For Exeter City and Ollie Watkins it would appear that good things come in threes.
The Grecians struck three times against fellow play-off chasers Colchester United thanks to goals from Reuben Reid, David Wheeler and substitute Liam McAlinden to claim three points for the third time in a row at home.
However, City's interest in the number didn't end there as young starlet Watkins provided the assists for each of the Grecians' three goals.
The challenge now for City manager Paul Tisdale is to ensure that Watkins and his fellow young charges, such as Jordan Moore-Taylor and Christy Pym, remain at St James Park between now and the end of the January transfer window.
If Tisdale succeeds in keeping his squad together, then the Grecians could well be contesting the end of season play-offs, which they are currently only one point off at the time of writing.
Monday 23 January 2017
Thursday 19 January 2017
LUCAS HEADER BREAKS PILGRIMS' HEARTS - BUT NOT PRIDE
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp came away from Home Park with a Cornish Pasty and his team returned with a victory in their FA Cup third round replay with Plymouth Argyle, but only by the narrowest of margins.
The decisive goal came on 19 minutes when Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva headed home a corner from his compatriot Philippe Coutinho which ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.
One of the most famous nights in the Pilgrims' history features a friendly with Brazilian side Santos in the late 1960's, which included the great Pele, and once again there would be a South American influence on another memorable occasion at the 'Theatre of Greens.'
In the original tie at Anfield, Argyle produced an incredible defensive display to hold the five-time European Cup winners to a goalless draw. In the re-match, Pilgrims manager Derek Adams tweaked his side from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-1-4-1 system that saw Ryan Donaldson join Graham Carey in a centre midfield in front of David Fox in a holding role in front of the back four.
By contrast, Klopp made nine to the Liverpool that drew 1-1 with Manchester United, with only the additions of Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge the only two new faces added to the side that faced Argyle at Anfield.
Although Liverpool's opener - Lucas' first since 2010 - was produced by two Brazilians, a header from a corner, it wasn't overly different to many goals seen in League Two over the course of a season. In fact, it was reminiscent of a number of goals scored by former Torquay United midfielder Kevin Hill, a player who - like Lucas - wasn't the tallest player on the pitch but could out jump players far taller than his 5ft 9 inch frame.
Whilst Argyle received a lot of praise for their defensive work, they showed a greater attacking intent after going behind as Carey - a childhood Liverpool fan - attempted a shot from distance that was forced a fine diving save out of Reds keeper Loris Klarius.
Moments later, right-back Oscar Threlkeld made a dangerous overlapping run and produced a cross which Paul-Arnold Garita failed to fully connect with.
Fox later fired a low, long range effort at goal which brought a routine save from Klarius.
Perhaps the pick of Argyle's chances came in the 76th minute when Jake Jervis connected with a Sonny Bradley knock down and produced a scissor kick which hit the outside of Karius's post.
Had it gone in, it would have been remembered in much the same way as Andy Rogers' winner for the Pilgrims in the FA Cup Quarter Final replay win over Derby County in 1984.
Four minutes from time, Liverpool were awarded a penalty which would have put the tie beyond doubt after Reds' left-back Alberto Moreno was felled by Argyle defender Yann Songo'o.
Belgian forward Divock Origi stepped up to take the penalty which was comfortably saved by Pilgrims' skipper Luke McCormick to keep the visitors' advantage to a single goal that proved to be enough to set up a fourth round meeting at home to Wolves.
Despite their defeat, the 'Green Army' can take a lot of pride from seeing their team match push one of the top teams - and one of the top managers - incredibly close over 180 minutes.
The decisive goal came on 19 minutes when Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva headed home a corner from his compatriot Philippe Coutinho which ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.
One of the most famous nights in the Pilgrims' history features a friendly with Brazilian side Santos in the late 1960's, which included the great Pele, and once again there would be a South American influence on another memorable occasion at the 'Theatre of Greens.'
In the original tie at Anfield, Argyle produced an incredible defensive display to hold the five-time European Cup winners to a goalless draw. In the re-match, Pilgrims manager Derek Adams tweaked his side from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-1-4-1 system that saw Ryan Donaldson join Graham Carey in a centre midfield in front of David Fox in a holding role in front of the back four.
By contrast, Klopp made nine to the Liverpool that drew 1-1 with Manchester United, with only the additions of Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge the only two new faces added to the side that faced Argyle at Anfield.
Although Liverpool's opener - Lucas' first since 2010 - was produced by two Brazilians, a header from a corner, it wasn't overly different to many goals seen in League Two over the course of a season. In fact, it was reminiscent of a number of goals scored by former Torquay United midfielder Kevin Hill, a player who - like Lucas - wasn't the tallest player on the pitch but could out jump players far taller than his 5ft 9 inch frame.
Whilst Argyle received a lot of praise for their defensive work, they showed a greater attacking intent after going behind as Carey - a childhood Liverpool fan - attempted a shot from distance that was forced a fine diving save out of Reds keeper Loris Klarius.
Moments later, right-back Oscar Threlkeld made a dangerous overlapping run and produced a cross which Paul-Arnold Garita failed to fully connect with.
Fox later fired a low, long range effort at goal which brought a routine save from Klarius.
Perhaps the pick of Argyle's chances came in the 76th minute when Jake Jervis connected with a Sonny Bradley knock down and produced a scissor kick which hit the outside of Karius's post.
Had it gone in, it would have been remembered in much the same way as Andy Rogers' winner for the Pilgrims in the FA Cup Quarter Final replay win over Derby County in 1984.
Four minutes from time, Liverpool were awarded a penalty which would have put the tie beyond doubt after Reds' left-back Alberto Moreno was felled by Argyle defender Yann Songo'o.
Belgian forward Divock Origi stepped up to take the penalty which was comfortably saved by Pilgrims' skipper Luke McCormick to keep the visitors' advantage to a single goal that proved to be enough to set up a fourth round meeting at home to Wolves.
Despite their defeat, the 'Green Army' can take a lot of pride from seeing their team match push one of the top teams - and one of the top managers - incredibly close over 180 minutes.
Wednesday 18 January 2017
TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT
All eyes will be on Home Park this evening as Plymouth Argyle host Liverpool in their FA Cup third round in front of what is set to be the club's biggest home attendance in recent times.
Around 1,800 temporary seats have been added to the Mayflower Stand to increase the ground's capacity such was the demand for tickets for the occasion.
As well as those watching the tie in the flesh, BT Sport will also be broadcasting the match live with former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and ex Argyle boss Neil Warnock acting as pundits.
Regardless of the outcome of the match, the match will give the Pilgrims the opportunity to showcase that word that has so often been associated with them through much of their history - potential.
After Hull City's promotion the Premier League in 2008, Plymouth has held the mantle of the largest city in Europe never to have hosted top-flight football, although the potential - yes, that word again - has often been recognised by many.
Since the turn of the century, the likes of Blackpool, Bournemouth, Cardiff City, Hull, and Swansea City have risen through the leagues to reach the Premier League and they look set to be joined by Brighton and Hove Albion, and possibly even Huddersfield Town as well - if the Terriers can negotiate the Championship Play-offs. All of these clubs are of equivalent size, if not smaller, than the Pilgrims, 'so if them why not us?' the Green Army may ask.
In the ultimate of reality shows, of which contestants in the manager's hot seat have included Malcolm Allison, Billy Bingham, Tony Waiters, Bob Moncur, Peter Shilton, Warnock and Ian Holloway to name but a few, the Pilgrims have never quite managed to reach the top-flight of the domestic game.
However, in current manager Derek Adams they have the man who guided Ross County into the Scottish Premier League for the first time ever, so maybe their luck might change.
Their rich history includes an FA Cup semi-final in 1984, which saw Watford break their hearts at Villa Park, and a couple of fourth placed finishes in the 'old' Second Division in the 1930's, decades before the end of season play-offs were even dreamed of.
However, tonight the Pilgrims' faithful can enjoy being reminded of that word 'potential' without being made to feel weary by it.
Around 1,800 temporary seats have been added to the Mayflower Stand to increase the ground's capacity such was the demand for tickets for the occasion.
As well as those watching the tie in the flesh, BT Sport will also be broadcasting the match live with former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and ex Argyle boss Neil Warnock acting as pundits.
Regardless of the outcome of the match, the match will give the Pilgrims the opportunity to showcase that word that has so often been associated with them through much of their history - potential.
After Hull City's promotion the Premier League in 2008, Plymouth has held the mantle of the largest city in Europe never to have hosted top-flight football, although the potential - yes, that word again - has often been recognised by many.
Since the turn of the century, the likes of Blackpool, Bournemouth, Cardiff City, Hull, and Swansea City have risen through the leagues to reach the Premier League and they look set to be joined by Brighton and Hove Albion, and possibly even Huddersfield Town as well - if the Terriers can negotiate the Championship Play-offs. All of these clubs are of equivalent size, if not smaller, than the Pilgrims, 'so if them why not us?' the Green Army may ask.
In the ultimate of reality shows, of which contestants in the manager's hot seat have included Malcolm Allison, Billy Bingham, Tony Waiters, Bob Moncur, Peter Shilton, Warnock and Ian Holloway to name but a few, the Pilgrims have never quite managed to reach the top-flight of the domestic game.
However, in current manager Derek Adams they have the man who guided Ross County into the Scottish Premier League for the first time ever, so maybe their luck might change.
Their rich history includes an FA Cup semi-final in 1984, which saw Watford break their hearts at Villa Park, and a couple of fourth placed finishes in the 'old' Second Division in the 1930's, decades before the end of season play-offs were even dreamed of.
However, tonight the Pilgrims' faithful can enjoy being reminded of that word 'potential' without being made to feel weary by it.
Sunday 15 January 2017
MANY HAPPY RETURNS FOR TISDALE
Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale celebrated turning 44 by watching his team come away from Grimsby Town with all three points.
It also proved to be a double celebration as Reuben Reid opened the scoring for the Grecians with his 100th career goal in the 41st minute when he prodded home from six yards.
City doubled their lead on 59 minutes through David Wheeler before the highly rated Ollie Watkins added a third with ten minutes to go.
The result extends the Grecians' unbeaten run to eight games and leaves them four points off the Play-off zone.
It also proved to be a double celebration as Reuben Reid opened the scoring for the Grecians with his 100th career goal in the 41st minute when he prodded home from six yards.
City doubled their lead on 59 minutes through David Wheeler before the highly rated Ollie Watkins added a third with ten minutes to go.
The result extends the Grecians' unbeaten run to eight games and leaves them four points off the Play-off zone.
Saturday 14 January 2017
KIEFFER IS A TRACTOR BOY
In one of the surprise moves of the January 2017 transfer window so far, former Torquay United loanee Kieffer Moore has joined Ipswich Town from Forest Green Rovers.
Torbay-born Moore arrived at Plainmoor on loan in November from Rovers and netted on his debut against Wrexham before memorably scoring a hat-trick against Solihull Moors as he ended his loan spell with five goals in only four appearances.
He returned to the New Lawn and scored a late equaliser for Rovers against Dover Athletic on December 19th, 2016 before appearing twice for Forest Green against his former loan club over the Christmas period.
There had also been talk of him returning to Plainmoor following Nathan Blissett's transfer to Plymouth Argyle, but now his career has taken a different turn.
His form during his loan stint with the Gulls sufficiently impressed Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy to part with £50,000 for his services but it is worth remembering that Moore has previous experience of playing in the Championship.
In the 2013-14 season, he scored five times in 24 appearances for Yeovil Town in all competitions during their one and only season in the second tier of English football before they made an immediate return to League One.
That in itself is a reasonable return for a striker who had been plucked from then Conference South side Dorchester Town, but since then as well as appearing for Forest Green and the Gulls he has also had a spell playing in Norway.
This latest move promises to be another interesting chapter in a career that has seen him travel far and wide.
Torbay-born Moore arrived at Plainmoor on loan in November from Rovers and netted on his debut against Wrexham before memorably scoring a hat-trick against Solihull Moors as he ended his loan spell with five goals in only four appearances.
He returned to the New Lawn and scored a late equaliser for Rovers against Dover Athletic on December 19th, 2016 before appearing twice for Forest Green against his former loan club over the Christmas period.
There had also been talk of him returning to Plainmoor following Nathan Blissett's transfer to Plymouth Argyle, but now his career has taken a different turn.
His form during his loan stint with the Gulls sufficiently impressed Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy to part with £50,000 for his services but it is worth remembering that Moore has previous experience of playing in the Championship.
In the 2013-14 season, he scored five times in 24 appearances for Yeovil Town in all competitions during their one and only season in the second tier of English football before they made an immediate return to League One.
That in itself is a reasonable return for a striker who had been plucked from then Conference South side Dorchester Town, but since then as well as appearing for Forest Green and the Gulls he has also had a spell playing in Norway.
This latest move promises to be another interesting chapter in a career that has seen him travel far and wide.
Thursday 12 January 2017
GULLS WHO BECAME GREENS
Nathan Blissett became the first player in over four years that Plymouth Argyle have paid a fee for when he left Torquay United to join the Pilgrims.
We will now look at a selection of players to have made the Pilgrimage from Home Park to Plainmoor over the years.
Alan Welsh (Torquay United 1967-1972 & Plymouth Argyle 1972-1974)
Edinburgh-born Alan Welsh joined Torquay United from Millwall in 1967 and formed a legendary strike partnership with Robin Stubbs in a United that narrowly missed out on promotion to what is now the Championship. On October 5th, 1968 Welsh netted the decisive goal that gave Torquay their first ever win against Argyle at Home Park, a result that prompted the then Pilgrims' manager Billy Bingham that United would win the return fixture on Boxing Day 'over my dead body'.
Welsh also won the Gulls' Player of the Year award in 1970 before joining Argyle in the summer of 1972, following United's relegation from the 'old' Third Division.
Whilst with the Pilgrims, Welsh linked up with future England international Paul Mariner and played a instrumental role in Argyle's run to the semi-finals of the League Cup, which included a win away at Queens Park Rangers - then of the 'old' First Division - where they were eliminated by eventual winners Manchester City. The semi-final defeat to Manchester City proved to be Welsh's last game for the Pilgrims as he was sold to Bournemouth, a move that saw him link up with a number of his ex United colleagues who had followed John Bond to Dean Court.
Donal Murphy (Torquay United 1978-1980 & Plymouth Argyle 1980-1983)
Dubliner Donal Murphy arrived at Torquay United on the eve of the 1978-79 season from Coventry City and scored 20 times in 85 appearances which prompted the then Argyle boss Bobby Saxton to pay £65,000 to bring him to Home Park in 1980. Murphy remained with the Pilgrims until February 1983, during which time he briefly returned to Plainmoor on loan, after finding the back of the net 11 times in 57 appearances before joining Blackburn Rovers.
Chris Curran (Torquay United 1990-1995 & Plymouth Argyle 1995-1997)
Chris Curran tasted Play-off success with both Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle in 1991 and 1997. He was part of the Gulls side that beat Blackpool in the 'old' Division Four Play-off final in the 1990-91 campaign on penalties and was the last member of that United side to leave Plainmoor when Neil Warnock, who Curran served under during the 1992-93 season, brought him to Home Park in late 1995. At the end of the campaign he would be celebrating another Wembley triumph as he helped Argyle to defeat Darlington 1-0 to secure an immediate return to Division Two. He remained with the Pilgrims until the summer of 1997 when he joined the select band of players to have played for all three Devon sides when he joined Exeter City for £20,000.
Steve McCall (Plymouth Argyle 1992-1996, Torquay United 1996-1998 & Plymouth Argyle 1998-2000)
A UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town in 1981 under Bobby Robson, Steve McCall arrived at Plymouth Argyle from Sheffield Wednesday in March 1992 and proved to be an instant hit at Home Park.
He was voted as the club's Player of the Year in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons becoming the first player to win the award in consecutive years since Paul Mariners in the 1970s.
He also had a brief spell in charge during the 1994-95 season in between the departure of Peter Shilton and the appointment of Russell Osman as caretaker manager.
In 1996, he moved to Torquay United and became player-youth team coach and then player-assistant manager under Kevin Hodges. McCall also played an instrumental role in helping the Gulls to reach the Division Three Play-off and scored a left footed wonder strike in their Play-off semi-final second leg victory over Scarborough.
He returned to Home Park in 1998 as Hodges' assistant and made another 43 appearances for the Pilgrims on top of the 117 he made during his first stint.
Paul Gibbs (Torquay United 1997-1998 & Plymouth Argyle 1998-2000)
Although he spent only one season with Torquay United and two with Plymouth Argyle, Paul Gibbs left a lasting impression on both sides followings. At Plainmoor he found the back of 11 times in all competitions as a left-wing back in a side that went on a club record run of eight wins in a row before being forced to settle for the Play-offs where they lost to Colchester United in the final.
A move to Home Park followed and he was named in PFA Division Three team of the season before breaking his leg on the final day of the 1998-99 season, in which the Pilgrims lost 2-1 to Carlisle United courtesy of a late goal from Jimmy Glass. Gibbs remained at Home Park for a further season before he moved to Brentford.
Chris Leadbitter (Plymouth Argyle 1995-1997, Torquay United 1997-1999 & Plymouth Argyle 1999-2001)
A key member of Argyle's 1996 Division Three Play-off winning side, Chris Leadbitter also helped Torquay United reach Wembley in the 1997-98 season where they were beaten by Colchester United.
His promotion success with the Pilgrims was his third career promotion alongside the two that he won under John Beck at Cambridge United in 1990 and 1991.
He returned to Home Park in 1999 following his release by the Gulls by his former manager Kevin Hodges. His stay at Argyle was brought to an end midway through the 2000-01 season when he let go by Paul Sturrock, which brought about the end of his Football League career as he returned to his native North East to sign for Guisborough Town.
Kenny Veysey (Torquay United 1987-1990 & 1997-1999 & Plymouth Argyle 1999-2000)
A former Arsenal apprentice, Kenny Veysey was first spotted for Torquay United by Cyril Knowles when playing for Dawlish Town in 1987 after his family had relocated to South Devon from the London area. Veysey established himself as the Gulls' first choice keeper in the 1988-89 season, but unfortunately missed out on the Sherpa Van final appearance against Bolton Wanderers through injury. He remained at Plainmoor until the start of the 1990-91 season when he made a £110,000 move to Oxford United. Veysey spent three years with the U's before spells with Reading, Exeter City and in non-league with Dorchester Town before re-joining the Gulls in the 1997-98 season.
In his second spell with the Gulls, he missed out on another Wembley appearance after he was sent off on the final day of their league campaign against Leyton Orient, which meant he missed their Play-off final appearance against Colchester.
Veysey remained at Plainmoor for a further season before he was released by Wes Saunders and joined the Pilgrims as a back-up keeper for Jon Sheffield.
We will now look at a selection of players to have made the Pilgrimage from Home Park to Plainmoor over the years.
Alan Welsh (Torquay United 1967-1972 & Plymouth Argyle 1972-1974)
Edinburgh-born Alan Welsh joined Torquay United from Millwall in 1967 and formed a legendary strike partnership with Robin Stubbs in a United that narrowly missed out on promotion to what is now the Championship. On October 5th, 1968 Welsh netted the decisive goal that gave Torquay their first ever win against Argyle at Home Park, a result that prompted the then Pilgrims' manager Billy Bingham that United would win the return fixture on Boxing Day 'over my dead body'.
Welsh also won the Gulls' Player of the Year award in 1970 before joining Argyle in the summer of 1972, following United's relegation from the 'old' Third Division.
Whilst with the Pilgrims, Welsh linked up with future England international Paul Mariner and played a instrumental role in Argyle's run to the semi-finals of the League Cup, which included a win away at Queens Park Rangers - then of the 'old' First Division - where they were eliminated by eventual winners Manchester City. The semi-final defeat to Manchester City proved to be Welsh's last game for the Pilgrims as he was sold to Bournemouth, a move that saw him link up with a number of his ex United colleagues who had followed John Bond to Dean Court.
Donal Murphy (Torquay United 1978-1980 & Plymouth Argyle 1980-1983)
Dubliner Donal Murphy arrived at Torquay United on the eve of the 1978-79 season from Coventry City and scored 20 times in 85 appearances which prompted the then Argyle boss Bobby Saxton to pay £65,000 to bring him to Home Park in 1980. Murphy remained with the Pilgrims until February 1983, during which time he briefly returned to Plainmoor on loan, after finding the back of the net 11 times in 57 appearances before joining Blackburn Rovers.
Chris Curran (Torquay United 1990-1995 & Plymouth Argyle 1995-1997)
Chris Curran tasted Play-off success with both Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle in 1991 and 1997. He was part of the Gulls side that beat Blackpool in the 'old' Division Four Play-off final in the 1990-91 campaign on penalties and was the last member of that United side to leave Plainmoor when Neil Warnock, who Curran served under during the 1992-93 season, brought him to Home Park in late 1995. At the end of the campaign he would be celebrating another Wembley triumph as he helped Argyle to defeat Darlington 1-0 to secure an immediate return to Division Two. He remained with the Pilgrims until the summer of 1997 when he joined the select band of players to have played for all three Devon sides when he joined Exeter City for £20,000.
Steve McCall (Plymouth Argyle 1992-1996, Torquay United 1996-1998 & Plymouth Argyle 1998-2000)
A UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town in 1981 under Bobby Robson, Steve McCall arrived at Plymouth Argyle from Sheffield Wednesday in March 1992 and proved to be an instant hit at Home Park.
He was voted as the club's Player of the Year in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons becoming the first player to win the award in consecutive years since Paul Mariners in the 1970s.
He also had a brief spell in charge during the 1994-95 season in between the departure of Peter Shilton and the appointment of Russell Osman as caretaker manager.
In 1996, he moved to Torquay United and became player-youth team coach and then player-assistant manager under Kevin Hodges. McCall also played an instrumental role in helping the Gulls to reach the Division Three Play-off and scored a left footed wonder strike in their Play-off semi-final second leg victory over Scarborough.
He returned to Home Park in 1998 as Hodges' assistant and made another 43 appearances for the Pilgrims on top of the 117 he made during his first stint.
Paul Gibbs (Torquay United 1997-1998 & Plymouth Argyle 1998-2000)
Although he spent only one season with Torquay United and two with Plymouth Argyle, Paul Gibbs left a lasting impression on both sides followings. At Plainmoor he found the back of 11 times in all competitions as a left-wing back in a side that went on a club record run of eight wins in a row before being forced to settle for the Play-offs where they lost to Colchester United in the final.
A move to Home Park followed and he was named in PFA Division Three team of the season before breaking his leg on the final day of the 1998-99 season, in which the Pilgrims lost 2-1 to Carlisle United courtesy of a late goal from Jimmy Glass. Gibbs remained at Home Park for a further season before he moved to Brentford.
Chris Leadbitter (Plymouth Argyle 1995-1997, Torquay United 1997-1999 & Plymouth Argyle 1999-2001)
A key member of Argyle's 1996 Division Three Play-off winning side, Chris Leadbitter also helped Torquay United reach Wembley in the 1997-98 season where they were beaten by Colchester United.
His promotion success with the Pilgrims was his third career promotion alongside the two that he won under John Beck at Cambridge United in 1990 and 1991.
He returned to Home Park in 1999 following his release by the Gulls by his former manager Kevin Hodges. His stay at Argyle was brought to an end midway through the 2000-01 season when he let go by Paul Sturrock, which brought about the end of his Football League career as he returned to his native North East to sign for Guisborough Town.
Kenny Veysey (Torquay United 1987-1990 & 1997-1999 & Plymouth Argyle 1999-2000)
A former Arsenal apprentice, Kenny Veysey was first spotted for Torquay United by Cyril Knowles when playing for Dawlish Town in 1987 after his family had relocated to South Devon from the London area. Veysey established himself as the Gulls' first choice keeper in the 1988-89 season, but unfortunately missed out on the Sherpa Van final appearance against Bolton Wanderers through injury. He remained at Plainmoor until the start of the 1990-91 season when he made a £110,000 move to Oxford United. Veysey spent three years with the U's before spells with Reading, Exeter City and in non-league with Dorchester Town before re-joining the Gulls in the 1997-98 season.
In his second spell with the Gulls, he missed out on another Wembley appearance after he was sent off on the final day of their league campaign against Leyton Orient, which meant he missed their Play-off final appearance against Colchester.
Veysey remained at Plainmoor for a further season before he was released by Wes Saunders and joined the Pilgrims as a back-up keeper for Jon Sheffield.
Sunday 8 January 2017
THEY'VE ONLY GONE AND DONE IT
It may not have been pretty but it was certainly effective as Plymouth Argyle held Liverpool to a goalless draw to earn a replay.
Due to their busy fixture schedule, the Reds selected the youngest side in their history with an average age of 21 years and 296 days and display having 77 % of the possession they were unable to break down Derek Adams' side.
Belgian forward Divock Origi managed to find the back of the net for Jurgen Klopp's men, but it was ruled out for offside for a foul on Argyle right-back Gary Miller.
Despite the introduction of Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana in the second half, the Reds still couldn't break the Pilgrims' resistance.
Nevertheless, Argyle did manage to carve out the odd chance of their own as Jake Jervis fired wide with an angled effort and substitute Craig Tanner, only to be denied by a timely challenge from Kevin Stewart.
The two sides now have a chance to go again in around ten days time and will also be ball number 17 in Monday's fourth round draw.
Due to their busy fixture schedule, the Reds selected the youngest side in their history with an average age of 21 years and 296 days and display having 77 % of the possession they were unable to break down Derek Adams' side.
Belgian forward Divock Origi managed to find the back of the net for Jurgen Klopp's men, but it was ruled out for offside for a foul on Argyle right-back Gary Miller.
Despite the introduction of Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana in the second half, the Reds still couldn't break the Pilgrims' resistance.
Nevertheless, Argyle did manage to carve out the odd chance of their own as Jake Jervis fired wide with an angled effort and substitute Craig Tanner, only to be denied by a timely challenge from Kevin Stewart.
The two sides now have a chance to go again in around ten days time and will also be ball number 17 in Monday's fourth round draw.
Saturday 7 January 2017
KLOPP VERSUS ADAMS
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Full name: Jurgen Norbert Klopp
Date of Birth: June 16th 1967
Age: 48
Place of Birth: Stuttgart, Germany
Playing position: central defender
Previous clubs: (player) 1. FC Pforzheim, Eintracht Frankfurt Under-21, Viktoria Sindlingen, Rot-Weiss Frankfurt, Mainz 05.
(manager) Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund
Honours: Bundesliga 2010-11 & 2011-12; DFB Pokal 2011-12; DFL Super
Cup 2013, 2014; UEFA Champions League 2012-13 runners-up. (All Borussia Dortmund), League Cup 2016 runners-up and Europa League 2016 runners-up (Both Liverpool).
Derek Adams (Plymouth Argyle)
Full name: Derek Watt Adams
Date of Birth: June 25th 1975
Age: 41
Place of Birth: Glasgow, Scotland
Playing Position: central midfielder
Previous clubs: (player) Aberdeen, Burnley, Ross County, Motherwell, Ayr United (loan), Aberdeen, Livingston, Ross County
(manager) Ross County, Hibernian (assistant), Ross County,
Honours: (player) Scottish Challenge Cup (Ross County)
(manager) Scottish Second Division title, Scottish Cup runners-up, Scottish First Division title (All Ross County)
Friday 6 January 2017
ADAMS SET TO FACE KLOPP
Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams knows a thing or two about causing cup upsets.
In his previous role as Ross County manager, Adams memorably led the Staggies to a Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Celtic in 2010 and is now set to face one of the giants of the English game, Liverpool, in the third round of the FA Cup.
County won 2-0 at Hampden Park on that occasion and Adams isn't the only link between the Staggies' team of then and the Plymouth Argyle side of now as right-back Gary Miller featured for County that day.
Miller's fellow Argyle teammate and compatriot David Goodwillie has experience of facing Liverpool in his career, having been part of the Blackburn Rovers squad that drew 1-1 with the Reds on Boxing Day 2011.
Another source of inspiration for the Pilgrims ahead of their first meeting with the Reds since the final day of the 1961-62 campaign is the heroics performed by local rivals Exeter City last season.
The Grecians drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the first tie at St James Park which, incidentally, was Reds manager Jurgen Klopp's first taste of the world's oldest knock out competition. In the replay, Liverpool eventually came out on top winning 3-0.
Due to their busy fixture schedule, it is highly plausible that the Reds may opt to field a second string side, as they did against Exeter, with goalkeeper Loris Kauris, left-back Alberto Moreno and midfielder Joe Gomez likely to start.
Therefore if the Pilgrims were to force a replay, which would take place at Home Park approximately ten days later, then - as the history of the competition has proved - anything can happen.
In his previous role as Ross County manager, Adams memorably led the Staggies to a Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Celtic in 2010 and is now set to face one of the giants of the English game, Liverpool, in the third round of the FA Cup.
County won 2-0 at Hampden Park on that occasion and Adams isn't the only link between the Staggies' team of then and the Plymouth Argyle side of now as right-back Gary Miller featured for County that day.
Miller's fellow Argyle teammate and compatriot David Goodwillie has experience of facing Liverpool in his career, having been part of the Blackburn Rovers squad that drew 1-1 with the Reds on Boxing Day 2011.
Another source of inspiration for the Pilgrims ahead of their first meeting with the Reds since the final day of the 1961-62 campaign is the heroics performed by local rivals Exeter City last season.
The Grecians drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the first tie at St James Park which, incidentally, was Reds manager Jurgen Klopp's first taste of the world's oldest knock out competition. In the replay, Liverpool eventually came out on top winning 3-0.
Due to their busy fixture schedule, it is highly plausible that the Reds may opt to field a second string side, as they did against Exeter, with goalkeeper Loris Kauris, left-back Alberto Moreno and midfielder Joe Gomez likely to start.
Therefore if the Pilgrims were to force a replay, which would take place at Home Park approximately ten days later, then - as the history of the competition has proved - anything can happen.
Wednesday 4 January 2017
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED'S FESTIVE FIXTURES
After Torquay United's bumper festive fixtures with Forest Green Rovers, which saw the Gulls pick up four points and score nine goals in the process as they won 4-3 and drew 5-5, we will now look back at what we learned about Kevin Nicholson's side.
1. Dan Sparkes is a goal scoring wing wizard.
As a Braintree Town player, Sparkes famously netted a hat-trick for the Iron in their 5-1 win at Plainmoor against United in the 2014-15 season. In the current 2016-17 campaign he is the Gulls' joint-top scorer alongside Kieffer Moore with five after netting twice against Forest Green on New Year's Day.
The signing of Sparkes represents quite a coup for manager Kevin Nicholson, as the former Histon winger could have quite easily followed Danny Cowley, his former manager at Braintree, to Lincoln City last summer. Having scored 19 times for the Iron in the past two seasons, with returns of nine and ten in each campaign he is on course for a similar return this time around with the Gulls.
2. Width is key for United.
As well as the five goal that the aforementioned Sparkes has scored on loan AFC Wimbledon wide man also netted a goal in each game. Width played a key part in the Gulls' revival last season, which was provided by full back pairing Durrell Berry and Dan Butler in their 4-4-2 diamond system. However, with Berry has been missing through a broken leg since March and Butler having departed for Newport County, width has been hard to come by for the Gulls but the arrival of Fitzpatrick on the right has given United a new dimension to their play and has allowed Sparkes to play his natural game down the left.
3. The Gulls raise their game against the top sides.
The four points from the possible six that the Gulls could have won against Forest Green is part of 14 they have won from a possible 24 against the current top six sides in the National League. Having failed to take any points in 2-1 defeats against Lincoln City and Tranmere Rovers, United did the double over Dagenham and Redbridge - earning six points in the process, defeated Dover Athletic and picked up a point against former manager Paul Cox's Barrow side.
4. Lightning can strike twice.
The Gulls' Boxing Day success over Forest Green was the second time in the space of 12 months on Boxing Day. United famously beat Rovers 4-1 on the feast of Stephen in the 2014-15 campaign, a result that gave the Plainmoor faithful hope that the Gulls could make a improbable escape from relegation at the time when they were adrift at the bottom of the league.
5. A small amount of investment could go a long way.
Finances have been tight at Plainmoor in recent season's following United's relegation from the Football League and competing with teams who possess budgets far in excess of their own, including that of Forest Green who are, of course, bankrolled by Green Energy tycoon Dale Vince.
Following the club's recent takeover by Riviera Stadium Ltd, after which they pledged to bring 'a high level of football entertainment' to Torquay, surely these results prove that a small amount of money made available to manager Kevin Nicholson could make a real difference to the Gulls' fortunes.
With the sale of striker of Nathan Blissett to near neighbours Plymouth Argyle set to go through soon for a fee in the region of £30,000, the monies raised from the fee and freeing up of Blissett's salary from the wage bill could give Nicholson some room to strength his squad and edge United closer to an eventual return to the Football League.
1. Dan Sparkes is a goal scoring wing wizard.
As a Braintree Town player, Sparkes famously netted a hat-trick for the Iron in their 5-1 win at Plainmoor against United in the 2014-15 season. In the current 2016-17 campaign he is the Gulls' joint-top scorer alongside Kieffer Moore with five after netting twice against Forest Green on New Year's Day.
The signing of Sparkes represents quite a coup for manager Kevin Nicholson, as the former Histon winger could have quite easily followed Danny Cowley, his former manager at Braintree, to Lincoln City last summer. Having scored 19 times for the Iron in the past two seasons, with returns of nine and ten in each campaign he is on course for a similar return this time around with the Gulls.
2. Width is key for United.
As well as the five goal that the aforementioned Sparkes has scored on loan AFC Wimbledon wide man also netted a goal in each game. Width played a key part in the Gulls' revival last season, which was provided by full back pairing Durrell Berry and Dan Butler in their 4-4-2 diamond system. However, with Berry has been missing through a broken leg since March and Butler having departed for Newport County, width has been hard to come by for the Gulls but the arrival of Fitzpatrick on the right has given United a new dimension to their play and has allowed Sparkes to play his natural game down the left.
3. The Gulls raise their game against the top sides.
The four points from the possible six that the Gulls could have won against Forest Green is part of 14 they have won from a possible 24 against the current top six sides in the National League. Having failed to take any points in 2-1 defeats against Lincoln City and Tranmere Rovers, United did the double over Dagenham and Redbridge - earning six points in the process, defeated Dover Athletic and picked up a point against former manager Paul Cox's Barrow side.
4. Lightning can strike twice.
The Gulls' Boxing Day success over Forest Green was the second time in the space of 12 months on Boxing Day. United famously beat Rovers 4-1 on the feast of Stephen in the 2014-15 campaign, a result that gave the Plainmoor faithful hope that the Gulls could make a improbable escape from relegation at the time when they were adrift at the bottom of the league.
5. A small amount of investment could go a long way.
Finances have been tight at Plainmoor in recent season's following United's relegation from the Football League and competing with teams who possess budgets far in excess of their own, including that of Forest Green who are, of course, bankrolled by Green Energy tycoon Dale Vince.
Following the club's recent takeover by Riviera Stadium Ltd, after which they pledged to bring 'a high level of football entertainment' to Torquay, surely these results prove that a small amount of money made available to manager Kevin Nicholson could make a real difference to the Gulls' fortunes.
With the sale of striker of Nathan Blissett to near neighbours Plymouth Argyle set to go through soon for a fee in the region of £30,000, the monies raised from the fee and freeing up of Blissett's salary from the wage bill could give Nicholson some room to strength his squad and edge United closer to an eventual return to the Football League.
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