free spending Portsmouth who came into the game after impressive wins against Dagenham and Redbridge and Derby County respectively. Their moniker as title favourites would hopefully be tested to the limit today.

It was Portsmouth who came out of the traps quickest and with barely a couple of minutes on the clock came their first opening. Matt Tubbs found the ball on the right before a deflected challenge sent it in to the path of Gareth Evans who had a one on one chance that McCormick did brilliantly to parry and the follow up was dealt with just as well, with Nelson hacking the ball clear. This was to be a sign of what was to come in a first half that Pompey dominated with a controlled and slick passing style. On 20 minutes Kyle Bennett found space on the edge of the box and made an attempt to curl the ball into the top left hand corner that McCormick again did excellently to prevent, tipping it over the cross bar. They were causing us all sorts of problems and it was only towards the end of the half that we got a foothold in the game with the again impressive Boateng catching a sweet volley from a left wing Wylde cross that just cleared the crossbar, with Pompey keeper Paul Jones well beaten. It was then the turn of Carey to catch a beautiful left foot volley on the edge of the box that Jones did well to tip over the bar. Just as it looked as if we were warming into proceedings, on the stroke of half time a needless penalty was given away. An attempted clearance from Boateng was charged down by Enda Stevens and the ball fell kindly, getting him goal side of Boateng who made a clumsy challenge close to the by-line. It was a moment of immaturity from Boateng and it cost us with Tubbs stepping up and confidently drilling the ball straight down the middle of the goal to send Pompey in 1-0 up at half time.

We came out with a bit more purpose in the second half but it wasn't to last long and Portsmouth were quickly back to their high pressing, slick passing game and for long periods we were chasing shadows. Tubbs and Evans had further chances to increase the lead sandwiched by a weak header from Carey that was easily saved by Jones. With 4  minutes remaining it was another penalty for the away side when Roberts seemed to just walk past the very disappointing Sawyer before being lazily brought down for what was another clear foul similar to the first. With Tubbs off the field it was Roberts who took responsibility, smashing the ball into the bottom right corner of the net and beginning the cue for the Argyle faithful to begin their exit with Pompey 2-0 up! For those that stayed the last 4 minutes provided what turned out to be our best period of the match. An impressive effort laden cameo from Ryan Brunt seemed to spark the rest of the team into life. The physical influence of him and Reid up front seemed to cause the otherwise very impressive Portsmouth defence problems, and it could be questioned as to why Adams didn't change things sooner? It was this combination that caused the problems leading to our goal. A long ball lofted into the box from Mellor forced Christian Burgess into a weak header which Wylde caught with a beautiful volley with the outside of the left boot which flew into the corner. The remaining minutes were all Argyle, forcing a succession of corners, but to no avail. Pompey held firm to win 2-1 and in fairness deserved the 3 points. It was the first real test to see if we can mix it with the big boys in League 2 and challenge for promotion. At the moment for me, the squad looks paper thin and with Jervis out and Nelson coming off with a nasty gash.  It looks like we could do with another centre back and possibly another type of striker in attack. With the money and depth of squad Portsmouth have, this was no embarrassment but to fulfil the fan's ambitions for Argyle's future and to get out of the basement division, more additions and ideas will be needed! Bring on Carlisle and after 2 defeats hopefully we can get back to winning ways!

Best Player - Ryan Brunt

Attendance - 11476

Next Game - 18/08/2015 Carlisle United (h) (League 2)








This post brings with it the new feature of Match Day fan, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something 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 get in touch through one of the forums on FB, tagging me in Dan Stone. The next opening is for Northampton away and I will be on Coach 1 so please get in touch.

Alfie Mitchell

Today's fan is 21 year old Alfie Mitchell from Redruth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for ? 'I've been an Argyle fan all my life.'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My earliest PAFC memory was going to my very first Argyle match with my dad and my auntie. We played at home to Crewe and lost 4-1!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Favourite Argyle match would have to be Rochdale 3 seasons ago. Lost 1-0 but survived the drop. Went mental on the pitch and went all over the roads holding traffic up whilst on the coach back'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Best all time Argyle player that I've seen with my own eyes would have to be Barry Hayles.'

Best current Argyle player? 'Best current Argyle player is Luke McCormick.'

General feeling around Derek Adams' appointment? 'Quite happy with Adams, was not expecting him but I'm pleased as we tend to do well under Scottish managers and he has brought in decent players.'

Season Prediction? 'Tricky one but if we sort out our defence and concede less then I would say top 7.'

Prediction for our next match at home to Carlisle United? '3-1 to Argyle. Pompey was a good game, they outclassed us, but there was poor refereeing. First penalty was soft and the second was a touch, and Argyle should of had a penalty. Great turn out as well. Don't know what Derek Adams' was playing at, we've got no defenders, so really we should have been playing defensive football rather than attacking until we get more defenders. Reuben Reid should not of played as it's obvious he's still suffering from the foot injury. Also formation should of been 4-4-2.'

Gillingham (h) (Capital One Cup 1st Round) Match Report 11/08/2015

The second game of the season was the obligatory foray into the League Cup 1st Round and with it came a feeling of optimism not seen in recent years, buoyed no doubt by our win against the odds against Wimbledon on Saturday. The evening's opponents were Gillingham, who themselves have every reason to feel buoyant after their own 4-0 demolition of Sheffield United on opening day that sees them sit proudly atop of League One. A small band of Gills' supporters made the long trip on an Tuesday evening after opening day to see what they probably thought would be a routine win. As with everything in football though, it was not to pan out as planned!

 

                             

Today was a particularly special day for myself as it was my daughter's first Argyle game and she predicted a positive result for the Green Army in her own unique way. Unlike at Kingsmeadow on Saturday, the match started on a real positive note. Argyle were spreading the ball well and looking assured and confident in their approach, something no doubt Adams had sparked them into following Saturday's sluggish opening. Just as things were getting going Jervis pulled up with what looked like a potential groin strain, the look of frustration evident as he was replaced by Tanner on 10 minutes. This didn't dent the team's confidence however, and Tanner showed some lovely touches before playing in Gregg Wylde who used his pace before firing a scuffed effort that was saved by Gill's keeper Nelson. Further chances were created with the impressive Tanner and Boateng providing class from midfielder. McHugh should of scored from a Reid knockdown but could only slice his left footed volley wide with the goal at his mercy, and Reid himself was played in on the left hand side of the box only to find Nelson's midriff with a tame side footed effort. The Gill's did have a couple of moments, including a goal mouth scramble that in the end Curtis Nelson managed to clear, but despite us being on top and creating chances the boys went in at half time at 0-0.

The second half started more evenly, with no doubt Edinburgh changing things to stop us exploiting them down the left flank. McCormick spilt a right wing cross from McGlashan that fell to the irritable Bradley Dack who managed to put the ball wide of an open goal from the edge of the box much to the amusement of the Argyle support. McCormick had another flap at a cross which luckily didn't come to much, but definitely something to work on in training for the Dockyard Derby on Saturday. The game looked to be petering out towards extra time, when Pilgrim's MOM Craig Tanner opened the scoring brilliantly. Kelvin Mellor skipped past the challenge of the last defender before reaching the by-line and laying it back to the edge of the box where Tanner blasted the ball home on the half volley to send the home crowd wild. Could we finally be reaching the League Cup 2nd Round for just the 3rd time in 20 years?? Sadly the answer was to be no! After looking impressive and composed for the majority of the evening, a smash and grab from Gillingham proved to be our undoing. A mistake from the otherwise brilliant Tanner let in Dack who ran clear on goal from 30 yards before confidently dinking the ball over the oncoming McCormick to equalise with 5 minutes remaining. Barely had we recovered from the equaliser when a cross 2 minutes later caused chaos in the Argyle box and Jake Hessenthaler (son of former Gill's player and manager Andy) was their to nod in their winner with just 3 minutes left. This goal seemed to ignite us back up again and we did press for the equaliser forcing a number of corners towards the end, with Mellor being a whisker away from heading in a flicked on Carey cross in injury time. However once again we have missed out on a League Cup run. The feeling around the stadium was still positive as this could be a blessing in disguise with promotion the main objective. The performance was a great one considering Gillingham's 4-0 dismantling of the Blades just 3 days earlier and I for one, although disappointed, look forward to the clash with Pompey on Saturday!!!

Best Player - Craig Tanner

Attendance - 5120

Next Game - 15/08/15 Portsmouth (h) (League 2)

On a final note if you would like to be featured and would allow me to interview you and take a photo I would like to hear from you. Either PM on Facebook, or e-mail me at danstone84@hotmail.com. Thanks again and Keep it Green!!!

AFC Wimbledon (a) (League 2) Match Report 08/08/2015

The sun was ablaze down at Kingsmeadow for the start of new manager Derek Adams campaign. The Scotsman in his second managerial post after an up and down spell at Ross County in the SPL, sandwiched by a brief stint as Hibernian assistant manager looked nervous but assured. Adams had a varied playing career that spanned 14 years north of the border albeit for a fleeting 2 game spell at Burnley in 1996. Coming into his first game in charge of Argyle, the fans were hoping to see the attacking flair that brought success at Ross County, transferred south to the Green Army. A number of debutants took to the field, and pre kick off, there was a slight flavour of pessimism in the air amongst Argyle. No doubt probably due to the 5 year wait for an opening day victory and the sweltering conditions in the Dons clubhouse!

Once in the stands the chorus of songs began and we began to believe. The game started at a frantic pace with Wimbledon dominating the opening exchanges and forcing a number of corners that although the defence looked shaky, McCormick did well in dealing with. Wimbledon continued to press forward and Barcham sent a curling effort just over the top right hand corner from the edge of the box. It was beginning to feel like it could be 6 years without an opening day win! Despite being under the cosh for most of the first half, Gregg Wylde had an opening on the left hand side of the box and tested Shea with a left footed drive that was well parried away for a corner. This was perhaps a sign of what was to come as on the stroke of half time, new boy Jervis sent a lovely flighted ball to the back post and Wylde met it with a stunning left volley that was too much for Shea and flew into the roof of the net. Argyle's fans went into raptures and I have to admit there was an element of a smash and grab feel about the goal. But hey we were taking it!

After the obligatory half time toilet/burger/cigarette run the boys were back out for the second half. Before we had time to digest our half time fare it was 2-0. Boateng, who had looked our best player throughout the game picked the ball up on the edge of the box. He played the ball sideways to Graham Carey who struck a crisp 25 yard effort that found the top corner, thanks to a lovely deflection/assist from a Wimbledon defender. Again we were in raptures and thinking that maybe this was finally our year to start with 3 points. The next 20 minutes proved our only period of dominance throughout the game. Wimbledon went into their shell and Reid, finding himself in space on the edge of the bohad a curling effort that cleared the crossbar, when it really should of found the net. Jervis had a couple of chances from the right hand side, one flashing just wide across the keeper, and the other somehow managing to be adjudged a foul after a loose ball was saved by Shea! Adams made some substitutions with Tanner getting a first run out and Purrington coming on for the impressive Wylde. The last 20 minutes went to type with Wimbledon pressing, mainly through long balls flicked on by 'The Beast' Akinfenwa but to no avail. Brunt came on for Reid with 3 minutes remaining and the lads stood firm to win the game 2-0. In the closing minutes chants of 'Scottish Mourinho' ran out in sections of the away support. For me the only worrying aspects about the day were being that against sides that are more clinical we could be in trouble and that probably we need to get out the blocks quicker at the start of the game. But for a season opener 2-0 away victory after 5 years in the wilderness, we can be more than happy. Derek Adams the Scottish Mourinho? The jury is out on that, but if he can bring us promotion then that may well be printed on the back of my shirt come next season!!

Best Player - Hiram Boateng

Attendance - 4805 (962 Argyle)

Next Game - 11/08/15 Gillingham (h) (Capital One Cup 1st Round)

On a final note Jack 'Pieface' McDermott will be commentating for BBC Radio Devon for Tuesday night's Capital One Cup game against Gillingham so if you can't get down to Home Park please tune in and listen to his punditry debut!