Wycombe Wanderers (h) (League 2) 30/01/2016

When these two sides last met last in early September it produced a tight affair between two contrasting team styles. On that day Argyle came out on top, but it was far from smooth sailing in an each way encounter that finished 2-1. It was to be expected that today's match would be a similarly tough examination for the Green Army. It can also be noted that the Chairboys have a habit of harbouring ex players who have a fondness of scoring against Argyle. Most recently it was Jason Banton and previously Paul Hayes. Whilst Banton has fallen out of favour, Hayes remains in the team, and is joined by Gozie Ugwu and Paris Cowan-Hall respectively. Other major news in the Wanderers camp, was the transfer of hot prospect goalkeeper Matt Ingram to Queens Park Rangers. This left Wycombe with former deputy Alex Lynch between the sticks, with 46 year old goalkeeping coach Barry Richardson as back up on the bench. For the Green Army, it was a return to Adams tried and tested 4-3-2-1 formation, with Reuben Reid leading the line. Oskar Threlkeld and Josh Simpson were the lynchpins in midfield and Craig Tanner supporting in the central attacking midfielder role. Graham Carey was again on the bench alongside Argyle's two latest loan signings Jordon Forster and Daniel Nardiello.

The fans were eager in anticipation to see if the Green Army could take advantage of Northampton Town's lack of a fixture and return to the summit in League 2. Referee Philip Gibbs blew his whistle to start the first half and it wasn't long before another restart would be needed. The Chairboys won a corner on the right hand side and Joe Jacobsen whipped a left footed in swinger to the near post. Similar to one of the three goals Argyle conceded in last season's playoffs, Hayes blocked off Luke McCormick and a melee ensued. Bodies seemed to fly everywhere, and eventually after a number of attempted shots it was Ugwu who managed to hook the ball over McCormick and into the net from a lying down position. 1-0 to Wycombe and not the start the Green Army would have hoped for! Again though it was a positive response from the men in green, and a mazy run from Threlkeld meant he found space on the right and inside the box. However the shot failed to match the run and his weak effort was easily stopped by Lynch. Tanner was next to test the goal, when he skipped pat Aaron Pierre on the left, before flashing a left footed effort just wide. With Argyle in the ascendency a strange injury to Lynch occurred. With Wycombe winning a goal kick, the keeper went down in agony, seemingly having twisted his ankle collecting the ball. After some short physio treatment he decided to carry on. This proved to almost be a costly mistake, as when Lynch attempted to take the goal kick it was a short and poor one. Gregg Wylde collected the ball before dashing down the left wing and squaring it to Reid on a plate. However with Lynch down injured and the goal gaping he fluffed his lines, slicing the ball well wide. A lengthy delay started, and it ended with the stricken Lynch being stretchered off, and the welcoming of 46 year old Richardson to the fray. This was Richardson's first appearance of any note since 2005 and indeed a chance for Argyle to test the ageing keeper! The match continued and following a good block from an Ugwu effort by Curtis Nelson, the big defender freed Tanner down the right. He ran at the Chairboys' defence and steamed into the box, before running our of time, space and an angle to shoot, and Richardson gathered comfortably. The remainder of the half was much huffing and puffing. with a resolute Wycombe defence keeping the Green Army at bay, amidst a variety of different time wasting techniques. The tactics were working, and their seemed to be no love lost between rival managers Gareth Ainsworth and Derek Adams, who had a number of clashes on the touchline. Referee Gibbs eventually brought the first half to an end, in a match he had little control of, and ablaze with a comedy reel of poor decisions for both sides!

Seeing a need to find the key to unlock the Chairboys defence, Adams decided to make a change with Carey coming on for the ineffective Jake Jervis. This decision initially proved to be a fruitful one, with Carey showing a number of deft and clever touches for which he has become famous for at Home Park. Wycombe initially struggled to contain him, and he was finding time and space to weave his magic. Working from the right wing he glided past Jacobsen and Marcus Bean before finding Carl McHugh whose shot was well blocked by the impressive and commanding Pierre and the ball went out for a corner. From the resulting Carey corner the ball was flicked on and found McHugh in space from twelve yards out. He failed to properly connect with his left foot shot, and the ball trickled through to the grateful Richardson to collect. Another Carey corner and another chance, this chance the ball falling to Nelson, who hit a solid left foot effort, that was again well blocked by Pierre.Argyle were pressing and it wasn't long before Richardson was tested again. this time Tanner cut inside of Jacobsen on the right hand side, before sending a curling left footed effort that was too close to Richardson, who again gathered comfortably. With time running out, and the Green Army seemingly unable to break down the Chairboys defence, Adams made his second change. Noticing the impressive physicality of the side from Wycombe, it was lightweight Tanner off, and big and strong Ryan Brunt on in his place. Just after the change however, it was the Chairboys who nearly doubled their lead. Jacobsen found Matt Bloomfield inside the box on the left. He drilled a left foot shot that was well parried by McCormick, but straight back into Bloomfield's path. Another left foot effort, and another save, this time with his feet from McCormick. This chance seemed to spark a brief light back into Wycombe's play and barely a minute later a long range left foot shot from Jacobsen flashed just over McCormick's goal frame. The Green Army rallied again, and another chance came. However another frustratingly weak shot from McHugh was again easily claimed by Richardson. Brunt who had worked extremely hard since coming on, won a free kick from 35 yards out and up stepped Carey. He decided to go for goal, and his bouncing effort caused Richardson his first real problems, but he did well to parry wide. With the clock running low, Adams made his final change with new signing Nardiello replacing Threlkeld in a final roll of the dice. However despite a couple of McHugh half chances, with Argyle pushing forward it was Wycombe who went closer to doubling their lead. A free header from Pierre went wide when he should have really hit the target. And in the final dying embers, it was Luke O'Nien, whose header was well stopped by McCormick. Gibbs blew his final whistle to a chorus of boos in what was a shambolic display of officiating all round. However Wycombe played to their strengths and deserved the three points today!

Well what can be made of today's result. There were some ugly scenes from both benches at full time. This was probably borne out of frustration, due to a lack of ideas, in immobilising Wycombe's physical approach. In terms of the match, it was really spoilt by a catalogue of laughable decisions from the officials. It wasn't a great advert for League 2 football, but for me, the Chairboys were very good value for their win and they seem to be elixir that cause Argyle's potency to be annulled! Onwards to Huish Park and Yeovil Town next week and hopefully a change back to winning ways.

Best Player - Curtis Nelson

Attendance - 8458

Next Game - 06/02/2016 Yeovil 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 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 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 18 year old Adam Price from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'As long as I can remember, with my first season ticket coming in 2013'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'Dave Smith's testimonial in 2004. Torquay were the opposition and if I remember rightly, we won 2-1'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why?  'From those I've been to, it would be the 3-2 win over Tranmere last season. Not the best in terms of quality, but the atmosphere around the ground as we made the Playoffs was fantastic!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Mickey Evans'

Best current Argyle player? 'Graham Carey'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Very impressive. Needs to hold things together as we approach the run in'

Season Prediction? 'I think we will scrape third on the last day of the season and scrape promotion!'

Prediction for our next match away to Yeovil Town? 'We haven't lost two in a row in the league this year, so I think we'll get a much need return to winning ways. 2-1 to Argyle!'

Bristol Rovers (a) (League 2) 23/01/2016

Following on fro  the entertaining win at home to Stevenage, came the challenge of Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium. The Gas came into the match in imperious form, on a solid run of results, most recently the 2-1 victory over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium the previous Sunday. Goal score from the reverse fixture at Home Park, Ellis Harrison had moved on loan to Hartlepool United, but the Pirates had secured the services of former Cambridge United striker Rory Gaffney on a permanent deal. For Argyle, it was the same, with Ryan Brunt and Reuben Reid continuing in attack with Gregg Wylde and Jake Jervis down the flanks. Craig Tanner again had to settle for a place on the bench, and the back four and goalkeeper Luke McCormick kept their places. The biggest line up news of the day, was the welcome return from injury of Graham Carey to the match day squad, taking a place on the substitutes bench. Today's opponents would provide a stern test of the Green Army's credentials and it would be interesting to see how the team fared.

Referee Oliver Langford got the match underway and it was Argyle who came out of the traps the quickest. Brunt was the first to test the Gas defence, cutting inside of Tom Lockyer on the left before having his right footed shot well blocked by Tom Parkes. Not long after and a corner from the left from Jervis was met by a solid Carl McHugh header that dropped just wide of goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall's goal. The Green Army were having the better of the opening quarter, but Rovers soon began to come back into the match. Matty Taylor found some space just outside the Argyle eighteen yard box, b3fore sending a right footed dipping effort that was well claimed by McCormick. A few minutes later and this time it was Lee Brown who hit a solid right footed strike that fizzed just past McCormick's near post. The match was well balanced, bit it was the Green Army who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half. Wylde, who had been making great strides down the Argyle left wing hit a stinging left footed drive that flew past Mildenhall and crashed off the crossbar. Not long after and a Reid header just flew over the bar from a Gary Sawyer cross. The Green Army were getting closer, but the best chance came just before the break. Wylde again found space on the left, before pinging in a wonderful left footed cross. Reid brought the ball down with a fine touch and it fell invitingly for Jervis to just seemingly find the net. He made a great connection with his right foot, and with Mildenhall beaten, it was Lockyer who produced a fantastic block and send the ball over the crossbar. Argyle were on top, and just after a Peter Hartley header went close, referee Langford brought the game to a close for half time.

With Argyle probably just shading the first half, it was probably the Gas who would have felt more comfortable with a break in proceedings. With the resumption of the second half, the match was finely poised and it was the Green army again who initially started well, with the impressive Wylde again finding space, only to see his shot blocked by the Rovers astute defensive line. Pirates manager Darrell Clarke, then made a couple of changes with Billy Bodin and Cristian Montano replacing James Clarke and Lee Mansell respectively. The changes seemed to have the desired effect as the Gas came back into the game. Rovers first chance of note of the second half fell to Brown, who chested the ball down from twenty five yards and hit a flying shot, that fortunately for McCormick was straight down the middle, and he gathered comfortably. With the team from Bristol beginning to get a stranglehold on the game, Derek Adams made his first change, with Tanner coming on in place of Reid. Almost immediately Tanner made an impact! Showing trickery and great feet on the left, he evaded two challenges, before firing a right footed shot, that yet again was blocked by the solid looking Lockyer. No doubt showing everyone just why he had recently received the Football League Young Player of the Month award! With the match going from end to end, it was the Gas who almost took the lead. A cross from Montano found Taylor at the far post. He controlled the ball and hit a solid low left, that McCormick did fantastically well to stop at his near post and hold onto. The match was really there for the taking and following further close Green Army efforts from McHugh and Jervis, it was Rovers who had their moment. A Montano cross from the left was sent into the box. a scramble ensued and the ball pinged out to Jermaine Easter at the far post. he managed to flick the ball high into the air and it was Billy Bodin who got his head to the ball first, nodding it past McCormick and sending the home fans wild. With just ten minutes left on the clock, would Argyle be able to get back into the match? The response came thick and fast, with Curtis Nelson being sent forward for every set piece and a do or die attitude was implemented by Adams to the players. With just two minutes remaining, the equaliser finally came. A Tanner cross from the right was chested down by McHugh into the path of Josh Simpson. He then hit a superb out swinging right footed half volley that flew past Mildnehall and into the bottom right hand corner. In truth it was no more than the Green Army deserved, and a draw was probably a fair result. Both teams seemed to agree. There were two late Argyle changes, with Oscar Threlkeld coming on for Jervis and the return of the great Carey in place of the extremely impressive Wylde. It was a nice touch from Adams and Carey showed some nice touches in the few minutes of match time he had before the referee sounded the final whistle.

Overall, the match was typical of two in form sides, both slightly wary but with obvious quality. Both had spells in the match when they were on top and a draw was probably a fair result. However I do feel that had Argyle opened the scoring, a victory would have been had. Key features from the match were the continued resurgence of Wylde on the wing and McHugh taking on the mantle of combative midfielder with both hands. It's refreshing to see the team becoming more and more comfortable when playing in these big away games. There was a solidity and union to their play and the return of Carey brings up further optimism indeed. With other results in the league, namely Northampton Town's comfortable victory over Morecambe, the Green Army now lie second in the table. However with a solid none point cushion over the teams outside the automatic positions, cause for optimism should be high and I for one am starting to see the light at the end of the promotion tunnel!!

Best Player - Gregg Wylde

Attendance -10190 (1285 Argyle)

Next Game - 30/01/2016 Wycombe Wanderers (h) (League 2)







As always each match 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 contact 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  the site and support it's writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 29 year old Ben Galatia from Barwell, Leicestershire

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'Since I was 14. that's when I went to my first game'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'Taking s girl from school to a game (When Jason Bent got owned). At half time she stood up and got ready to leave, thinking the game had finished!'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Vincent Pericard's hat trick game. Best atmosphere at a match (excluding derbys of course!)'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Peter Halmosi, but there are five that are very close'

Best current Argyle player? 'Luke McCormick'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? '10/10. He gets things done. He isn't interested in being a manager known for his personality. Instead he goes or one that I s known for results'

Season Prediction? 'Top 3'

Prediction for next match at home to Wycombe Wanderers? '3-2. Wycombe just took a beating after a poor display against Leyton Orient. They will be looking to com out fighting. However the mighty Greens are getting their spark back and after a draw at Bristol we should come away with the victory. Derek will be drilling the team into making more of our chances and I believe we will do so. We shouldn't underestimate Wycombe but we should have enough fire power to beat them'

Stevenage (h) (League 2) 16/01/2016

With Argyle's winning run ended by an in form Northampton Town side, it was important that the Green Army focussed on getting back on the horse, and back to winning ways. Next up it was the turn of Stevenage to visit Home Park. In the reverse fixture this season, Teddy Sheringham's Boro' managed to achieve a 2-1 victory in a rather scrappy encounter for both sides. It was hoped that today would be a better memory for the Argyle faithful. Stevenage brought a similar squad to the one the Green Army faced earlier in the season, with standout players being Dean Parrett, Charlie Lee and Michael Tonge. For Argyle, after tinkering with the starting formation against the Cobblers on Tuesday, it was back to the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 tactic, with Craig Tanner and Gregg Wylde reintroduced, and Reuben Reid leading the front line. Hopefully going back to the successful formula would reap the rewards for the home side today!

Referee James Linington blew his whistle and the match got underway. Argyle started brilliantly, pressing with purpose. Almost immediately, good work from Wylde on the left forced Ronnie Henry to concede a corner. Up stepped Jake Jervis and his in swinging right footed delivery from the left was met by a header from Carl McHugh at the near post. Stevenage keeper Chris Day got a hand to it, but the effort proved too powerful and ended up in the net. 1-0 to the Green Army and their second fastest goal of the season. With a great start in the bag, could Argyle push on. Unfortunately another corner, this time from Boro', got them back into the match. Tom Conlon stepped up from the left corner flag and sent a left footed out swinger to the edge of the box. Jamie McCombe reacted first and his touch to the far post found Lee unmarked, who tapped easily into the gaping net. 1-1 and only six minutes played! This may have turned the tide into Stevenage's favour, but the Green Army responded well and it wasn't long before Jervis cut inside of Connor Ogilvie before firing just wide of Day's far post. The constant pressure paid off, and just eleven minutes after Boro's equaliser, Argyle regained the lead. Great play down the right by Kelvin Mellor found Jervis and his superb cross, was met by a bullet header from Wylde that flew into the top right hand corner for 2-1! The Green Army had sent the fans into raptures, and this in turn caught the team on fire. The ball was almost permanently in the Stevenage half, and a half clearance from Fraser Franks rolled towards Mellor form 25 yards. He hit a first time fierce right footed drive that whizzed just past the post. More great play, this time from Wylde, saw him dink past Henry before hitting a curling effort towards the far corner. With Day well beaten, the ball narrowly arched wide! Reid was then in on the act picking up a long Peter Hartley ball, and when McCombe backed off, he shaped a right footed effort around him, that Day did expertly well to tip round the far post. With Argyle piling on the pressure it was nearly a comical moment which provided the third goal. A Wylde cross from the left was met by an attempted Franks clearance. He however smashed the ball into how colleague Henry and Day looked on agonisingly as the ball beat him but crashed off the crossbar and out for a corner. The Green Army were to have their moment however, and when McHugh found Tanner inside the box on the left the goal finally came. As Tanner received the ball, he showed great feet to evade two defenders before hitting a sublime effort across the sprawling Day and into the top right hand corner. 3-1 and no more than Argyle deserved. With five minutes remaining of the first half, there was still time for even mor chances. Jervis had another right footed effort well saved by Day, before two  close efforts from Tanner. the first whistling past the post and the second again well saved by Day. To the travelling Boro' fans relief, Linington blew the whistle and it was half time!

With such an exhilarating first half, with four goals and three for the Green Army, the fans were on good voice. Unfortunate finishing and Day heroics had prevented the game from being out of sight. Would Argyle live to regret these missed chance or could they keep dominating? The second half began, and probably as expected, Stevenage came out with a lot more purpose. As with the first half, an early goal set the tone. This time it was Stevenage who halved the comeback job with a well taken goal. Parrett found some space on the right before sending in a bouncing right footed cross. the defence looked jittery and poor marking from Mellor allowed Lee in front of him, who in turn bundled the ball over the line to make it 3-2. The Stevenage resurgence continued and Luke McCormick did well to save Aaron O'Connor's right footed effort. This was soon followed by a solid right foot shot from Parrett that flew over the bar. The Green Army weathered the storm however, and were soon back on the front foot. Speculative long range efforts from Jervis and McHugh, went over the bar and were well saved respectively. Reid then found space on the right hand side of the box,  but his drilled effort towards the near post was well saved by Day with his feet. the match then seemed to slow unsurprisingly, after such a frenetic pace. Oskar Threlkeld came on in place of the again impressive Tanner, before Ryan Brunt replaced the equally impressive Reid. Threlkeld nearly marked his cameo with a goal, but again Day was up to the challenge, saving well. It was actually the Green Army who finished the stronger, with  Brunt and Wylde both having chances to give the score a more reflective reading of the dominant display, but it was not to be. The referee blew the full time whistle and Argyle had a richly deserved three points!

After the sombre mood following the defeat to Northampton on Tuesday, it was great to see such an emphatic performance. For me it was probably the best performance in attacking terms this season. In this tried and tested system, Tanner and Reid seem to flourish. Add to that the solid form that Wylde has seemed to hit, alongside the solidity that either Josh Simpson, McHugh or Threlkeld bring and good things seem to beckon. On top of that there is positive news that Graham Carey could make his long awaited return to the match day squad for next Saturday's trip to Bristol Rovers. The only flaw for today's performance was in defensive terms. Early season this had been a key factor in the Green Army's promotion assault. I still believe that Hartley and Curtis Nelson are two of the division's stand out defenders however, and add to that the new loan signing of Jordon Forster from Hibernian, I think today may have just been an off day. Next week will be a real acid test with Rovers in fine form. Coming off the back of an impressive win at in form Oxford United, it was with both trepidation and excitement that I view the next Argyle away day!

Best Player - Gregg Wylde

Attendance - 9546

Next Game - 23/01/2016 Bristol Rovers (a) (League 2)








As always each match 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 contact 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 the site and support it's writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 24 year old Chris Colverson from Plymouth

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

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'We played Charlton Athletic in a friendly at Home Park'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Shrewsbury away in League 1 as it was my first ever away day! We were in such a bad way and Fletch scored such a meaningful goal to beat the Shrews, who were top of the league at the time'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Mickey Evans. 'Trigger', what a legend!'

Best current Argyle player? 'Craig Tanner'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'He has been such a refreshing appointment. He has instilled belief in the players, fans and club again!'

Season Prediction? '3rd as our rivals seem more consistent in my opinion'

Prediction for our next match away to Bristol Rovers? 'We are both in good form and both doing well in the league at the moment. I will go for a 2-1 Argyle win'

Northampton Town (h) (League 2) 12/01/2016

Argyle were on an exceptional winning run, going into this top of the table clash, with equally high flying Northampton Town. The Cobblers themselves, battling on two fronts, both for promotion from League 2, and should the get through a replay against Milton Keynes Dons, a lucrative money spinning tie at home to Chelsea in the FA Cup 4th Round. Whilst the Green Army have only the league to focus on, the match on paper at least, provided a mouth watering contest between the division's top two sides. Northampton have had a number of key performers in Lawson D'Ath, striker Marc Richards and shot stopper Adam Smith. Add to that the adversity the team have come through in respect of their earlier in the season financial plight, and it is nothing short of remarkable the position the Cobblers find themselves in. For Argyle, a welcome return to the starting eleven for Reuben Reid. With the recent form of Ryan Brunt, Adams decided on a change of system to accommodate them both. A 4-3-3 system, meaning Jake Jervis joined them in a three pronged attack, with Gregg Wylde and Craig Tanner dropping to the bench and Josh Simpson coming in, in the midfield position.

Referee Keith Stroud blew his whistle and the match got underway. The match started at a fairly even pace, with both sides confidently stroking the ball around in midfield. Early headed chances, from Richards and Simpson respectively, went close but one was well blocked by Zander Diamond, and one flew just over Luke McCormick's crossbar. Reid's presence in attack was certainly proving a focal point, and his hold up play was helping the new system that Adams had introduced. A first effort from Reid, saw the big forward hold off a Diamond challenge before lashing a right shot just wide of Smith's near post. Moments later, and a hooked Gary Sawyer cross from the left, was met by a firm Reid header, that Smith expertly tipped over. D'Ath and John-Joe O'Toole were linking up well in the centre of the park, and it was an O'Toole right foot shot, cutting inside of Curtis Nelson, from twenty yards, that was well held by McCormick, in his bottom left hand corner. It was only to prove a short respite however, as a comedy howler let in Northampton for the opening goal. Kelvin Mellor was put under pressure on the right from D'Ath. He turned back towards goal, and played the ball back to McCormick, who seemingly had plenty of time. Striker James Collins attempted to close McCormick down, and the usually reliable keeper attempted to take him on. Collins pickpocketed the big shot stopper before rolling into an empty net. A calamitous goal to give away in such an important fixture. 1-0 to the Cobblers. Shortly after and the impressive D'Ath had to be replaced with Nicky Adams due to injury. with respect to the Green Army, the response was good, and Brunt almost scored with a flash header from a Jervis corner, only to see the ball drop just wide of Smith's right hand post. Shortly after the referee blew for half time, and Argyle were behind.

With the home fans expecting the Green Army to come out with purpose in the second half, it was actually the Cobblers who decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck. An early Ricky Holmes header just flashing wide of the post. Brunt then had a very speculative left footed effort from outside the box that flew well over. The evening was cold, and the Argyle faithful were becoming restless. The fans were further annoyed when Adams found himself in space on the left hand side. He drove into the box and hit a low drilled left footed effort towards the far corner. McCormick did well to save the ball with his feet. The danger was not over however and barely two minutes later Northampton doubled their lead . A poor Peter Hartley clearance was picked up by O'Toole. He charge into the box, playing a neat one two with Richards, that the latter finished off well, tucking the ball underneath McCormick for 2-0. Two mistakes and two goals against the Green Army. Adams decided to make a couple of changes with Tanner coming on in place of Oscar Threlkeld, and Wylde replacing Reid. Almost immediately Argyle nearly found a goal back. A Tanner cross seemed to hit Brunt on the back of the head and was dropping into the goal. Smith claimed the ball on the line, and despite big protests, the goal was probably, and fairly not given. Following this the match became a bit scrappy, with the Cobblers, rightfully time wasting and Argyle over eager to get back into the game. Adams had a chance to seal the points and make the scoreline slightly flattering, but his left footed effort was just too high of McCormick's crossbar. Just following this, the Green Army got a goal back out of a long ball. This ball was flicked on by Jervis and Brunt skipped round Brendan Moloney before firing a right ball across the six yard box. The pass evaded both Northampton defenders, finding it's way to Wylde at the far post, who slotted it under Smith to halve the deficit. 2-1 and seven minutes left to change the match. The Green Army huffed and puffed for the final few minutes, and despite fairly close headed efforts from both Wylde and Brunt, the elusive goal didn't come. The final whistle sounded, and the Cobblers had taken the spoils.

So after a run of victories, two errors in a tight came meant Argyle's run had come to a close. The defeat brings the Cobblers level on points with the Green Army with a game in hand. Despite losing the match, there were plenty of positives to take from proceedings, namely the return of Reid. this coupled with pre match news of the new signing on loan of Hibernian defender Jordon Forster, and the imminent return of Graham Carey to the match day squad can only be positive. Up next for Argyle is Teddy Sheringham's Stevenage side on Saturday, and hopefully a return to winning ways!

Best Player - Gary Sawyer

Attendance - 9241

Next Game - 16/01/2016 Stevenage (h) (League 2)








As always each match is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something I would like 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 on 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 the site and support its writers. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 15 year old Josh Tyler-Williams from Stoke on Trent

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? 'All my life'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'At home to Peterborough and Paul Wotton got us the winner'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? '3-0 against Exeter last season. Just great to beat them with such confidence and couldn't ask for a better game'

Best all time Argyle player? 'Peter Shilton'

Best current Argyle player? 'Luke McCormick'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'Quality manager. Great to see a manager who cares about the team and gets results as well. I can't remember a manager so well liked as him for a very long time'

Season Prediction? 'Champions and clear by a minimum of five points'

Prediction for our next match at home to Stevenage? '2-0 Argyle! Although we had a tough game against Northampton and they gave us more than a run for our money, Argyle always come out fighting. Being at home is always a boost ad I think the boys will want to maintain top position. So 2-0 will be a nice solid result in my eyes!'

Carlisle United (a) (League 2) 02/01/2016

Off the back of three straight victories, optimism was bountiful going into Argyle's final festive fixture. Another trip away from Home Park, but this time at an unfamiliar League 2 venue. Due to the tragic flooding events that have engulfed Cumbria, unfortunately Brunton Park was unavailable for use. Carlisle United have therefore had to ground hop both for home and away fixtures in recent weeks. Today's welcoming hosts were Blackburn Rovers and their 31000 capacity Ewood Park. For many of the Green Army faithful it was a first visit to the former Premier League champions ground and I may say our hosts were very hospitable indeed. Looking at the teams for the encounter and Argyle made one change from the side that faced Newport with Josh Simpson coming in for Craig Tanner in a more solid looking midfield four. For the Cumbrians, who were still without key strikers Jabo Ibehre and Hallam Hope due to injury, there were still plenty of dangers. Most notably midfielder Anthony Sweeney and left Danny Grainger who provide a potent threat down the left flank. Add to this burly striker Charlie Wyke and pacey finisher Derek Asamoah and the Green Army would have to be at their best to maintain the winning streak.

Referee Seb Stockbridge blew his whistle to get the match underway. A fast paced opening saw an early half chance for Derek Asamoah when fed in just outside box by Alex Gilliead. His quick right footed effort flashing just wide of Luke McCormick's near post. A few minutes later and the Argyle defence backed off of Gilliead and he sent a similar right footed effort to Asamoah's again just wide of McCormick's near post. This produced a berating of the defence from the big Green Army keeper and the team seemed to respond, pushing up and beginning to force Carlisle back. Jake Jervis was the first to test Cumbrians' keeper Mark Gillespie when he cut inside of Michael Raynes from the left, before hitting a cross shot that Gillespie saved well in the bottom left hand corner. Two minutes and this time it was Gregg Wylde cutting in from the right, skipping past Grainger before firing a left footed effort just over the crossbar. Argyle were beginning to apply more consistent pressure to the Carlisle backline and when the impressive and combative Oscar Threlkeld played a ball into the feet of Jervis, it was Jason Kennedy who clattered through the back of him, for an obvious free kick. With both Tanner and Graham Carey not on the pitch it was the in form Ryan Brunt who took responsibility. Placing the ball thirty yards from goal, he ran up and hit a superb right foot effort that appeared to take a slight deflection off of the Cumbrians' wall before flying past Gillespie and into the top left hand corner. Brunt may have had a few doubters when he stepped up, but he silenced them with a wonderful finish. 1-0 to the Green Army and the travelling faithful were rapturous once again. Rather the gung ho attitude of the early season Argyle performances, following the goal the team appeared happy to slowly control the rest of the first half without any chance for either side of note. The exception being a right footed scuffed effort from Asamoah that was easily saved by McCormick in the centre of his goal five minutes before the break. As referee Stockbridge blew for half time there was a real sense of control among the players and anticipation for the second half from the fans.

As is common in football the team that is losing at half time usually comes out with more purpose in the second half and today was no exception. An early free kick from Raynes was pumped into the Argyle box to be flicked on by Mark Ellis. Gilliead was first to react with a right footed overhead kick that was expertly parried away by McCormick at his right post before being hacked away by Kelvin Mellor. Shortly after and Derek Adams was enforced into his first and what would prove to be his only change when Jervis appeared to have a knock. He was duly replaced by Tanner for the remaining forty minutes of the match. Just after the change and Grainger had a hard right footed effort well blocked by Threlkeld just outside the box. With Carlisle starting on the front foot, the Green Army had a golden opportunity to double the lead on the break. Solid link up play between Wylde and Simpson saw the latter pull a ball back to the edge of the box from the left. Tanner was left unmarked and hit a first time left footed shot that was superbly blocked by Ellis, throwing himself in the line of fire. The match however had begun a similar tempo that would play out for the remainder of the half, with the Cumbrians pushing forward and Argyle using the pace of Wylde and Tanner on the break. Another ball looped into the box, this time from Kennedy, found Ellis free on the left. Mellor did just enough to put the big centre back off, as his left foot effort lacked power and was easily collected by McCormick. Shortly after yet another ball from Kennedy found its way to Wyke unmarked in the centre of the box. However he got his timing all wrong and his right footed effort was scooped over when it perhaps should of found the back of the net. Both Kennedy and Gilliead were causing problems with their crossing, and the latter was the next to find an unmarked player, this time Asamoah in the box. He got under his header however and the ball looped invitingly into the grateful clutches of McCormick. With Carlisle throwing everything at the Green Army, there were notable gaps to exploit on the break. Tanner showed great balance and pace to shirk off two Cumbrian challenges before feeding Wylde through on the left hand side of the box. Wylde however let the ball run too far across his body and when he fired his left foot shot it was easily saved by Gillespie at his near post. Another chance to seal the result for Argyle went begging and would it be punished? Another chance and another free header fell to Asamoah. Again fortunately he got underneath it and it looped just over the crossbar. On another day the Green Army's lack of adequate marking could have been punished. With fifteen minutes left and with players on both sides tiring, it was Threlkeld who was breaking up play and stopped the flow of crosses coming from the Cumbrians midfield. Indeed it was Argyle who created more chances as the game drew to a close. With three minutes remaining it was Brunt who lined up another free kick, this time from just twenty five yards! This time however his right footed effort just cleared Gillespie's crossbar. With time running out in stoppage time, and with Carlisle throwing absolutely everything and everybody at the Argyle defence, the vital second goal finally game. Tanner intercepted a Gilliead ball well in his own half before running the length of the pitch, evading challenges brilliantly and feeding Brunt on the right. Brunt hit a cross that was deflected by Cumbrians substitute Troy Archibald-Henville up and over the diving Gillespie, before Wylde sneaked in to tap the ball in on the line. 2-0 to the Green Army, cue amazing scenes on a very hard earned three points! There was still time for Tanner to have one more chance, and as he cut inside of a very tired Ellis it looked like he was going to give the Green Army a very flattering win, but he sent his right effort just wide of Gillespie's right post. Stockbridge put Carlisle out of their misery and blew for full time and a fourth win in a row for Argyle!

So first all a very Happy New Year to all the fans and readers. After five matches without a win, it is now four wins from four and twelve points from twelve. A very happy Christmas period indeed, both with results and with lucky weekends in terms of weather to avoid any postponements of the Green Army's fixtures. Whilst there are many positives going into the New Year, with the opening of the January transfer window, there is lots of work for manager Adams to do. Most notably it is the retention of our three important loanees Tanner, Threlkeld and Hiram Boateng respectively. All have played a vital part in Argyle's season and all would be most welcome to increase their loans to the end of the season! Add to that the constant speculation around the potential signing of Notts County and ex England international Alan Smith and it sounds as though the Scotsman is not resting on his laurels. There are some key matches coming in January against fellow promotion contenders in Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers and it could prove vital that Adams gets his transfer dealings correct!

Best Player - Oscar Threlkeld

Attendance - 4415 (801 Argyle)

Next Game - 12/01/2016 Northampton Town (h) (League 2)




As always each match is featured with our Match Day fan feature, which is a short Q and A about Argyle related fodder and something I plan 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 on 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. It's a great site with a broad range of opinions and views.

Today's fan is 26 year old Ryan Sonley from Plymouth

How long have you been an Argyle fan for? '20 or so years'

What's your earliest PAFC memory? 'Argyle winning the Playoffs at the old Wembley with Ronnie Mauge getting the only goal'

Favourite ever Argyle match and why? 'Beating Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Jamie Mackie scored the only goal and Adam Johnson missed a late penalty for Boro. I got to wind my my Boro supporting granddad up!'

Best all time Argyle player? 'It's between two. Ronnie Mauge and David Friio'

Best current Argyle player? 'Three players who have been amazing for us this season and the reason we are top of the league.  Graham Carey, Peter Hartley and Craig Tanner'

General feeling around Derek Adams' performance so far? 'He is a tactical genius. We were losing games and he has turned it around to get us back to winning ways'

Season Prediction? 'Top 3 definitely, but I would love us to win League 2, so I'm going to say Champions!'

Prediction for our next match at home to Northampton Town? 'Two quality sides and the biggest six pointer of the season. I think we will get a 2-1 victory with Brunt and Tanner getting the goals for us!'