Barnet (h) (League 2) Match Report 29/09/2015

Argyle arrived back at Home Park on the back of a run of two draws against Bristol Rovers and Mansfield Town respectively. This had been the first time this season that the Green Army had gone more than one match without picking up the three points. Given that fact and the performances in those matches, there certainly was an argument that two points could in fact have been six from these two fixtures. A last minute penalty conceded against the Pirates at Home Park was then followed by an inspired performance by Stags keeper Brian Jensen last Saturday. With this optimistic approach, the good news was that on paper we were going into two very winnable fixtures at home to both Barnet and then followed by Crawley on Saturday. Both these opponents have struggled since the season began in August and it was felt that these matches would be a solid barometer of the Green Army's promotion credentials. Focussing on today's game and the Bees came into the game with a 100% loss ratio in their games away from the Hive this season. Like I mentioned previously on paper this was a very winnable game. The one concern for Derek Adams however would be Barnet's burly frontman John Akinde who boasted 33 goals in just 47 Bees appearances coming into the match! Looking at Argyle and after the somewhat failed attempt at the 4-4-2 starting line up at Mansfield on Saturday, Argyle were back to Adams' tried and successfully attempted 4-2-2-1-1 approach. Gregg Wylde returned in place for Ryan Brunt. This meant that Graham Carey could slot back into his preferred position just behind Reuben Reid and command the centre of the pitch more adeptly. The only other notable feature being Josh Simpson continue in midfield alongside Hiram Boateng whilst Carl McHugh recovers from his hamstring injury.

So onto the match and the first half kicked off with the Green Army expectant for a good performance and three points in the bag. Argyle started well and it was Simpson who got off an early strike after shimmying past Bees centre back Michael Nelson and unleashing a solid effort that Barnet keeper Max Crocombe did well to gather. Soon after and Jake Jervis created space on the right hand side of the box before slicing his effort wide. Barnet were looking dangerous on the break with the pacey Andy Yiadom on the right and Luke Gambin on the left causing problems for Gary Sawyer and Kelvin Mellor respectively. It was Gambin, who after a quick one two with Aaron McLean fell under a Curtis Nelson challenge. Hearts were in Argyle mouths but the referee noticed the dive and Gambin was booked despite his protestations. The match was ebbing and flowing with the Green Army keeping good possession but showing sloppiness of first touch and failing to find the quality needed to break down a resolute Barnet defence. The Bees were beginning to get confidence by using their pace to exploit the gaps left in the Argyle defence. It was from one of these counter attacks that their opening goal came. A great burst on the left side of the box from Curtis Weston took him to the by-line. He cut the ball back at the final moment and McLean was on hand to blast the ball past Luke McCormick and high into the roof of the net. The small band of Bee's supporters who made the journey from North London more than happy with that outcome. It was no more than both Barnet and also Argyle deserved. The Bees had played well and to their strengths, dominating the flanks and using pace and precision and the Green Army had looked laboured and lethargic. The goal didn't seem to spark us into life and the first half came to an end with a feeling our run without a win would extend to three games for the first time this season.

The lads came out for the second half still not fully awake from their laborious first half performance. Just seven minutes into the half and it was to be the moment that changed the game. Akinde found himself through on goal. He slotted the ball past McCormick but the ball pinged back off the inside of the right post and into the path of Mauro Vilhete. He then tucked inside before firing in a shot that again beat McCormick but this time Nelson was there to clear off the line. A let off that proved to be instrumental. Just one minute later the hard working Carey burst through the middle, playing a lovely one two with Reid before hitting a sublime first time effort with his left foot from the edge of the box and into the top corner leaving Crocombe grasping at thin air. How quickly a football match can change and in what had been a very poor performance up until that point had again been changed by Carey's quality. The equaliser seemed to open the game up as up to this point Barnet had been delaying and sitting back since they took the lead in the first half. This gave Wylde the opportunity to use his pace down the left flank and a left footed effort that flashed just wide was a precursor of what was to come just a minute later. Wylde left Sam Togwell in his wake and sent a skimming left footed drive across the box. The ball was misjudged by Bees centre back Nelson and when left back Elliot Johnson dallied it was Jervis who nipped in front of him and sent the ball into the bottom corner with a sliding effort. Somehow despite performing badly Argyle had turned it around and it was 2-1! The poor performance and lack of concentration was to continue however and rather than see the game out Argyle seemed to invite constant pressure. Oscar Threlkeld and Craig Tanner came on for Reid and Carey respectively with twenty minutes remaining and Brunt replaced Jervis for the final ten minutes. The game was far from over however and Barnet kept pressing for an equaliser. It almost came in the 94th minute. Vilhete hit an effort that took a slight deflection and looped up agonisingly before hitting where the right post and crossbar meet. The ball came out and a scramble ensued before Togwell smashed the ball wide. A huge let off, referee Simon Hooper blew the full time whistle and somehow Argyle had managed to win the match 2-1!

In analysis of this match it safe to say that the Green Army more than got away with it here. Barnet fully merited a point and you would be hard pressed to find a neutral that didn't agree. The defensive flaws were at their most apparent in today's game and with it also the impression that the system still doesn't seem to fully accommodate Reid. Also the loss of McHugh seemed to make for a nervousness in possession across the midfield. That being said, Argyle did manage to get the three points in adverse circumstances. Improved performances will be needed, starting with the match against Crawley on Saturday, but winning ugly is always a good trait to have, especially in League 2!

Best Player - Graham Carey

Attendance - 6115

Next Game - 03/10/2015 Crawley (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. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come and visit and support the site and it's writers. It is a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 30 year old Chris Whyte from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I've been an Argyle fan for 19 years'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My earliest memory was when we went to Wembley in 1996 in the Playoff final'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Was when we beat QPR at home. I think the score was 2-1 and we got promoted'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Tommy Tynan'

Best current Argyle player? 'Luke McCormick'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Very impressed. I think there is even better to come!'

Season Prediction? 'Automatic promotion'

Prediction for our next match at home to Crawley? 'I think we'll win 2-0. Crawley have had a bad start to the season so far and with the trip down here they will be struggling'

Mansfield Town (a) (League 2) Match Report 26/09/2015

So to another away day, and this time a trip to Field Mill (Now the One Call Stadium!), the Football League's oldest ground and home of Mansfield Town. Argyle came into the match off the back of the last minute disappointment of last weekend's match with Bristol Rovers. Derek Adams has kept pretty much the same philosophy and formation since the start of the season but today was forced into one change and made another. Cark McHugh was out with an hamstring injury sustained in last weekend's match with the Pirates and Josh Simpson was preferred over Lee Cox as a like for like replacement. The other notable change being a slight shock as both Gregg Wylde and Craig Tanner were left out and Ryan Brunt came in to partner Reuben Reid up front in a new 4-4-2 starting formation. This meant an unfamiliar role on the left wing for this season's best performer Graham Carey. No doubt a move by Adams to make use of his exquisite left foot delivery! Mansfield themselves have a number of notable players that include former Burnley and Premier League stopper Brian Jensen in between the sticks as well as star performer Malvind Benning, himself a product of the Walsall academy. A special mention also has to go to their striker Matt Green, who was prolific in the Conference for them before an ill fated and injury plagued two season stay at Birmingham City resulted in him returning to the Stags in the summer. Speaking to fans of both clubs before the game showed there was ambition on both parts with Mansfield fans aiming for a playoff spot and the Green Army faithful hopeful of securing an automatic promotion berth. It made for an intriguing match up and hopefully a good game!

The first half got underway and from the outset it was a purposeful Argyle who made the first inroad in the match. Peter Hartley found himself on the left wing and played a beautiful cross field ball into the path of the onrushing Reid. He caught the ball excellently with a first time right footed volley that sailed over Jensen but cannoned back off the crossbar. Argyle were keeping possession well but were struggling to create too many chances with the creative Carey isolated out on the left wing. It was the Stags who had the next chance when Lee Collins found a bit of space but dragged his right footed well wide of Luke McCormick's left post. Shortly after Carey cut in from the left wing and sent a right footed shot that Jensen collected comfortably in his midriff. Ryan Tafazolli then went close with a speculative overhead kick that again flashed wide of the post. Kelvin Mellor and Jake Jervis were having particularly good games, linking up well down the right wing and causing problems for the Mansfield defence. In one of these right wing forays Jervis found Reid who flicked on to send Carey in, one on one, with Jensen only to see the big Danish keeper spread himself well and save with his feet. Mansfield were just as much in the game as Argyle and it was former Pilgrim Nathan Thomas who was the architect of most of their attacks. A header saved easily by McCormick was quickly followed by a jinking run into the box that ended with a left footed drive that flashed across McCormick's goal and just wide of the post. Craig Westcarr also created a couple of half chances that ended with efforts well off target. With half time approaching it was Argyle who almost broke the deadlock when Jervis cut inside before flashing an effort just wide of Jensen's post. The match closed for half time and for the second week in succession it remained goalless for Argyle.

The second half opened in much the same vein as the first, with the Green Army starting well. Carey looked hungry to make an impact and he nearly opened the scoring from a free kick won by Jervis. With Hartley and Curtis Nelson up from the back, Carey shaped to whip a cross in but instead cheekily went to catch out Jensen at his near post. Jensen recovered well however and dived to keep it out at the last minute. Carey was in the mood now though, and was a constant thorn in the sides of Mansfield centre backs Tafazolli and Krystian Pearce, jinking in and out of challenges and creating angles to shoot. For today however Jensen was proving an immovable object, a similar Carey free kick was again well saved at Jensen's near post and when a left footed drive from Carey did mange to beat Jensen, it also beat the Stags' keeper's post as well. Adams made changes with Tanner coming on for Reid and Wylde replacing Jervis but it was beginning to look like it could be 'one of those day's' for the Argyle boys. Another Carey free kick was superbly executed but just flew over Jensen's crossbar and when he was replaced with three minutes remaining in place of Oscar Threlkeld (making his third appearance of the season) it seemed Adams was settling for a point. Mansfield who had been reduced to shots from outside the box in the second half nearly landed a sucker punch right at the death. Hartley slipped in possession, thus letting in Stags substitute Matty Blair in one on one with McCormick. Fortunately he fluffed his lines and somehow managed to send the ball high and wide. After that the match then petered out. Hiram Boateng who had bravely played on after an earlier head clash had a final chance with a header. But Jensen was not to be beaten today and referee Mark Brown brought proceedings to a close and the match finished 0-0.

As a fan today this was probably the most boring but not the worst performance I've seen this season. Mellor is growing more and more and continues to make me eat humble pie after my early season's critique. Carey again made a huge argument to be man of the match and he arguably does every week. Jervis again proved his importance to the side and Hartley (with the exception of the late mistake) and Nelson were solid at the back. McCormick's catching and presence no doubt helps the defence and I felt this was a game we deserved and probably should of won. From early on it felt like this may be a 0-0 and it is the first time we have failed to score this season. We also have an impressive defensive record away from home in the league, only conceding three in our first five away fixtures. That being said this was one of those games where stealing the three points may be the difference between promotion or not later down the line. However this is all subjective and we have to be pleased with our early season form. Our next two league matches are at home against Barnet and Crawley respectively and if we can come through those with six points the chants of 'Scottish Mourinho' will seem ever more believable and not so much in jest!

Best Player - Kelvin Mellor

Attendance - 3185 (463 Argyle)

Next Game - 29/09/2015 Barnet (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. My match reports also feature on www.argyle.life where I am part of a team of writers. Please come and visit and support the site and writers. It is a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 27 year old Michael Todd from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? '12 years'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My first ever game was on the 24th January 2003 and we lost 1-0!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'My favourite Argyle game was against Colchester United in 2004. We were receiving the Second Division trophy and it was a great day out at Home Park'

Best all time Argyle player? 'David Friio'

Best current Argyle player? 'Luke McCormick (Super Luke)'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'I am happy. I think Derek Adams will take us up'

Season Prediction? 'I think automatic promotion'

Prediction for our next match at home to Barnet? 'I think 2-0 to Argyle because we have just had two draws and we are due a win!'

Bristol Rovers (h) (League 2) Match Report 19/09/2015

On what was a glorious sunny afternoon down at Home Park, we welcomed the first of our local rivals of the season, Bristol Rovers. After bouncing back from relegation two seasons ago to return to league football at the first time of asking, their fans came in numbers to make for a raucous atmosphere between Pilgrims and Pirates respectively. Since their return from the Conference National (now the Vanarama National League!) Rovers have been a mixed bag in terms of their form. The Pirates came into the game on the back of three league wins and four league defeats, the most recent being their 1-0 reverse to Accrington Stanley last Saturday. Argyle however came into the game in great spirits, especially given our great result against promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers last weekend. As is usual Derek Adams kept a familiar line up and formation with the only change being a start for the impressive against Wycombe Craig Tanner, in place of the equally inept against Wycombe Gregg Wylde. As I mentioned the fans were in great voice hoping for us to continue our good form of late in what was predicted to be a fairly comfortable home win.

The first half got to off to a blistering start and an early free kick from the ever impressive Graham Carey caused problems for Pirates keeper Lee Nicholls, who just managed to turn it behind for a corner. From the resulting corner another chance was created. This time the ball fell to Hiram Boateng but he managed to drag the ball just wide of Nicholls post. The pressure was mounting and both Reuben Reid and Jake Jervis had headed chances that just went over the bar. Rovers were not without their own chances however. Matty Taylor also had a couple of early headers that Argyle's Luke McCormick gathered comfortably. The match was very open and Argyle were using their attacking threat well, causing a variety of problems for Bristol's back line. Boateng almost opened the scoring spectacularly when he attempted a curler from the edge of the box that went just high and wide with Nicholls well beaten. As half time approached there was a sense that Argyle should have been leading the game and we were almost punished for not taking one of our chances. Taylor cut in from the left and hit a quick shot through Peter Hartley's legs that McCormick did well to readjust and save. It was a little reminder of the need for alertness and to make sure that the Green Army kept awake in defence. The referee blew for half time and there was a sense this could be the first game of the season where Argyle could fail to make the net ripple!

There were no changes at the interval and Argyle started the second half in much the same vain as the first. It was great to see the enthusiasm and energy of the players taking the challenge on. Gary Sawyer had the first chance of the second half when he cut in from the left hand size of the Pirates' box. Once inside the box, he quickly flashed in a right footed shot that was well taken by Nicholls. Carl McHugh then fell awkwardly under a challenge and was replaced by Lee Cox. Early indicators suggest it was a hamstring injury that could unfortunately spell a lengthy layoff for him. Carey was more eager to make his mark on the game and found room for a shot after gliding past a couple of Rovers' challenges. However his shot lacked direction and Nicholls took it in his midriff. Jervis then should of scored from a Tanner cross, but Nicholls got a hand to his scuffed volley and sent it over. Tanner then made way for Wylde to give a fresh impetus on the wing, on what was becoming a frustrating afternoon at Home Park. Boateng then went on a run of his own, brushing past Pirates defenders before sending another effort sailing over the bar. Soon after, Reid got between his markers from a Carey corner but somehow inexplicably managed to send his header over the bar from just three yards out. There were chances coming from all angles and when Hartley started shooting from thirty five yards out it felt that we were never going to score! Ryan Brunt made his introduction for the stifled Reid with nine minutes remaining and it seemed a final roll of the dice from Adams to snatch the three points. All avenues were being exhausted and then with five minutes remaining we got the goal we deserved. A positive run from Wylde who had impressed in his thirty minute cameo ended with a fizzed ball into the box. It was met again by Jervis, but this time he caught a sweet half volley that hit Nicholls and flew into the right corner of the net. Cue enormous celebrations and immense relief around the stadium for Argyle fans! It was 1-0 and seemingly a well earned three points. Tactical genus Adams had got it right again, bringing on Wylde for Tanner this time to make the vital difference. But alas it wasn't to last and on the stroke of full time it was the turn of Rovers substitute Ellis Harrison to be the hero (or villain!) of the piece. A long ball forward was knocked on by fellow Pirates substitute Jamie Lucas, Harrison got there a split second before McCormick and the inevitable happened. Harrison's toe was caught and down he went for a definite but perhaps underserved penalty. After a stoppage of play for McCormick to receive treatment for a head clash he received in the challenge for the penalty, it was Harrison who took responsibility. Up he stepped and calmly sent the ball into the roof of the net for the equaliser, 1-1. The referee's assistant signalled eight minutes of additional time and this time the Argyle fans were cheering. There seemed to be a real feeling that the winner could be found after all. Everyone streamed forward and Carey sent a well hit shot that was too close to Nicholls who gathered comfortably. The Green Army continued to press and were so nearly caught out when a cross found Lucas at the far post. He headed back across goal and Tom Parkes sent a diving header for what was surely a Rovers winner. McCormick then produced a world class save by throwing a hand up and sending the ball up and over for a corner. The referee soon blew for full time and from what looked like a guaranteed three points eventually turned into a point saved in a matter of minutes thanks to McCormick's outstanding save!

Overall, for the neutral it was a really great game of football. Both teams created chances and the football played was expansive and a joy to behold. However there will be a feeling that this was two points lost rather than one gained. Whilst McCormick's late save can gloss over this fact, we were victims very much of our own downfall. In a similar circumstance to the match against Newport a few weeks back, when we are at home we seem wasteful with chances. On top of that, it could be argued that our game management needs more work. Against Newport we kept on attacking leaving ourselves open to a counter. Whilst in that game we got away with it, today proved that sometimes this approach can cause problems. Personally I am not a fan of closing games out, in what I call anti-football, by playing the ball into corners. But I guess those managers who are successful at the highest levels would disagree and because of that Adams will have some food for thought going into next weeks encounter away at Mansfield Town!

Best Player - Luke McCormick

Attendance - 10663

Next Game - 26/09/2015 Mansfield Town (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 I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to ne 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 a part of a team of feature writers. Please come and visit and support the site and writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 67 year old Steve Rhodes from Romsey, Hampshire

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? '58 years'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'First game v Northampton Town in November 1957. a 3-0 win'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Argyle 3 West Ham United 0 in FA Cup 3rd Round 6 January 1962. the finest display of one and two touch football I ever saw an Argyle team play. It remains the only home victory over a First Division/PL team in the club's history'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Johnny Williams'

Best current Argyle player? 'Graham Carey'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'We are at the start of a great adventure under this man!'

Season Prediction? 'Automatic promotion place'

Prediction for our next match away to Mansfield Town? 'I am going for a 3-1 win at Field Mill. From memory I think it is one of the few away grounds where we have played quite a lot of games and have managed to score more goals than we have conceded'

Wycombe Wanderers (a) (League 2) Match Report 12/09/2015

So it arrived, the match we had all been waiting for. After the heartache of a limp defeat in last season's Playoff Semi Final came our chance for redemption. In the build up to the match, there was much talk from the fans about a revenge for that defeat alongside a feeling of this being the real acid test as to what our potential credentials were this season. After playing six games apiece, the Chairboys and the Pilgrims sat second and third respectively in the League 2 standings. The league is beginning to take it's first form of how perhaps each team will fare this season. With that in Argyle minds came the opportunity to test ourselves against a side that not only reached the playoffs last season, but also one which were very much in the race for promotion again.

Wycombe of course have in their ranks two former Argyle players in the shape of burly forward Gozie Ugwu, making his Wanderers debut against the Pilgrims, and the erratic winger Jason Banton. Speaking to Chairboys fans before kick off, they had been very happy with Banton's early performances and were looking forward to seeing Ugwu who was making his debut for the club. Argyle on the other hand had one major change with the return of Reuben Reid in place of the industrious Ryan Brunt in the familiar 4-2-2-1 formation that has been used throughout the start of the campaign. There was speculation prior to kick off as to whether Reid would regain his starting place, after Brunt's impressive efforts, but Derek Adams showed his faith in the striker who was almost poached by Portsmouth on deadline day.

The match started well for us and there was an energy and precision that has been lacking at the start of previous matches this season. No doubt spurred on by the Argyle faithful it wasn't long before we took the lead. With just six minutes on the clock a corner was won on the left hand side. Graham Carey took responsibility and whipped a lovely ball in with that trademark left foot that found an unmarked Peter Hartley at the near post. He flashed a header across the six yard box and who was it by Reid who stooped to finish with a right footed poke at the far post. It was a great moment for both Reid and the fans, to see him score his second goal of the season after his injury lay off. The goal seemed to ignite us into further action, with Jake Jervis finding space down the right wing on a couple of occasions and delivering good crosses into the box. A Gary Sawyer throw in from the left was cleverly knocked back by Reid into the path of the onrushing Gregg Wylde who fired his first time effort well high of the crossbar. Just as it seemed we were getting control of the game, another poor piece of defending let Wycombe in for their equaliser. A corner from the left by Joe Jacobson was only partially cleared to the edge of the box. Sido Jombati headed the ball back with interest and a poor attempted clearance from Reid landed at the feet of who else but Banton who fired into the roof of the net to make it 1-1. The goal again changed the pattern of play and it was now the turn of the Chairboys to dominate possession. Marcus Bean was influential in the middle of the park, using his strength and technique to dictate the play. Jombati seemed to have Wylde in his pocket and was linking well down the right hand side with Banton. It was Banton who had another chance, but hit his effort high, wide and handsome from the edge of the box. Argyle were looking ragged and it took another piece of magic from Carey's left foot to change the picture. A foul from Aaron Pierre gave Carey the opportunity to inswing a lovely ball into the Wycombe six yard box. Pierre made a complete hash of his diving headed clearance, the ball falling at Jervis' feet from two yards out and he tucked it between keeper Matt Ingram's legs to give us back our lead...2-1! The action packed first half wasn't over however and Reid almost made it 3-1 six minutes later. Another great ball, this time from the improved Kelvin Mellor was met at the far post by a diving header from Reid that Ingram did well to save with an outstretched arm. It was then the turn of the Chairboys to press. Jacobson hit a low effort that flashed just wide of Luke McCormick's post. Then a free kick was well dealt with by McCormick with the ball falling to Banton on the edge of the Argyle box. He struck a well timed shot that missed the post by a whisker with McCormick beaten. We were looking for the half time whistle, but there was still time for Carey to almost double the lead before the break. A long ball up field, more of a clearance really, was flicked back by Reid. Carey ran onto the path of the ball and hit a lovely curling 25 yard effort with his left foot. It looked like if was destined for the top corner as it flew past the sprawling Ingram but also agonisingly past the far post. The referee promptly blew the whistle and with it, brought a quite exhilarating first half to a close.

Half time brought a change of personnel with Craig Tanner coming on for the outfoxed Wylde on the left wing and the second half began. It was to be a much quieter second half in terms of entertainment, but a good one nonetheless. An early uncharacteristic mistake  from the usually alert Curtis Nelson almost brought an equaliser. A simple ball came over the top and Nelson seemed to inexplicably think that perhaps a teammate was dealing with it. Garry Thompson happily accepted the gift and ran on one on one with McCormick from the right. He then sent a wonderful curling effort over McCormick that fortunately hit the inside the of the post before coming back across the face of the goal before being hacked away by Nelson. McCormick was quick to berate Nelson and it was brilliant to se a passionate argument between the Argyle players. Not long later and Ugwu gave us a early contender for miss of the season. A corner came in and the ball was headed back across the face of the goal. Ugwu slid in at the far post to seemingly score with an open goal from one yard. He somehow managed to direct the ball wide when it was a lot easier to score. I would advise watching Soccer AM next week as I would be surprised if it doesn't make the bloopers reel! From then on however, the rest of the half was a defensive master class from Argyle with Carl McHugh, Hiram Boateng and especially Hartley making wonderful challenges to keep Wycombe out. McCormick also looked very commanding and confident coming for crosses. Jervis was replaced by Brunt for the final quarter of an hour and Reid got a huge cheer when he was replaced by Lee Cox for the final eight minutes. A couple of early head clashes in the second half meant that seven minutes injury time was added. This created further drama with a nail biting end for the Green Army faithful. The lads stood firm however and held out for a well earned three points.

So another win for Argyle and with it we leapfrogged Wycombe into second place in the table. There was even a stage in the match when Leyton Orient were 1-0 down to Cambridge United that chants of 'We are top of the league' were ringing out around Adams Park. It was great to see Reid back to his commanding best as well as Carey who seems a level above this league. I was especially impressed with Hartley, who commanded the defence like a general and put his body on the line a number of times. For Adams the omens are looking very good. A solid start with goals coming in every game this season, a statistic only Manchester City can match in the top four divisions, as well as backing from the fans and a young attacking team. The season will no doubt have it's downs to contradict the positive start but at present all is rosy in the Argyle garden. Revenge was indeed dealt out and for today at least Wycombe Wanderers' home ground was indeed (Derek) Adams' Park!

Best Player - Graham Carey

Attendance - 4223 (777 Argyle)

Next Game - 19/09/2015 Bristol Rovers (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. My match reports are also featured on www.argyle.life where I am a part of a team of feature writers. Please come and visit and support the site and writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 31 year old Joanna Higginson from Keyham

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? '16 years'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My boyfriend at the time took me to my first ever live football match - the Exeter derby in 1999. It was in November, so it was freezing cold. But standing on the Devonport End terrace I absolutely loved every second of the football and atmosphere. We won 1-0 and I was hooked from that very first match'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'The 7-0 demolition of Chesterfield or the 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers to win the Division Two title'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Peter Halmosi was technically a fantastic player, but my stand out is David Friio for his goals and performances in what was an incredibly successful period for the club'

Best current Argyle player? 'Currently Graham Carey without a doubt, he has got off to a flying start. He offers a quality of crossing and set piece ability we have lacked for some time. Prior to Carey and his storming start it would have been Reuben Reid or Luke McCormick'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Incredibly happy, definitely feel we have the right man in place. It's been refreshing to see early changes tactically during matches, in terms of substitutions and formations. I think he has been impressive both on and off the pitch. His style of play and the players he has brought in to execute it has been winning the fans over, myself included!'

Season Prediction? 'Promotion if we can keep injuries to key players to a minimum, or bring in good loan signings if or when necessary. I'll be cautious and say third place!'

Prediction for our next match at home to Bristol Rovers? '3-0 to Argyle, fingers crossed!'

Stevenage (a) (League 2) Match Report 05/09/2015

After the excitement of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win over AFC Wimbledon in midweek came the  second of three straight away trips, this time to the Lamex Stadium (Formerly Broadhall Way) the home of Stevenage. Argyle came into the game on the back of a great run of four straight wins, scoring ten goals and only conceding three. It's this sort of form that is filling every Green Army fanatic with hope and aspiration for the season ahead, and with it a feeling that this could finally be our year! Looking at the day's opponents and following Teddy Sheringham's pre season appointment, their start can best be described as indifferent. Draws with both Newport County and Dagenham and Redbridge and also defeats to league high flyers Leyton Orient and lowly Notts County. Their one victory at home this season did however come against Hartlepool United, who themselves had their own good run of three straight wins halted when they visited the Lamex Stadium. So maybe reason to be cautious coming into this game after all!

Derek Adams kept the same eleven that started in the victory at Wimbledon in midweek and after kick off the signs that we could maintain our solid run looked positive. Possession was kept well through the midfield of Hiram Boateng, Carl McHugh and Graham Carey. Jake Jervis and Gregg Wylde giving lots of width on the flanks and the ball being spread confidently across the pitch. However in an ironic twist, that often happens in football, and totally against the run of play Stevenage took an early lead on six minutes. A poor attempted tackle just outside the box from Kelvin Mellor was charged through by Boro's Tom Pett. He smartly laid the ball out wide to Stevenage's (Tottenham Hotspur loanee) Connor Ogilvie who closed in goal. As Peter Hartley came in to close down, Ogilvie took a shot with his left foot that took a slight deflection off the sliding Hartley and this took it above and beyond the diving Luke McCormick and into the net. 1-0 down and we had already set ourselves a mountain to climb. Again the response was a positive one. The early goal conceded and the vociferous Argyle support seemed to unite the team and we began to put pressure on the Stevenage defence. Carey found space in the box, but sliced a left foot volley over and wide when he should have been more composed. Boateng also hit a mistimed, scuffed shot that was easily collected by Boro keeper Chris Day. Just as it seemed we were getting a foothold in the game, yet again a defensive error let us down. A mistake from Mellor let in Chris Whelpdale to start an attacking move for Stevenage down the left,  that ended with a left wing cross from the by-line being cut back to the centre of the Argyle box for the unmarked Charlie Lee to inevitably tap in. He somehow managed to smash the ball over the crossbar and into the stands. The PAFC faithful all breathed a collective sigh of relief and hoped these warning signs would be acknowledged and not ignored. However the warning signs were not heeded and the relief was short-lived. Stevenage, who had been limited to sporadic counter attacks up until this point, managed to double their lead. Argyle had received plenty of warning and there really was no excuse. Another complete defensive howler, this time involving a trio of poor mistakes. Whelpdale picked the ball up on the right before firstly coasting past a poor attempted slide tackle from Gary Sawyer. It was then the turn of the usually reliable Curtis Nelson to make his mistake. He dallied on the ball and when he finally did make a move to strike the ball downfield it was too late. Whelpdale closed the ball down and it landed at the feet of Lee who picked the ball up on the right hand side of the Argyle box. Hartley made a poor attempt to challenge him and then at the by-line he dragged it back for Dean Parrett who slid in to send the ball towards the far post. Who was there but Whelpdale to slot home for 2-0. It was a real catalogue of errors and something that Adams will have to address as the season moves on. The rest of the half petered out, with much huffing an puffing from an Argyle side that seemed a bit shell shocked and devoid of ideas. During the half time interval it was refreshing to see the travelling fans in good voice despite the score line and after Tuesday's victory at Kingsmeadow a real feeling we could still turn it around.

Adams made the necessary changes at half time. Oscar Threlkeld came on for the ever disappointing Mellor and Craig Tanner came on for the unusually quiet Ryan Brunt. This meant a slight change of personnel positioning, with Jervis moving up front and Tanner going onto the right wing. The changes again seemed to have the desired effect and just seven minutes into the second half we were back in the game. Carey took on his marker on the left wing before sending a delightful cross to the far post which was met by a downward header from Tanner that hit Day and looped up into the corner of the net. 2-1 and Argyle seemed to get a new found energy. Shortly after Jervis cut inside from the left and hit what is becoming a trademark right foot effort from twenty yards that was well parried by Day. We were looking on top and felt that if we could get the equaliser, we could setup a repeat of the comeback heroics of our previous match. We thought we had that equaliser when a Carey corner from the left was met by a Jervis header and found the net. Green Army celebrations were cut short however when referee Gary Sutton blew for an alleged push. The players and fans weren't happy with the decision, particularly Jervis who made his feelings clear to the officials. It seemed a let off for Stevenage and the decision seemed to give them a second wind. Parrett found himself in space on the edge of the box and should of hit the target but put his effort wide of McCormick's post. Dean Wells and Parrett also created space constantly on both wings and Threlkeld looked nervous, forever just hoofing the ball aimlessly up field and putting us under further pressure. Sawyer was working hard, but was getting found out quite often and it was Hartley who was consistently coming to the recue of his wayward colleagues in defence. You could see the frustration clearly on his face as he berated both his defence and McCormick after a succession of poor kicks. A final five minutes saw a brief period of pressure from Argyle but in truth we were victims of our own downfall today. The match finished 2-1 on what was a frustrating afternoon for the men in Green and White stripes.

In analysis of today's match it is clear that we have a number of options in attack and solidity and flair in midfield. The central defensive partnership of Hartley and Nelson has worked well and today was hopefully just a bad day at the office. What is apparent is that Sawyer seems to struggle if other's around him aren't playing well. Also Mellor has been poor all season and Threlkeld looked very nervous at times. The wing backs look like the weak link in the side and where most of our problems are caused. The goals from our two league defeats this season have come from defensive errors down the flanks and I believe this is an area that will need strengthening at some point to maintain a promotion push. However, all things considered, we are in great hands. We have scored in every match we have played this season, are playing attacking attractive football and in all truth I hope this was just one of those games for us. Stevenage are not a great side and I'm confident we will beat them in the return fixture at Home Park in January. What has been the most motivating factor when writing match reports this season is the upbeat approach of the fans, even in abject defeat. That is why I, and I'm sure many Green Army supporters will be looking forward to next Saturday's trip to Adams Park to face last season's playoff conquerors Wycombe Wanderers in what promises to be a mouth watering top of the table encounter. I say bring them on!

Best Player - Hiram Boateng

Attendance - 3533 (854 Argyle)

Next Game - 12/09/2015 Wycombe Wanderers (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 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 are also featured on www.argyle.life where I am a part of a team of feature writers. Please come and visit and support the site and writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 40 year old Kamaro Camara from Banjul, Gambia.

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'Since the 2004-05 season'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'Winning the league and being promoted'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Crewe Alexandra 1 Plymouth Argyle 2 from 2005-06 season. Plymouth moved away from the relegation pack'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Paul Wotton (Wottsy) Captain Fantastic!'

Best current Argyle player? 'Graham Carey'

General feeling around Derek Adams' appointment? 'A very good signing who can take us where we want to be. Good luck coach!'

Season Prediction? 'We will finish second in League 2'

Prediction for our next match away to Wycombe Wanderers? 'Plymouth will win 2-1. We will respect their style of football and force them to play our system on the field'

AFC Wimbledon (a) (Johnstones Paint Trophy Southern Section 1st Round) Match Report 01/09/2015

On the back of three straight wins and sitting pretty upon the top of League 2 came the annual distraction of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Whether a cup run in this less prestigious of competitions will be a welcome distraction is yet to be determined. However, we travelled up to Wimbledon, for the second time in under a month, in good numbers nonetheless, with a sense of anticipation of watching yet another game of fast, free flowing football. This has become somewhat of a routine under Adams' and with it has come plenty of goals! Usually in this competition, fans get to see some of the younger players blooded, but perhaps due to the small size of squad, or even Derek Adams' continuing with a winning formula, the team was much the same to the eleven that faced Newport County on Saturday. The only change being the return from injury of Gregg Wylde, back in for Craig Tanner on the left wing. AFC Wimbledon started with a strong side also, with Adebayo Azeez and Lyle Taylor the notable changes from our previous encounter just 24 days prior.

The match got underway and Argyle were back to starting games slowly. After coming out at a faster pace against Newport on Saturday, it was frustrating to see this again just three days on. On this occasion we were finally punished for this lackadaisical approach to starting matches. After just five minutes the Dons Andy Barcham picked the ball up on the right wing and cut inside the Argyle box. He played a neat one two with Jake Reeves, the return ball going through Kelvin Mellor's legs, before firing a rasping shot that was parried by Luke McCormick to the edge of the box. Reeves returned the ball with a looping header that McCormick seemed to misjudge, flapping the ball down invitingly for Azeez to tap into an empty goal from two yards out. 1-0 down and the task had already been set to achieve something that hadn't been achieved in 913 days, coming back from behind to win a football match! The goal seemed to wake us up slightly and with Adams urging us to press on we were almost back in it. After forcing a succession of corners and free kicks, it was from one of these that a goal came. The ever reliable Graham Carey whipped a free kick into the far post and a Peter Hartley header looped over Wimbledon keeper James Shea and into the net...1-1! But a flag had come up and the goal was ruled out for an alleged offside. Ryan Brunt was holding the ball up well and bringing others into play and he had a header that was well saved. Another header, this time from Hartley and a couple of customary shots from Carey were beginning to set a more positive tone. But then disaster struck. Taylor, who already had a shot that flashed just wide of McCormick's post, picked a loose ball up in the box before firing a hard shot, through a group of players and above McCormick, into the top left hand corner of the net. Barely twenty five minutes into the game and we were 2-0 down and the situation was becoming evermore untenable. To be fair it was probably slightly unfair on Argyle, who on another day could have been level. But it was frustrating to see Mellor again caught out and the usual defensive flaws we have on the back of a counter attack. The Green Army did respond well however, and it was only thirteen minutes later that we got our reward. In a swift counter attack the impressive Brunt picked the ball up with his back to goal. He hooked the ball over his head into the path of the onrushing Jake Jervis who charged towards goal, before calmly and accurately sliding the ball past Dons keeper Shea and into the net. 2-1 and the fans had something to cheer. We were back in the game and kept up our record of scoring in every game so far this season. The game then went a bit flat as it meandered towards the break and Argyle went in at half time 2-1 down but definitely in the game.

During the half time interval there was a real sense we could come back from behind to win and get yet another monkey off of our back. Adams seems to put a real sense of confidence into the team and that showed on the pitch in the second half. The half did however start with a scare as Azeez, who had looked a real handful all game, pressured Curtis Nelson into a mistimed back pass. Azeez rushed through on goal one on one with McCormick. He lifted the ball over the oncoming Argyle keeper, but also just over the crossbar. It was a let off that would prove costly for him, but beneficial for the Green Army. From then on it was all Argyle. A first time cross from the right, across the six yard box was met by Jervis with his left foot, only to be expertly saved by Shea with his feet. Not long after, a first time cross, this time from the left by Wylde was met with a bullet header by Brunt, sending it back across the goal and into the back of the net for the equaliser. The crowd went wild and it was no more than we deserved after a positive response from going behind. Just three minutes later and we took the lead. A buoyant Argyle were now in full attacking freeflow. A Carey cross was met by a Karleigh Osborne header that looped into the air. Carl McHugh, who had been excellent all game alongside Hiram Boateng, watched the ball fall for what seemed like an eternity. He then hit a beautifully timed left foot volley straight into the bottom left hand corner, leaving Shea with no chance. 3-2 and it was great to see both McHugh and Brunt get off the mark for goals this season and with Reuben Reid barely featuring so far, the signs are looking good with goals being shared around the team. The rest of the game took a similar pattern with Jervis performing well on the right, taking on Wimbledon players and having a couple of close efforts. One just wide and one well saved by Shea. A couple of Argyle changes were then made with Tanner coming on for Brunt and new sigining Oscar Threlkeld making his debut in place of Wylde. Tanner nearly opened his account for the evening when a glancing header from a left wing Gary Sawyer cross was again well saved by Shea with his feet. Moving into the closing stages and Wimbledon tried in vain to put us under pressure, but in all truth it was laboured effort with very little end product. The referee blew his whistle and we had done it. We had come back from behind to win a game, and that unwanted record was now erased.

Looking at the performance, there were some key individuals. Boateng and McHugh were calm and assured and dictated play from the middle of the park. Brunt got the goal his efforts deserved and held the ball up really well. Jervis was excellent, showing great technique and attitude in his play coming forward and tracking back. And Carey again used brilliant delivery on the set pieces in what was one of his quieter games by his high standards. All in all I felt this was a great exercise for the team. Although lethargy and sloppiness put us behind early on, in truth it was probably a good test of our steel and mental toughness for further challenges ahead. A test that we passed with flying colours and one that will last long in the memory of the travelling Argyle support. Next up is a trip to Stevenage, where hopefully we can make it five wins on the bounce!

Best Player - Carl McHugh

Attendance - 1251 (356 Argyle)

Next Game - 05/09/2015 Stevenage (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 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 are also featured on www.argyle.life where I am a part of a team of feature writers. Please come and visit and support the site and writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 22 year old James Curno from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? '14 years. Although as a teenager I didn't follow football as much, and as a result wasn't that invested in Argyle during the dark days of administration. My first game after not going for so many years was very different. Very grim atmosphere. Now back to loving football and hopefully good times ahead with Argyle!'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'My earliest memory was my first game. In my memory it was an inter-squad friendly. For some reason I think it was on Boxing Day, but it cant of been. It must of been a pre-season friendly. I think Mickey Evans scored. Other early memories include Pilgrim Pete throwing sweets into the crowd at half time, was my favourite part of the game at that time!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? '2-0 QPR to win the title. It was a really nice sunny day, with a packed crowd and a great Argyle performance. Typical of the time'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Can only go from who I've seen. Something draws me to David Friio. Great goal scoring midfielder'

Best current Argyle player? 'Hard to choose. But I'm going for a new player in Graham Carey. Shown some great skill and creativity, well above League 2 standard and he is already getting goals. Will be having his name on the back of my new shirt. Always love a number 10'

General feeling around Derek Adams' appointment? 'Adams has proved to be a great signing. He fills me with optimism and I think the club is in good hands. He's got a plan which is good to see. So far, so good'

Season Prediction? 'Going to stick with what I've said before which is somewhere in the top 5. Would love a top 3 finish. Alright I'm going to be optimistic and say 3rd!'

Prediction for our next match away to Stevenage? '2-1 Argyle. I think we will come out on top thanks to the momentum from the Wimbledon result. However I think Stevenage will put up a good fight'