Jason Banton's strike on the stroke of half-time ensured the 60th Football League Devon Expressway derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City went the way of the Pilgrims.
Veteran striker Jamie Cureton went close for the Grecians, but was unable to find the target as the Pilgrims held on to clinch maximum points for the third league game in succession.
The win moves Argyle closer to the League Two safety mark in 20th place with 46 points, whilst Exeter find themselves occupying 7th place.
Plymouth boss John Sheridan was delighted with the efforts of his players and said: “I’m very pleased. I think we deserved to win. It was a very good performance in a big game, a derby game, against a good team. They are a very good passing team and have had some excellent results away from home, but I thought we kept them quiet for most of the game.
“The first five minutes worried me the most. Full credit to my players: their effort to try to win the game was brilliant – and it has been since I’ve been here.
“We knew we had to get into their faces. If you let them play they are one of the best teams in the division. I would have liked us to pass the ball a little bit more. "
He also admitted that he was slightly envious of them to be playing in such an occasion. He said: "I told them to go out and enjoy the game. I was jealous of them.
"I would love to have played. These are the games you want to be involved in. There were 13,000 here on a sunny day. It killed me watching it."
Grecians boss Paul Tisdale remained philosophical and insisted he would be looking ahead to their Easter Monday encounter with Rochdale.
He said: "What we need to do is to move the next game, we've got six games to go and there's 18 points at stake.
"As much as I feel miserable now, it's good to acknowledge that and understand why and how, and to move to the next game, so when talking about our performance today, we didn't play well enough and we didn't up our game.
"We started well for the first 15 minutes but didn't really find that form for the remainder of the game."
Tomorrow will see Argyle travel to York City, who are currently managed by Sheridan's former Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Nigel Worthington, and Exeter host Rochdale, who former Pilgrims' defender Keith Hill is currently in charge of.
Sunday 31 March 2013
Friday 29 March 2013
FOUR TO WATCH
We will now take a look at four players, two from each side, who could have a big part to play in tomorrow's Devon derby clash.
PAUL WOTTON:
Prior to last week's trip to Chesterfield being postponed, veteran midfielder Paul Wotton had netted two penalties in two successive victories over Fleetwood and Southend respectively.
Plymouth-born has achieved an incredible amount during his two spells with his home-town club, he returned for a second spell from Yeovil in January 2012, is currently third on the club's all-time appearance list and, in his first spell, captained Argyle to two titles in his first spell at Home Park.
Could he add scoring the winner in a Devon derby to his list of achievements?
REUBEN REID:
Another player who has returned to Home Park in recent times, Reuben Reid rejoined the Pilgrims on loan during the January transfer window from Yeovil and has recently extended his loan deal until the end of the season.
After leaving Home Park in 2008, Reid has played for Rotherham United, West Bromwich Albion, Peterborough United, Walsall, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil before John Sheridan brought him back to the place where it all began for him.
In the Pilgrims' last league outing against Southend, Reid scored the first goal of his second stint with Argyle and could he follow that up by finding the back of the net against the Grecians.
JAKE GOSLING:
Jake Gosling is a rare commodity amongst the Exeter City squad as he is only player to have scored a winning goal against Plymouth Argyle this season.
Gosling was on target for Dorchester Town, during a loan spell at the Avenue Stadium earlier this season, in the FA Cup first round as the Magpies became the second non-league side in as many years to knock the Pilgrims out of the FA Cup in a tie that televised live to the nation on ESPN.
As well as this, Gosling was also released by the Pilgrims as a 16-year-old, when he was snapped up by the Grecians.
MARK MOLESLEY:
When the two sides last met at St James Park in December, Mark Molesley lined up for the Pilgrims against the Grecians. Tomorrow he is looking to help the Grecians defeat Argyle.
Molesley originally joined the Pilgrims on loan from Bournemouth in November 2012, in a bid to help first team football under his belt after being plagued by injuries.
His loan spell at Home Park came to an end following Argyle's New Year's Day defeat at Bristol Rovers, which saw Carl Fletcher dismissed as manager.
On his return to the Goldsands Stadium, he was released by the Cherries on mutual consent before joining the Grecians as a free agent and he has since proved to be a useful addition to Paul Tisdale's side.
PAUL WOTTON:
Prior to last week's trip to Chesterfield being postponed, veteran midfielder Paul Wotton had netted two penalties in two successive victories over Fleetwood and Southend respectively.
Plymouth-born has achieved an incredible amount during his two spells with his home-town club, he returned for a second spell from Yeovil in January 2012, is currently third on the club's all-time appearance list and, in his first spell, captained Argyle to two titles in his first spell at Home Park.
Could he add scoring the winner in a Devon derby to his list of achievements?
REUBEN REID:
Another player who has returned to Home Park in recent times, Reuben Reid rejoined the Pilgrims on loan during the January transfer window from Yeovil and has recently extended his loan deal until the end of the season.
After leaving Home Park in 2008, Reid has played for Rotherham United, West Bromwich Albion, Peterborough United, Walsall, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil before John Sheridan brought him back to the place where it all began for him.
In the Pilgrims' last league outing against Southend, Reid scored the first goal of his second stint with Argyle and could he follow that up by finding the back of the net against the Grecians.
JAKE GOSLING:
Jake Gosling is a rare commodity amongst the Exeter City squad as he is only player to have scored a winning goal against Plymouth Argyle this season.
Gosling was on target for Dorchester Town, during a loan spell at the Avenue Stadium earlier this season, in the FA Cup first round as the Magpies became the second non-league side in as many years to knock the Pilgrims out of the FA Cup in a tie that televised live to the nation on ESPN.
As well as this, Gosling was also released by the Pilgrims as a 16-year-old, when he was snapped up by the Grecians.
MARK MOLESLEY:
When the two sides last met at St James Park in December, Mark Molesley lined up for the Pilgrims against the Grecians. Tomorrow he is looking to help the Grecians defeat Argyle.
Molesley originally joined the Pilgrims on loan from Bournemouth in November 2012, in a bid to help first team football under his belt after being plagued by injuries.
His loan spell at Home Park came to an end following Argyle's New Year's Day defeat at Bristol Rovers, which saw Carl Fletcher dismissed as manager.
On his return to the Goldsands Stadium, he was released by the Cherries on mutual consent before joining the Grecians as a free agent and he has since proved to be a useful addition to Paul Tisdale's side.
DIAMOND LEAGUE MEETING
Tomorrow's Devon derby encounter between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City will be the 60th league meeting between the two sides.
The priorities for both sides are strikingly different with the Pilgrims needing to win to move further away from the League Two drop zone, whilst the Grecians are looking for victory to cement their promotion credentials, as they are currently 6th at the time of writing, and have one eye on an automatic promotion place.
Both sides respective managers will no doubt be aware of the importance of the game to their supporters as they both possess vast experience of local derbies.
Argyle boss John Sheridan, who is embarking on his first Devon Expressway derby since replacing Carl Fletcher in January, is a veteran of many Steel City clashes between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United during his eight-year tenure as a player at Hillsborough.
The most notable of those he was involved in was the 1993 FA Cup Semi-Final between the two sides, which the Owls won 2-1 thanks to a Chris Waddle strike in extra-time.
Grecians manager Paul Tisdale will be embarking on his 12th Devon derby of his reign at St James Park, and his sixth between Exeter and the Pilgrims.
Of those previous five meetings, Tisdale has only been on the losing side just the once, which at Home Park during the 2010-11 season when Bradley Wright-Phillips netted twice for Argyle in a 2-0 victory.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting encounter that is set to be played in front of an anticipated crowd of 13,000 to 14,000 and, as well as, local bragging rights being at stake, it could also have a part in shaping the destiny of both side's seasons.
The priorities for both sides are strikingly different with the Pilgrims needing to win to move further away from the League Two drop zone, whilst the Grecians are looking for victory to cement their promotion credentials, as they are currently 6th at the time of writing, and have one eye on an automatic promotion place.
Both sides respective managers will no doubt be aware of the importance of the game to their supporters as they both possess vast experience of local derbies.
Argyle boss John Sheridan, who is embarking on his first Devon Expressway derby since replacing Carl Fletcher in January, is a veteran of many Steel City clashes between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United during his eight-year tenure as a player at Hillsborough.
The most notable of those he was involved in was the 1993 FA Cup Semi-Final between the two sides, which the Owls won 2-1 thanks to a Chris Waddle strike in extra-time.
Grecians manager Paul Tisdale will be embarking on his 12th Devon derby of his reign at St James Park, and his sixth between Exeter and the Pilgrims.
Of those previous five meetings, Tisdale has only been on the losing side just the once, which at Home Park during the 2010-11 season when Bradley Wright-Phillips netted twice for Argyle in a 2-0 victory.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting encounter that is set to be played in front of an anticipated crowd of 13,000 to 14,000 and, as well as, local bragging rights being at stake, it could also have a part in shaping the destiny of both side's seasons.
Wednesday 27 March 2013
KNILL POWER
Whilst Rafa Benitez has proved to be an unpopular presence at Stamford Bridge as an interim manager, Alan Knill is a having a positive impact at Plainmoor.
Former Bury and Scunthorpe boss, who is standing in for Martin Ling as interim manager, has guided the Gulls to back-to-back victories over Chesterfield and York City in successive league outings, moving Torquay closer to safety in the process.
Knill's tactical switch to 4-4-2 is beginning to pay dividends for the Gulls as Elliot Benyon, who is currently forming a partnership with leading scorer Rene Howe, scored his first goal since his return to Plainmoor on loan from Southend on Saturday against York.
In the same match, Ryan Jarvis, now deployed on the right wing, scored an unstoppable 25-yard strike to increase his tally to eight for the season.
Knill believes that his side can only improve as they head into the final six matches of the season as they remain a win and a draw away from possibly securing outright safety.
"If we are committed and if we are aggressive and if we are passionate, then we can compete with anyone in the league," said Knill.
"We have six games left and if we can show that for the next six games, we will be ok.
"If we step off it thought-and start thinking that we are better than we are-then that could make things difficult.
"I've not seen the signs that we are getting a little complacent, I've seen signs that we want to get better."
The next challenge for Torquay, over the Easter weekend, is a trip to promotion-chasing Northampton Town at the Sixfields Stadium before they return home to face Capital One cup finalists Bradford City at Plainmoor.
Their next four fixtures see the Gulls travel to title chasers Gillingham, host Edgar Davids' Barnet, head north to Morecambe before testing themselves against Bristol Rovers on the final day at home.
Whether or not Knill remains at Plainmoor for next season, should he lead Torquay to the necessary points they to avoid the trap door which leads to the Blue Square Premier, he will have done enough to ensure that he is held in the same regard as the other architects of the Gulls' great escapes in living memory.
A list that currently features Neil Warnock, Colin Lee and Ian Atkins.
Former Bury and Scunthorpe boss, who is standing in for Martin Ling as interim manager, has guided the Gulls to back-to-back victories over Chesterfield and York City in successive league outings, moving Torquay closer to safety in the process.
Knill's tactical switch to 4-4-2 is beginning to pay dividends for the Gulls as Elliot Benyon, who is currently forming a partnership with leading scorer Rene Howe, scored his first goal since his return to Plainmoor on loan from Southend on Saturday against York.
In the same match, Ryan Jarvis, now deployed on the right wing, scored an unstoppable 25-yard strike to increase his tally to eight for the season.
Knill believes that his side can only improve as they head into the final six matches of the season as they remain a win and a draw away from possibly securing outright safety.
"If we are committed and if we are aggressive and if we are passionate, then we can compete with anyone in the league," said Knill.
"We have six games left and if we can show that for the next six games, we will be ok.
"If we step off it thought-and start thinking that we are better than we are-then that could make things difficult.
"I've not seen the signs that we are getting a little complacent, I've seen signs that we want to get better."
The next challenge for Torquay, over the Easter weekend, is a trip to promotion-chasing Northampton Town at the Sixfields Stadium before they return home to face Capital One cup finalists Bradford City at Plainmoor.
Their next four fixtures see the Gulls travel to title chasers Gillingham, host Edgar Davids' Barnet, head north to Morecambe before testing themselves against Bristol Rovers on the final day at home.
Whether or not Knill remains at Plainmoor for next season, should he lead Torquay to the necessary points they to avoid the trap door which leads to the Blue Square Premier, he will have done enough to ensure that he is held in the same regard as the other architects of the Gulls' great escapes in living memory.
A list that currently features Neil Warnock, Colin Lee and Ian Atkins.
Friday 22 March 2013
GRECIANS SIGN RODGERS JUNIOR
In a bid to strengthen the Grecians' League Two promotion bid, Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale has snapped up Anton Rodgers, son of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, on loan.
Rodgers junior arrives at St James Park on a youth loan from his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion and will remain with the Grecians until the end of the season.
He has made one substitute appearance for the Seagullls and has also appeared for the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
Before committing to moving to Exeter, Rodgers sought the advice of his father who spoke highly of Tisdale and his approach to the game.
"I was looking to gain experience and try and get first-team football, so it's one where my dad spoke to Paul Tisdale and they're a footballing team and it suited me perfectly to come," said Rodgers.
"Exeter are doing well and hopefully I can get a couple of games here."
Tisdale has also hinted that he would be keen to bring Rodgers junior to St James Park on a more permanent basis.
"I'd like to think that we could tempt him here one day should we wish," commente Tisdale.
"I'm always looking a year, two years in advance and I'm always looking to build a team."
The signing of Rodgers junior isn't the only connection the Grecians have with the Anfield club as former boss Alex Inglethorpe currently coaches their reserve side.
Rodgers junior arrives at St James Park on a youth loan from his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion and will remain with the Grecians until the end of the season.
He has made one substitute appearance for the Seagullls and has also appeared for the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
Before committing to moving to Exeter, Rodgers sought the advice of his father who spoke highly of Tisdale and his approach to the game.
"I was looking to gain experience and try and get first-team football, so it's one where my dad spoke to Paul Tisdale and they're a footballing team and it suited me perfectly to come," said Rodgers.
"Exeter are doing well and hopefully I can get a couple of games here."
Tisdale has also hinted that he would be keen to bring Rodgers junior to St James Park on a more permanent basis.
"I'd like to think that we could tempt him here one day should we wish," commente Tisdale.
"I'm always looking a year, two years in advance and I'm always looking to build a team."
The signing of Rodgers junior isn't the only connection the Grecians have with the Anfield club as former boss Alex Inglethorpe currently coaches their reserve side.
RENEWING ACQUAINTANCES
This weekend's latest installment of the battle for League Two survival will see some of the staff of Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United face their former employers.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be facing his former club Chesterfield who he guided to promotion from League Two in the 2010-11 season. Sheridan then led to Johnstone's Paint Trophy glory in the following campaign before his departure earlier this season.
Two of his former backroom staff at the Proact Stadium, assistant manager Tommy Wright and goalkeeping coach Marc Crossley, are currently working under his successor Paul Cook.
New Torquay United coach Chris Brass, who recently joined the Gulls coaching team to work alongside manager Alan Knill, will be facing one of his former side's in a relegation battlle at Plainmoor.
Brass, who also had a loan spell at Plainmoor during the 1994-95 season, spent five years with the Minstermen and was installed as captain on his arrival. His stint with York also included a spell as player-manager during the 2003-04 campaign where he was unable to prevent York from being relegated to the Conference.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be facing his former club Chesterfield who he guided to promotion from League Two in the 2010-11 season. Sheridan then led to Johnstone's Paint Trophy glory in the following campaign before his departure earlier this season.
Two of his former backroom staff at the Proact Stadium, assistant manager Tommy Wright and goalkeeping coach Marc Crossley, are currently working under his successor Paul Cook.
New Torquay United coach Chris Brass, who recently joined the Gulls coaching team to work alongside manager Alan Knill, will be facing one of his former side's in a relegation battlle at Plainmoor.
Brass, who also had a loan spell at Plainmoor during the 1994-95 season, spent five years with the Minstermen and was installed as captain on his arrival. His stint with York also included a spell as player-manager during the 2003-04 campaign where he was unable to prevent York from being relegated to the Conference.
Monday 18 March 2013
HILLY TAKES CHARGE AT TIVVY
During his 11-year stay at Torquay United, Kevin Hill played under ten different managers.
This list includes a vast array of different characters with different styles of playing the game ranging from Leroy Rosenior to Ian Atkins to Wes Saunders.
This week sees the Gulls’ record appearance holder undertake his first solo managerial role as caretaker manager of Evo-Stik Southern League side Tiverton Town, following the departure of Mark Saunders and Hedley Steele, when Tivvy face Paulton Rovers at Ladysmead.
Hilly previously took on a brief managerial role as he briefly took charge of Dorchester Town as part of a trio with Gareth Stewart and Mark Jermyn during the 2008-09 season-following the departure of Shaun Brooks.
He is also only third member of the Gulls’ 2003-04 automatic promotion winning squad to enter non-league management. David Woozley briefly took charge of Crawley Town during their days in the Conference and Lee Canoville has had a spell as manager of Boston United.
Other members of that side have entered coaching-Alex Russell is currently employed as Under-21 development coach at Bristol City and Jason Fowler has coached at Cardiff City youth set-up.
Kevin Dearden is also involved in coaching at Football League level with Leyton Orient where he carries out the dual roles of goalkeeper coach and Chief Scout.
Members of the Yellow Army who saw him make the vast majority, if not all, of his 474 appearances for Torquay in all competitions, a list which includes League One, League Two, the Conference, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the FA Trophy and the Setanta Shield, will be following the progress in his new role with keen interest.
This list includes a vast array of different characters with different styles of playing the game ranging from Leroy Rosenior to Ian Atkins to Wes Saunders.
This week sees the Gulls’ record appearance holder undertake his first solo managerial role as caretaker manager of Evo-Stik Southern League side Tiverton Town, following the departure of Mark Saunders and Hedley Steele, when Tivvy face Paulton Rovers at Ladysmead.
Hilly previously took on a brief managerial role as he briefly took charge of Dorchester Town as part of a trio with Gareth Stewart and Mark Jermyn during the 2008-09 season-following the departure of Shaun Brooks.
He is also only third member of the Gulls’ 2003-04 automatic promotion winning squad to enter non-league management. David Woozley briefly took charge of Crawley Town during their days in the Conference and Lee Canoville has had a spell as manager of Boston United.
Other members of that side have entered coaching-Alex Russell is currently employed as Under-21 development coach at Bristol City and Jason Fowler has coached at Cardiff City youth set-up.
Kevin Dearden is also involved in coaching at Football League level with Leyton Orient where he carries out the dual roles of goalkeeper coach and Chief Scout.
Members of the Yellow Army who saw him make the vast majority, if not all, of his 474 appearances for Torquay in all competitions, a list which includes League One, League Two, the Conference, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the FA Trophy and the Setanta Shield, will be following the progress in his new role with keen interest.
TWO OUT OF FIVE
Plymouth Argyle’s and Torquay United’s respective bids for League Two intensified at the weekend as the pair now find themselves level on 40 points with three other teams.
Following their respective results at the weekend, Argyle beat Fleetwood 2-1 and the Gulls drew 1-1 with Southend, the pair are tied on Accrington Stanley, Aldershot Town and Barnet, whilst York City are one place above the quintet with 41 points.
Torquay are due to face the Minstermen this coming Saturday at Plainmoor and will be hosting Argyle on Easter Monday at Bootham Crescent, so it is fair to say that the Yorkshire side, managed by former Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington, will have a big say in the outcome of the relegation dog fight.
Since his arrival at Home Park, Pilgrims boss John Sheridan has brought in eight new faces such as Ronan Murray, Guy Branston, Gozie Ugwu, Reuben Reid, Anthony Charles, Lee Cox, Jason Banton and Joe Bryan.
The former Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Republic of Ireland midfielder has also promoted Gary Owers from his development coach role to work with the first team.
Meanwhile, at Plainmoor, Alan Knill has also drafted in a number of new faces, including loan signings Joss Labadie and Joss Chapell from Notts County and Sheffield United respectively.
He has also recruited his former assistant at Bury and Scunthorpe, and former Gulls loanee, Chris Brass to help assist him until the end of the season.
Brass was brought to Plainmoor on loan from Burnley by Don O’Riordan during the 1994-95 season and later went on to appear for York City, Harrogate and Bury.
With both teams in action twice this week, the Pilgrims travel to Southend and Chesterfield whilst Torquay host Chesterfield and York, there are set to be yet to twists and turns in the race for survival.
Following their respective results at the weekend, Argyle beat Fleetwood 2-1 and the Gulls drew 1-1 with Southend, the pair are tied on Accrington Stanley, Aldershot Town and Barnet, whilst York City are one place above the quintet with 41 points.
Torquay are due to face the Minstermen this coming Saturday at Plainmoor and will be hosting Argyle on Easter Monday at Bootham Crescent, so it is fair to say that the Yorkshire side, managed by former Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington, will have a big say in the outcome of the relegation dog fight.
Since his arrival at Home Park, Pilgrims boss John Sheridan has brought in eight new faces such as Ronan Murray, Guy Branston, Gozie Ugwu, Reuben Reid, Anthony Charles, Lee Cox, Jason Banton and Joe Bryan.
The former Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Republic of Ireland midfielder has also promoted Gary Owers from his development coach role to work with the first team.
Meanwhile, at Plainmoor, Alan Knill has also drafted in a number of new faces, including loan signings Joss Labadie and Joss Chapell from Notts County and Sheffield United respectively.
He has also recruited his former assistant at Bury and Scunthorpe, and former Gulls loanee, Chris Brass to help assist him until the end of the season.
Brass was brought to Plainmoor on loan from Burnley by Don O’Riordan during the 1994-95 season and later went on to appear for York City, Harrogate and Bury.
With both teams in action twice this week, the Pilgrims travel to Southend and Chesterfield whilst Torquay host Chesterfield and York, there are set to be yet to twists and turns in the race for survival.
Wednesday 13 March 2013
GARY AND PADDY NOMINATED
In recognition for Yeovil Town's fine recent form, manager Gary Johnson and star striker Paddy Madden have been nominated for League One's manager and player of the month for February 2013.
During the course of the month, the Glovers recorded five wins out of six, a run which included victories over Brentford, Coventry, Preston, Scunthorpe and Colchester.
The only match that Yeovil-who are unbeaten in the league in 2013- failed to win was away at Doncaster on February 23rd, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
This brought the curtain down on an eight-match winning streak that began with their final fixture of 2012 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Johnson's fellow nominees are Hartlepool manager John Hughes and Walsall boss Dean Smith.
Since making his loan move from Carlilse United permanent in the January transfer window, Madden- who currently tops the League One scoring charts with 19 goals-will be looking to win a second consecutive player of the month award, having received the honour last month.
He will be facing competition from Walsall's Fabien Brandy and Hartlepool's Peter Hartley.
During the course of the month, the Glovers recorded five wins out of six, a run which included victories over Brentford, Coventry, Preston, Scunthorpe and Colchester.
The only match that Yeovil-who are unbeaten in the league in 2013- failed to win was away at Doncaster on February 23rd, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
This brought the curtain down on an eight-match winning streak that began with their final fixture of 2012 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Johnson's fellow nominees are Hartlepool manager John Hughes and Walsall boss Dean Smith.
Since making his loan move from Carlilse United permanent in the January transfer window, Madden- who currently tops the League One scoring charts with 19 goals-will be looking to win a second consecutive player of the month award, having received the honour last month.
He will be facing competition from Walsall's Fabien Brandy and Hartlepool's Peter Hartley.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
A CHALLENGING SITUATION
In 2013, Alan Knill is facing the same challenge as Neil Warnock in 1993, Colin Lee in 2001 and Ian Atkins in 2006-the task of keeping Torquay United in the Football League.
After overseeing two defeats in his first two games in charge, a 1-0 loss against Port Vale and a 2-1 reverse at home to Wycombe Wanderers, Knill stopped the rot with a goalless draw at Accrington Stanley- the first point the Gulls have ever secured in the East Lancashire town.
One issue that Knill will be looking to address heading into Torquay’s remaining 11 matches is the Gulls’ lack of firepower in recent weeks.
Ryan Jarvis’ opener against Wycombe remains Torquay’s only goal of Knill’s reign as interim boss-as well as being only one of three goals scoring by the Gulls during the month of February.
Looking back at previous years when Torquay have pulled off great escapes, they have often conducted late transfer business, towards the end of the transfer deadline, to bring in players who would play a crucial role in helping the Gulls secure their Football League status.
When Colin Lee rescued Torquay in 2001, he snapped up David Graham towards the end of March and Graham went to score the Gulls’ decisive goal in their 3-2 final day win over Barnet, which secured Torquay’s survival at the expense of the Bees.
Fast forward to 2006 and Ian Atkins’ acquisition of Lee Thorpe and Danny Hollands played a key role in keeping the Gulls in League Two as they won four of their remaining five league games. This included a 4-0 home win over Stockport County and a 2-1 away win at Carlisle United.
If the Torquay United side of 2013 are going to stay afloat in npower League Two they will need to secure at least 12 points from their remaining 11 matches.
A lot of work has gone into ensuring that the club has progressed in the manner in which has done since the Gulls dropped out of the Football League in 2007, which helped Torquay retain their league status two years later.
This, in turn, provided a springboard for the Gulls to challenge for the Play-Offs in the seasons prior to the current one.
After overseeing two defeats in his first two games in charge, a 1-0 loss against Port Vale and a 2-1 reverse at home to Wycombe Wanderers, Knill stopped the rot with a goalless draw at Accrington Stanley- the first point the Gulls have ever secured in the East Lancashire town.
One issue that Knill will be looking to address heading into Torquay’s remaining 11 matches is the Gulls’ lack of firepower in recent weeks.
Ryan Jarvis’ opener against Wycombe remains Torquay’s only goal of Knill’s reign as interim boss-as well as being only one of three goals scoring by the Gulls during the month of February.
Looking back at previous years when Torquay have pulled off great escapes, they have often conducted late transfer business, towards the end of the transfer deadline, to bring in players who would play a crucial role in helping the Gulls secure their Football League status.
When Colin Lee rescued Torquay in 2001, he snapped up David Graham towards the end of March and Graham went to score the Gulls’ decisive goal in their 3-2 final day win over Barnet, which secured Torquay’s survival at the expense of the Bees.
Fast forward to 2006 and Ian Atkins’ acquisition of Lee Thorpe and Danny Hollands played a key role in keeping the Gulls in League Two as they won four of their remaining five league games. This included a 4-0 home win over Stockport County and a 2-1 away win at Carlisle United.
If the Torquay United side of 2013 are going to stay afloat in npower League Two they will need to secure at least 12 points from their remaining 11 matches.
A lot of work has gone into ensuring that the club has progressed in the manner in which has done since the Gulls dropped out of the Football League in 2007, which helped Torquay retain their league status two years later.
This, in turn, provided a springboard for the Gulls to challenge for the Play-Offs in the seasons prior to the current one.
CHARACTER AND COURAGE
John Sheridan will be hoping his Plymouth Argyle side can replicate the character they showed against Edgar Davids’ Barnet when they face npower League Two leaders Gillingham this weekend.
The Pilgrims showed real bouncebackability to come from behind against the Bees and former Republic of Ireland midfielder Sheridan had two Irishmen to thank for scoring the goals that clinched their second win of his reign as Argyle manager.
Skipper Conor Hourihane cancelled out Jake Hyde’s opener for the Bees with his fifth goal of the season in the 36th minute before Ronan Murray, currently on loan from Ipswich Town, scored the game’s decisive goal early in the second half.
"It’s always a good feeling for me when you go a goal down and you’ve got the character and courage to come back and win the game.
“The first goal was a great passage of play and it’s a great goal from Conor.
“I’m pleased for Ronan as well, I’ve brought him in. He’s a very intelligent footballer and the change in formation suited him because we played to his strengths.
“Gillingham are a team that are going well- but they are a team that we can go and beat.
“If we can beat them, then we’ve got two home games after that.”
Sheridan was also quick to praise the support that his team receiving from the ‘Green Army’. The crowd for their clash with the Bees was 8,210, which was higher than every fixture in League’s One and Two apart from Coventry City vs Swindon Town and Milton Keynes Dons vs Preston North End.
“The support we get for a club at the bottom of the league is unbelievable, “said Sheridan.
“I’ve played for clubs like Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday where they’ve got massive support, but this is phenomenal for someone who is bottom of the league-8,000 for a team bottom of the league is scary.”
Following the match, Sheridan’s opposite number, Davids, tweeted: “The team with the most desire won today.”
If the Pilgrims continue to show that level of desire between now and the end of the season, they stand every chance of securing the number of points they need to retain their Football League status.
The Pilgrims showed real bouncebackability to come from behind against the Bees and former Republic of Ireland midfielder Sheridan had two Irishmen to thank for scoring the goals that clinched their second win of his reign as Argyle manager.
Skipper Conor Hourihane cancelled out Jake Hyde’s opener for the Bees with his fifth goal of the season in the 36th minute before Ronan Murray, currently on loan from Ipswich Town, scored the game’s decisive goal early in the second half.
"It’s always a good feeling for me when you go a goal down and you’ve got the character and courage to come back and win the game.
“The first goal was a great passage of play and it’s a great goal from Conor.
“I’m pleased for Ronan as well, I’ve brought him in. He’s a very intelligent footballer and the change in formation suited him because we played to his strengths.
“Gillingham are a team that are going well- but they are a team that we can go and beat.
“If we can beat them, then we’ve got two home games after that.”
Sheridan was also quick to praise the support that his team receiving from the ‘Green Army’. The crowd for their clash with the Bees was 8,210, which was higher than every fixture in League’s One and Two apart from Coventry City vs Swindon Town and Milton Keynes Dons vs Preston North End.
“The support we get for a club at the bottom of the league is unbelievable, “said Sheridan.
“I’ve played for clubs like Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday where they’ve got massive support, but this is phenomenal for someone who is bottom of the league-8,000 for a team bottom of the league is scary.”
Following the match, Sheridan’s opposite number, Davids, tweeted: “The team with the most desire won today.”
If the Pilgrims continue to show that level of desire between now and the end of the season, they stand every chance of securing the number of points they need to retain their Football League status.
Friday 1 March 2013
A SECOND MEETING
When Plymouth Argyle face Barnet in their Npower League Two ‘six-pointer’, John Sheridan and Edgar Davids will face each other as managers for the first time.
However, the pair were once opponents as players in a game-which was played at a time when their respective careers were at a crossroad.
The match in question was the Euro 96 qualifying Play-Off at Anfield between the Republic of Ireland and Holland on December 13th 1995.
At the time of the match, Sheridan was midway through the final year of his eight-year association with Sheffield Wednesday.
During this period, he had scored the Owls’ winning goal in their 1-0 1991 Rumbelows Cup final victory over Manchester United before helping Wednesday to reach the Coca-Cola and FA Cup finals in 1993, where they lost to Arsenal to both occasions.
Davids, on the other hand, had just helped Ajax to win the UEFA Champions League against AC Milan and was part of a new generation of Dutch footballers, which included Clarence Seedorf, Marc Overmars and Patrick Kluivert.
Sheridan had been a regular for the Irish during their qualifying campaign, appearing in eight of their ten qualifying matches and scored two goals, whilst Davids only made one sub appearance for Holland-which came in their final qualifier against Norway.
On this occasion Holland ran out as 2-0 winners with Kluivert completed a brace with a goal in each half to seal their return to England for the finals of the tournament in the following summer.
The Dutch reached the Quarter Finals of Euro 96 after losing to France on penalties and they were also beaten 4-1 by England in the group stage.
They would later reach the Semi Finals of the 1998 World Cup in France and Euro 2000.
For the Republic, it proved to be the end of an era as manager Jack Charlton stood down as manager after the play-off defeat, bringing his ten-year reign in charge to an end.
It also proved to be the last of Sheridan’s 34 appearances for Ireland as Mick McCarthy’s appointment as manager heralded a new era for Irish football.
Nevertheless, the Republic did enact a small piece of revenge for the defeat in the qualifying competition for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea by finishing above Holland in the qualifying group before winning a two-legged play-off with Iran.
However, the pair were once opponents as players in a game-which was played at a time when their respective careers were at a crossroad.
The match in question was the Euro 96 qualifying Play-Off at Anfield between the Republic of Ireland and Holland on December 13th 1995.
At the time of the match, Sheridan was midway through the final year of his eight-year association with Sheffield Wednesday.
During this period, he had scored the Owls’ winning goal in their 1-0 1991 Rumbelows Cup final victory over Manchester United before helping Wednesday to reach the Coca-Cola and FA Cup finals in 1993, where they lost to Arsenal to both occasions.
Davids, on the other hand, had just helped Ajax to win the UEFA Champions League against AC Milan and was part of a new generation of Dutch footballers, which included Clarence Seedorf, Marc Overmars and Patrick Kluivert.
Sheridan had been a regular for the Irish during their qualifying campaign, appearing in eight of their ten qualifying matches and scored two goals, whilst Davids only made one sub appearance for Holland-which came in their final qualifier against Norway.
On this occasion Holland ran out as 2-0 winners with Kluivert completed a brace with a goal in each half to seal their return to England for the finals of the tournament in the following summer.
The Dutch reached the Quarter Finals of Euro 96 after losing to France on penalties and they were also beaten 4-1 by England in the group stage.
They would later reach the Semi Finals of the 1998 World Cup in France and Euro 2000.
For the Republic, it proved to be the end of an era as manager Jack Charlton stood down as manager after the play-off defeat, bringing his ten-year reign in charge to an end.
It also proved to be the last of Sheridan’s 34 appearances for Ireland as Mick McCarthy’s appointment as manager heralded a new era for Irish football.
Nevertheless, the Republic did enact a small piece of revenge for the defeat in the qualifying competition for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea by finishing above Holland in the qualifying group before winning a two-legged play-off with Iran.
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