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

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

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

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

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

Best Player - Christian Walton

Attendance - 6469

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




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

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

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

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

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

Best all time Argyle player? 'Mickey Evans'

Best current Argyle player? 'Graham Carey'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Player - Gary Sawyer

Attendance - 14008

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

York City (a) (League 2) Match Report 14/11/2015

Off the back of consecutive cup defeats in the FA Cup and Johnstones Paint Trophy respectively, came a welcome return to league action. Many questions about our lack lustre defensive showings recently had the chance to be answered at Bootham Crescent, the home of York City. On paper the signs looked promising, with the Minstermen languishing one place above the relegation zone, and Argyle five points clear at the top. But as we know with football, anything can happen and if you take the Green Army's two recent cup defeats, as well as it being new York manager Jackie McNamara's first home game in charge, the stakes were high for both clubs! Looking at the teams and the Minstermen boasted within their ranks former Hartlepool stopper Scott Flinders, as well as ex Argyle player Luke Summerfield and former youth hot prospect Josh Carson. Argyle kept the same starting line up from Tuesday's JPT defeat against Millwall, but for one notable change. With Luke McCormick injuring himself in the warm up, James Bittner made not only his first ever start for the Green Army, but his first ever Football League start after 4991 days as a professional. This was a fact that garnered national press attention, so eyes would be on him to perform and impress. Another key feature was Oscar Threlkeld's retention of his spot in the centre of midfield, to make his own first Argyle league start. Would these two first time starters impress or flatter to deceive? We were about to find out!

Referee Richard Clark got the match under way and even though the Green Army followers were getting drenched by the rain in the uncovered terracing, they were still in very good voice! After recent disappointments for Argyle, the fans were looking for a fast start, and that is exactly what they got! Quick and incisive passing was putting York on the back foot early, and there was a real energy throughout the side. Gregg Wylde started the first opening when he picked the ball up in the middle of the Minstermen's half. He played a smart ball out wide on the left to Jake Jervis, who in turn fed the ball through the inside channel and into who else but Graham Carey. His quick first time left foot drive beat Flinders and flashed across the goal just zipping wide of the far post. These incisive openings would become a feature of the opening period and it wasn't long before the Green Army were in again. This time on the right hand side and the ball was picked up by Craig Tanner. He cut inside of York left back Femi Ilesanmi before sending an in swinging left foot cross to the far post and towards the incoming Carey. Minstermen centre back Eddie Nolan got there just in time, but his partial clearance only fell into the path of Jervis on the edge of the box. His first time volley flashed low and hard, only for Flinders to pull off an impressive save low to his left to keep the score line at 0-0. The pressure was mounting and both Wylde and Tanner were causing problems on each wing. The next chance came from a piece of individual brilliance from Tanner. Picking the ball up on the right, he skipped trough the middle of a double challenge of both Ilesanmi and Rhys Turner both jinking inside of Michael Collins and firing a left footed effort just wide of Flinders near post. A few moments later and Tanner again caused problems, jinking past challenges before feeding in Carey on the right hand side of the six yard box. He let the ball run across his body before hitting a first time effort with his left foot that was again well parried by Flinders. The ball came straight back to Carey but this time his effort was well blocked by George Swan and it floated harmlessly over the bar! Argyle were becoming so dominant that the goal seemed inevitable and it duly came. Gary Sawyer picked the ball up before playing the ball out wide to Carey on the left. He got the ball out of his feet before sending a beautiful in swinging ball to the near post. Jervis got in between two York defenders and cleverly chested the ball towards Flinders' near post. Again Flinders got a hand to it, but this time there was too much on it and the ball went under him and in the net. 1-0 and no more than the Green Army deserved. After the goal came a slight period of calm with the Minstermen having slightly more possession but failing to create much other than a couple of crosses that Bittner unconvincingly punched away. Just before half time, Argyle got the second goal that their dominance deserved. Carey started the move by playing a left footed pass out wide to the left and into Wylde. He bamboozled Nolan and took the ball to the bye line before pulling it back with his left foot into the path of the on rushing Carey. He struck it first time with his left foot and it went straight in done the centre of the goal and into the net. The ball not near the corner, there was definitely a question mark that Flinders should of done better. Shortly after the half time whistle was blown and it was certainly the Green Army's most dominant first half display of the season to date.

The second half began and Argyle had further opportunities to extend their lead. Carey again central to proceedings, he first cut inside from the right to make space for his left foot effort that was palmed away by Flinders for a corner. From the resulting corner, a quick one two between Wylde and Carey gave Carey another chance. This time from a seeming crossing position he bent a lovely left foot effort that curled over the beaten Flinders but also agonisingly off the point where the cross bar and far post meet. A few minutes later and it was Jervis who was fed in on the left hand side of the six yard box by Wylde. With Flinders closing the angle, Jervis tried a first time right foot dink that went just wide of the near post. The third goal failed to materialise however and this no doubt gave York the confidence they needed to push forward. Derek Adams made the first of his three changes with eleven minutes remaining with Josh Simpson replacing Carl McHugh and this seemed to disrupt the flow of the Green Army. A corner was won on the left hand side and was taken by the Minstermen's James Berrett. He whipped an in swinger into the six yard box. Again Bittner anxiously went for the punch but this time it was mistimed and the ball looped into the air, before dropping just over the crossbar and onto the left stanchion of his goal. Another change was made with Tanner being replaced by Ryan Brunt with nine minutes left on the clock and he proved a good outlet and runner as the pressure from York mounted. Soon after and the Minstermen had another chance with Berrett playing the ball out wide on the right to Ben Godfrey. He cut inside of Peter Hartley before drilling a shot towards the near post. It was a solid shot that Bittner was equal to, getting down quickly to ironic cheers and chants of 'Bittner for England' from the Argyle faithful! The danger was not over however, as due to an earlier head injury to the Minstermen's Dave Winfield, there was to be ten minutes of added time! Adams' made his final change in the fifth minute of injury time with Lee Cox replacing Wylde,  but there was still for York to have the final word. Vadaine Oliver had the ball on the right had side of the box, and he shimmied on the ball before dinking a ball into the path of Godfrey. he controlled the ball on his chest before blasting a right foot volley past Bittner and into the corner of the net. 2-1 but being the ninety ninth minute there was no time for the Minstermen to fully recover. Shortly after the final whistle blew and the sodden Green Army travellers would be returning with three valuable points!

Well what a response after two disappointing cup defeats. For the first time since the early days of the season, I noticed a feeling of worry amongst the travelling Green Army regarding today's match. Personally I was confident of a return to form, both given our impressive league results coned with the fact that York City played very much reflectively of their lowly position in the table. The first half (as well as the majority of the second half) display was as confident and dominating as I have seen all season. Of course the Minstermen were very poor and would be one of my bets for relegation fodder, unless McNamara can turn things around and quickly. Taking that into account, greater challenges lay ahead and against teams that can test Bittner further I think he may struggle. On the positive side, we did win comfortably and took a deserved three points from a groubd we hadn't won at in over fifty years previously. That coupled with Portsmouth's failure to win on Sunday ta home to Wimbledon, means that Argyle are now nine points clear of finishing outside the automatic promotion positions. With consecutive home matches coming up against out of form Exeter City and Leyton Orient, followed by a trip to bottom of the league Dagenham and Redbridge, for me the future looks very bright indeed!

Best Player - Graham Carey

Attendance - 3654 (721 Argyle)

Next Game - 21/11/2015 Exeter City (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 25 year old Beverley Oliver from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'I grew up with my parents supporting Argyle, so all my life really! I got my first season ticket when I was 8 years old and have had the same seat ever since! But even before I started gong to games, I still remember being at home with my Nan on a Saturday and checking the teletext every so often, just to see if Argyle had scored yet!'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'Brighton at the Withdean Stadium. Everyone was standing and I was so small I couldn't see what was going on. Suddenly everyone started jumping up and down snd I just followed suit'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Probably will have to be the 2-0 win over QPR. Great day with great memories. I still remember the feeling of joy when the final whistle went'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Super Luke McCormick'

Best current Argyle player? 'Reuben Reid'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'I'm really happy. After years of heartbreak and worrying, things are finally starting to look really positive from the start of a season. This is our year!'

Season Prediction? 'Top 3 finish'

Prediction for our next match at home to Exeter City? '3-1 to Argyle. Due to Exeter's poor form at the moment and our good performances in the league. also the confidence boost we have at the moment should make for a great game'

Millwall (h) (Johnstones Paint Trophy Southern Section Quarter Final) Match Report 10/11/2015

Following on from the poor performance and deserved defeat to Carlisle United on Saturday, Argyle went into their second successive cup match in just three days. On this occasion it was a visit from Millwall to Home Park in the Johnstones Paint Trophy Southern Section Quarter Final! A tongue twister if ever I heard one! The Lions were currently sitting in eighth in the League One table and with the best away record in their division, tonight would prove an ominous task for the Green Army defence. With regular goalkeeper David Forde away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, it was an opportunity for Scotland U21 international stopper Jordan Archer to stake a claim in the Millwall starting line up. Despite it being a JPT encounter and lying just outside the League One playoffs, the Lions boasted a strong starting line up. Key notable features were former Norwich City, Welsh international and Premier League forward Steve Morison, as well as in form striker Lee Gregory, ex Chelsea academy starlet George Saville and Trinidad and Tobago international Carlos Edwards. For Argyle, and with their small squad beset by a piling up of injuries there were only two changes from Saturday, with Gregg Wylde coming in for Ryan Brunt and Oscar Threlkeld replacing Josh Simpson for his first start of the season. This meant another opportunity for Jake Jervis to impress up top after a dismal performance away at Oxford earlier in the season.

 

Referee James Linington got things under way, and the crowd were hoping for a response to the poor efforts on Saturday. The opening exchanges were played fluidly, and it was noticeable that both Millwall and Argyle were both football playing sides. With the Lions keeping possession well it was the Green Army who had the first attempt. Quick link up play on the edge between Graham Carey and Wylde, led to the latter having a hard of space on the right hand edge of the eighteen yard box. However, on his unflavoured right foot the ball sailed across Archer's goal and well wide. Shortly after a free kick won on the left was taken by Carey. He swung in the ball to the far post and Curtis Nelson met it with a looping effort that beat Archer but pinged off the top of the crossbar. The signs were promising, even if Millwall were showing their prowess and extra quality with slick passing. Just as the game was settling the Lions struck. A quick throw in from Joe Martin to Shaun Williams, followed by a neat one two led to Williams finding space on the left corner of the edge of the box. He then sent a lovely curling in swinging cross into the box. Gregory got in front of Nelson and glanced a well timed flicked header over the defender and towards the far corner. Luke McCormick made a diving effort to save, but his finger tip touch did nothing to stop the ball nestling in the corner of the net. 1-0 to Millwall but still very much in the game. After the goal the match settled for short period before the Argyle equaliser arrived. Gary Sawyer sent in a cross from the left and Jervis trapped the ball well with his back to goal. In a flash he turned Lions' defender Mark Beevers and lashed the ball into the roof of the net with his right foot! 1-1 and the fans were back roaring the Green Army on! With such an open game being played, it was probably inevitable there would be more goals. But Millwall's second goal was a very poor one to concede and something I am sure Derek Adams will not be happy about! Another cross from the left by Williams, this time a corner, was met by a weak far post header from Beevers back across the goal. With Carl McHugh and Craig Tanner both standing on the far post it seemed well covered and easy to clear. A mix up in communication meant that neither of them attempted the clearance and the ball trickled in. The Lions regaining the lead at 2-1, McCormick looking perplexed and rightly so. Although scored just two minutes before the break, there was still time for an Argyle resurgence of sorts. Just before half time, it looked like the equaliser had come. Kelvin Mellor picked the ball up on the right wing and hit a first time in swinging cross that was met by McHugh. that was heading for the left corner. Archer did brilliantly well to palm it away and the half time whistle blew shortly after to bring to an end a quite event filled first period!

 

 

At just 2-1 down and with a positive end to the first half there was a real feeling that the game was still live and there for the taking. The second half got underway, and again poor defending let the Green Army down. Morison played a simple ball through the middle, and with the Argyle defence wide open Gregory closed in on goal. Knocking the ball to his right to open an angle he hit a drive across McCormick. Although parried by the Green Army shot stopper, it was parried straight back to Gregory who happily accepted the invitation to double his own personal goal tally and extend the Lions' lead to 3-1! With the game seemingly going beyond Argyle, there was yet another twist in this up and down affair! Carey had been kept quite quiet all evening, with homework being done on his dangerous left foot and defenders doubling and sometimes even tripling up on him. When he picked the ball up a full thirty five yards out the Millwall defence stood off almost inviting him to shoot. Carey duly obliged, getting the ball out of his feet before unleashing an unstoppable, swerving and dipping effort that flew into the top corner of the net. 3-2 and easily the best goal I have ever witnessed at Home Park. Yet another resurgence started, quickly followed by yet another defensive howler! This time it was Peter Hartley's turn to make a hash of a simple clearance. A long punt downfield by Aiden O'Brien was seemingly being easily headed clear. However instead of heading up field, bizarrely Hartley tried to head to Nelson who was a couple of yards to his right. With Gregory sandwiched between them the ball hit his back before looping into the box. In quite comical defending, both Nelson and Hartley were turned with ease, before the latter blatantly pulled Gregory back and down from a quite clear goal scoring opportunity. On another day a definite red card, perhaps he was saved by Nelson's near presence? Albeit however, a penalty had been given that Gregory confidently dispatched, sending McCormick the wrong way and slotting the ball down the centre of the goal. 4-2 to Millwall and surely the game was up? Adams brough Brunt on for Tanner and another positive response from Argyle was forthcoming. However this time it wasn't to be successful! With the Green Army piling forward, more gaps began appearing for the classy Millwall forwards to exploit. A long ball up field from Sid Nelson found Gregory on the right. He held the ball up long enough before playing a wonderful side footed pass into the box and across the face of the goal. The ball was so well timed to O'Brien in between two Argyle defenders and he side footed past McCormick from six yards to make it 5-2 and with it secure the result. With respect to the Green Army, they still showed endeavour and heads didn't drop. Simpson came on for Wylde for the final twenty minutes and the team were still pressing on in gloomy circumstances. Ben Purrington came on for Hartley for the closing stages and there was still time for Jervis to have the final say in this incredible match. Jervis picked the ball up in the middle of the Lions' half. He drove at the defence and Brunt made a clever run to draw the Millwall defence out of position. Jervis kept on running to the edge of the box before hitting a right foot effort across Archer and into the bottom corner. It was now amazingly 5-3, but t was too late for any sort of comeback. Shortly after the referee blew for the final whistle and this particular match for the neutral was over.

 

 

Taking into account Saturday's performance this was a marked improvement in terms of desire and endeavour. However the defensive lapses were atrocious and McCormick's surety in goal appears to be waning. Perhaps a loan signing to put real pressure on the goalkeeper may make for shrewd January business. That being said, it appears cup matches seem to bring out the Green Army's worst defensive frailties. In sixteen league matches this season, Argyle boast the best defensive record in conceding just eleven goals. The same number of goals have also been conceded in just five cup matches! With league action returning with a trip to lowly York City on Saturday, perhaps being out of the cups will prove a blessing rather than a curse!

 

Best Player - Jake Jervis       

 

Attendance - 5869

 

Next Game - 14/11/2015 York City (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 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 42 year old Andrew Chapman from Leeds (Andrew also helps with Greens on Screen. Check them out, they take great shots of the Green Army both at Home Park and on our travels. You can find them at www.greensonscreen.co.uk)

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'Since my Dad first took me when I was very young. Not sure specifically. I would have been younger than 10, so I've been a Green for 30 plus years'

 

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'I cant remember my first game. I reckon it would have been either 1981/82 or 1982/83 season. The first game etched me in memory however was the epic 6-4 win against Preston North End a few seasons later. Amazing match!'

 

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'The promotion night at Rochdale away under Luggy. Never thought it would happen until it did! Likewise Wembley as I never thought we'd get there (even if it was a very dull game!)'

 

Best all time Argyle player? 'Sir Thomas of Tynan'

 

Best current Argyle player? 'Probably Graham Carey as he has been the attacking creative midfielder we have lacked for so many seasons now'

 

General feeling Derek Adams' performance so far? 'He has been very astute, and I think we must be doing better than even he could imagine! There's something about this cub and Scottish managers isn't there? '

 

Season Prediction? 'Anything less than top 3 would be devastatingly disappointing'

 

Prediction for our next match away to York City? 'York 2 Argyle 1 - on the basis that I feel like the wheels have fallen off a bit. We rarely do well at York and I am a pessimistic so and so! Hope I am wrong! We are due a win there'

Carlisle United (h) (FA Cup 1st Round) Match Report 07/11/2015

After last weekend's impressive performance and victory over Morecambe came the second long visit of Carlisle United, down from Cumbria. After Argyle's 4-1 thumping of them earlier in the season, the fans came in good voice, expectant of the start of a hopeful exciting cup run. The magic of the FA Cup is something that has been said for generations and it really is a great distraction from League 2 football, albeit with the Green Army sitting proudly atop of the division! Carlisle came into the match in somewhat indifferent form, and with a much changed line up and formation, no doubt manager Keith Curle learning from mistakes made the previous time the sides met! The Cumbrians boasted exciting Bury loanee Hallam Hope. This a man who once played alongside Raheem Sterling for England U17s, so no doubt some raw potential to be found. Another attacking option is Derek Asamoah, who has kind of taking the goal scoring mantle away from Jabo Ibehre, who started this season so well. For Argyle, the only change being Josh Simpson coming in for Hiram Boateng alongside Carl McHugh in the central position. Ryan Brunt continued in Reuben Reid's prolonged injury absence. People and the team seemed in good spirits and displaying a real togetherness1 What could go wrong?

Referee Charles Breakspear got the match underway, and that pre match optimism was almost over within the first minute. A lazy back pass from Gary Sawyer on the left let in Asamoah. He dallied however and when he did finally shoot, his curling effort went high and wide of the right hand corner of Luke McCormick's goal. The match seemed wide open, with both sides starting nervy and losing possession continuously. It wasn't long however before Carlisle found their footing in the game, something that was totally eluding the players in green and white jerseys. The possession was being dominated by the Cumbrians, but despite Argyle's mistakes, thanks to enigmatic midfielder Graham Carey, a couple of chances to take the led were created. The first saw Jake Jervis pick the ball up on the right wing and he laid it off to Carey whose quick first time left foot strike just flashed past the post and wide. A few minutes later and a free kick won just inside the Carlisle half was floated to the back post by Carey. Curtis Nelson sent a header across goal which beat everybody but agonisingly the far post too. this was to be the highlight of the match for Argyle, as soon after the Cumbrians took a deserved lead. A free kick in a similar position to Carey's was floated in by Carlisle's Danny Grainger. When the ball was only partially cleared by Sawyer, an Alex Gilliead header sent the ball back into the box. Mark Ellis won the second header before Anthony Sweeney sent an incredible acrobatic scissor kick past McCormick and into the top corner of the net. The stadium went silent apart from the hardcore contingent of Carlisle fans who had made the long trip for the second time this season! Soon after and there was more misery for the Green Army.  A hopeful Gilliead ball was sent over the top with Peter Hartley caught hopelessly out of position. Asamoah picked the ball up and played a shot across McCormick. He managed to get a hand to it but Nelson, who was there to clear got his footing all wrong and Hope and slotted into an empty net. 2-0 and it was no more than the Cumbrians deserved. The match petered out to half time, and with the sunshine dissipating there was a feeling our cup run was dissipating out of sight too!

Rather surprisingly Derek Adams didn't make any of the bold changes he fans have been accustomed to at the break. The anonymous Brunt stayed on, with the midfield pairing of McHugh and Simpson clearly not working today. There was an argument that some of the youth players could have been given a chance to prove themselves (see Mark Matthews article on Argyle Life!) but the team stayed the same! Perhaps a riveting team talk had been delivered by Adams and the performance would improve? Sadly that was not the case! The second half was probably one of the worst half's of football I have had the misfortune to witness in what is the world's greatest competition. Devoid of ideas, endeavour and for once this season it was reminding of a bygone era under John Sheridan. Even Adams didn't seem concerned enough to change things drastically. To be fair to Curle and Carlisle, they had done their homework. Keeping Carey pretty anonymous and away from striking with that potent left foot, as well as narrowing the playing field so our wingers were too compact to make an impression. The one time Carey did find some space inside, his hopeful left foot effort bounced gingerly wide. Then when five minutes later an angry howl from Carey was out at yet enough loose pass, you sensed the game was up. There was still a chance for the Cumbrians to improve their lead from yet another Argyle mistake. This time Peter Hartley played a lazy ball form the left to Simpson and he was easily disposed by Jason Kennedy, who fed Asamoah through on goal with Hartley out of position. Luckily Nelson came across just in time and Asamoah sent his shot wide, failing to give the score line the gloss it deserved for Carlisle. Adams made a few token changes at the end, with Gregg Wylde replacing Simpson to no real effect on the match. Then in the last five minutes Tyler Harvey replaced Brunt and Oscar Threlkeld came on in place of Craig Tanner, but in truth nobody wanted to be out there at that stage. Both players and fans alike. The match was brought to a close and for the Green Army it really was welcomed!

Well to review that game it can be summed up in a few simple words! An absolutely dreadful performance, with only Carey I can give meagre praise too. Sometimes in football you have these match or performances where everything just seems to go rotten. After the game Adams alluded to not having funds to get Carlisle goal scorer Hope down to Home Park. Perhaps his lack of changes or ignorance to his usual very good tactical nous was him proving a point in a cup run he may have rather done without. Who knows? One thing is for sure, that if we perform like that regularly we wont be thinking about promotion come May! The major saving grace is that awful performances like today have almost been forgotten in what has proved to be a season to remember so far. On Remembrance weekend where we say lest we forget the brave souls who gave their lives for our freedom, I will say let's please forget this FA Cup performance, and in a hurry. On a side note I went to the Dairy in Plymouth on Friday night and met two of the most affable doormen in the city (pictured below). I said I would give them a shout out and send away fans their way as they treated me and the fiancé with great respect. Cheers Sean and Luke! Let's bring on Millwall on Tuesday and hopefully my next beverage will be toasted with a victory!

Best Player - Graham Carey

Attendance - 6005

Next Game - 10/11/2015 Millwall (h) (Johnstones Paint Trophy Southern Section Quarter Final)








As always each match report is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something that I hope to do for every match day. If you would like to be featured please feel free to email me at danstone84@hotmail.com or alternatively get in touch through social media. Either on Twitter at @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 its writers. It is a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Sheridan Davey (Right)

Today's fan 42 year old Sheridan Davey from Bristol

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? ' Since my Dad took me to Home Park aged 8'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'Pompey invading the Lyndhurst when they secured promotion in 1983/84 season. I watched them from the Mayflower!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Oh it's a hard one. There are so many. But I think when we were 3-1 down to Brighton in 2002/03 season. Friio scored two diving headers in the 3 minutes of injury time to get a point. It felt like a win and the Mayflower went mental! Off the top of my head that was up there as one of the best buzzes I've ever had watching Argyle!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Kevin Hodges. I idolised him at 12/13 years old'

Best current Argyle player? 'Gregg Wylde. I think he's a game changer'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Derek Adams is going to take us all the way to the Premier League. Just like he die with Ross County in the Scottish Leagues!'

Season Prediction? 'We clinch promotion as champions in Portsmouth on April 16th and invade Fratton!'

Prediction for our next match at home to Millwall? '1-1 and then the lottery of penalties!'