Plymouth Argyle's youngsters have given the Green Army something to celebrate by winning the Football League Youth Alliance South West Conference title.
The young greens clinched the prize with a 2-0 win over Swansea City with goals from Jamie Richards and Tyler Harvey.
Their victorious side featured several players who have been involved with the first team squad this season including England Under-18 international Matt Lecointe, Jared Sims, Jordan Copp, Jed Harper-Penman and Christian Walton.
After a number of difficult campaigns for the Pilgrims, the success of these young hopefuls can hopefully lead to them breaking into the Argyle first team in the near future.
Some of them might go to emulate the likes of Dan Gosling, Joe Mason and Jack Stephens, three players to have graduated from the Pilgrims youth policy in recent years and are now plying their trade at Championship level or above.
Switching quickly back to present, the current day Argyle squad can secure their Football League status for next season, if they can defeat Oxford United at Home Park on Saturday.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Sunday, 15 April 2012
CLEAN SHEET RECORD BROKEN
By recording a goalless draw with Southend United yesterday, Torquay United have broken a record for the most number of clean sheets in a season.
Manager Martin Ling was pleased to see his side beat the record and also stated that the result keeps his side moving forward as they look to secure a top three finish.
"It was a hard-fought point. I thought that we dug in there but never really tested their keeper," said Martin Ling.
"It was a battling draw and I suppose the pleasing thing is the clean sheet that takes us to 20 now - and produces a new club record for the team. I think if you are building success then that will be built on clean sheets."
"There is a dotted line and we are just above it at the moment, as everybody knows. I think Shrewsbury have gone second and we are third, and although it was a draw this result keeps us moving forward.
"If you look at how we played at Southend in October and how we played this time, they are two different performances. We are now a very good team."
The previous record, which stood at 19, was set by Cyril Knowles' 1987-88 side, who missed out on promotion after losing 5-4 to Swansea City in a two-legged Play-Off final in the days before the final became a one-off end of season showpiece at Wembley.
Ling's team of 2011-12 now have the chance to add to their current total in their remaining games, which include a trip AFC Wimbledon, their final home league encounter against Crewe Alexandra and on the final day of the regular campaign the Gulls travel to Hereford United for a match that could decide the destiny of both sides.
Manager Martin Ling was pleased to see his side beat the record and also stated that the result keeps his side moving forward as they look to secure a top three finish.
"It was a hard-fought point. I thought that we dug in there but never really tested their keeper," said Martin Ling.
"It was a battling draw and I suppose the pleasing thing is the clean sheet that takes us to 20 now - and produces a new club record for the team. I think if you are building success then that will be built on clean sheets."
"There is a dotted line and we are just above it at the moment, as everybody knows. I think Shrewsbury have gone second and we are third, and although it was a draw this result keeps us moving forward.
"If you look at how we played at Southend in October and how we played this time, they are two different performances. We are now a very good team."
The previous record, which stood at 19, was set by Cyril Knowles' 1987-88 side, who missed out on promotion after losing 5-4 to Swansea City in a two-legged Play-Off final in the days before the final became a one-off end of season showpiece at Wembley.
Ling's team of 2011-12 now have the chance to add to their current total in their remaining games, which include a trip AFC Wimbledon, their final home league encounter against Crewe Alexandra and on the final day of the regular campaign the Gulls travel to Hereford United for a match that could decide the destiny of both sides.
Friday, 13 April 2012
PLAINMOOR FAITHFUL SPOILT FOR CHOICE IN PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
With voting already under way in the Torquay United Player of the Year award for the current campaign, Plainmoor faithful find themselves with plenty of candidates to choose from.
A yardstick of how tough the field of competition actually is, midfielder Eunan O'Kane, who recently came fifth in a poll amongst League Two managers to find the best player in the division, and left back Kevin Nicholson, a player who has established himself as one of the best in League Two in his position, aren't considered favourites to lift the prize.
However, both individuals have produced some moments of brilliance this season and anyone who witnessed them will tell you that O'Kane's opening goal in the Gulls' 3-1 devon derby win over Plymouth Argyle in November and Nicholson's strike against Barnet in December are amongst the best goals seen at Plainmoor in many a year.
Other candidates with a strong case include Damon Lathrope whose role as a midfield anchorman, since manager Martin Ling introduced the 4-1-4-1 formation at the end of October, has proved to be crucial in his first full campaign as a first team regular.
Another player whose position forms a crucial part of Ling's system is lone striker Rene Howe. After spending a number of years out on loan during his time at his previous club, Peterborough United, Howe has now found himself a home at Plainmoor and is currently the Gulls' top scorer with 14 goals and could yet add to that tally.
Centre backs Mark Ellis and Brian Saah also deserve a mention for their displays in the centre of defence and have formed a partnership that is a match for any forward line in the division. Ellis also won the Npower League Two Player of the Month award for January.
Wide man Danny Stevens also presents a strong case after finding the back of the net nine times this season, the most prolific goal scoring campaign that a Gulls' winger has enjoyed in many a year.
Next up are the two players who are widely tipped to be the two front runners for the main prize, goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik and skipper Lee Mansell.
Former Austrian Under-21 keeper Olejnik arrived from Falkirk in the summer and he played a hugely important role in helping the Gulls' defence equal a club record for the most clean sheets in a single season, which currently stands at 19.
Goalkeepers have traditionally performed well in the award in previous seasons with former winners including Mike Mahoney, John Turner, Kenny Allen, current Gulls goalkeeper coach Ken Veysey, Neville Southall and Kevin Dearden.
He has also been described by Ling as the best keeper that he has ever worked with.
Long serving Mansell, he has been at Plainmoor since 2006, has been a revelation since he was switched from right back to centre midfield scoring 13 goals and winning the Npower Player of the Month award for March.
His leadership skills have also spurred the Gulls on get a number of crucial results during the campaign.
Nevertheless one thing is for certain, however receives the Player of the Year award for the 2011-12 campaign, it is highly likely that they would swap winning the award for the collective prize of promotion, which is still very much up for grabs.
A yardstick of how tough the field of competition actually is, midfielder Eunan O'Kane, who recently came fifth in a poll amongst League Two managers to find the best player in the division, and left back Kevin Nicholson, a player who has established himself as one of the best in League Two in his position, aren't considered favourites to lift the prize.
However, both individuals have produced some moments of brilliance this season and anyone who witnessed them will tell you that O'Kane's opening goal in the Gulls' 3-1 devon derby win over Plymouth Argyle in November and Nicholson's strike against Barnet in December are amongst the best goals seen at Plainmoor in many a year.
Other candidates with a strong case include Damon Lathrope whose role as a midfield anchorman, since manager Martin Ling introduced the 4-1-4-1 formation at the end of October, has proved to be crucial in his first full campaign as a first team regular.
Another player whose position forms a crucial part of Ling's system is lone striker Rene Howe. After spending a number of years out on loan during his time at his previous club, Peterborough United, Howe has now found himself a home at Plainmoor and is currently the Gulls' top scorer with 14 goals and could yet add to that tally.
Centre backs Mark Ellis and Brian Saah also deserve a mention for their displays in the centre of defence and have formed a partnership that is a match for any forward line in the division. Ellis also won the Npower League Two Player of the Month award for January.
Wide man Danny Stevens also presents a strong case after finding the back of the net nine times this season, the most prolific goal scoring campaign that a Gulls' winger has enjoyed in many a year.
Next up are the two players who are widely tipped to be the two front runners for the main prize, goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik and skipper Lee Mansell.
Former Austrian Under-21 keeper Olejnik arrived from Falkirk in the summer and he played a hugely important role in helping the Gulls' defence equal a club record for the most clean sheets in a single season, which currently stands at 19.
Goalkeepers have traditionally performed well in the award in previous seasons with former winners including Mike Mahoney, John Turner, Kenny Allen, current Gulls goalkeeper coach Ken Veysey, Neville Southall and Kevin Dearden.
He has also been described by Ling as the best keeper that he has ever worked with.
Long serving Mansell, he has been at Plainmoor since 2006, has been a revelation since he was switched from right back to centre midfield scoring 13 goals and winning the Npower Player of the Month award for March.
His leadership skills have also spurred the Gulls on get a number of crucial results during the campaign.
Nevertheless one thing is for certain, however receives the Player of the Year award for the 2011-12 campaign, it is highly likely that they would swap winning the award for the collective prize of promotion, which is still very much up for grabs.
GRECIANS HEAD NORTH IN OPTIMISTIC MOOD
Last season, Exeter City and Rochdale finished 8th and 9th in League One respectively.
However, fast forward to the current campaign and defeat in the clash between the two sides tomorrow at Spotland could send the loser heading for League Two.
The Grecians are currently eight points adrift of safety and go into the game knowing they need to win if they are to stand any chance of beating the drop.
This was a pressure which they faced going into their Easter Monday encounter with Leyton Orient, who currently occupy the position above the League One relegation, which they won 3-0.
Jake Taylor opened the scoring for Exeter before Liam Sercombe bagged a brace and a similar result against Rochdale would set them up nicely for their final three fixtures.
Next up, the Grecians face Walsall at home before a long trip to Play-Off chasing Carlisle United before their final fixture of the campaign against Sheffield United at St James' Park on the final day of the campaign.
However, fast forward to the current campaign and defeat in the clash between the two sides tomorrow at Spotland could send the loser heading for League Two.
The Grecians are currently eight points adrift of safety and go into the game knowing they need to win if they are to stand any chance of beating the drop.
This was a pressure which they faced going into their Easter Monday encounter with Leyton Orient, who currently occupy the position above the League One relegation, which they won 3-0.
Jake Taylor opened the scoring for Exeter before Liam Sercombe bagged a brace and a similar result against Rochdale would set them up nicely for their final three fixtures.
Next up, the Grecians face Walsall at home before a long trip to Play-Off chasing Carlisle United before their final fixture of the campaign against Sheffield United at St James' Park on the final day of the campaign.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Following their Easter Monday draw against Oxford United, Torquay United head into their final four games of the season in second place on 79 points.
The Gulls sit one point clear third place Shrewsbury Town and three ahead of Crawley Town, who have recently appointed Steve Coppell as Director of Football, in fourth.
Whilst Martin Ling's have enjoyed the benefits of stability in the centre of defence and midfield, Ling has only named four centre backs this season (Brian Saah, Mark Ellis, loan signing Angus MacDonald and the departed Chris Robertson) and five central midfielders (Lee Mansell, Eunan O'Kane, Damon Lathrope, Ian Morris and Chris McPhee).
However, he has used a different array of forwards and two of his current roster of strikers could yet play a vital role in helping Torquay secure a top three finish.
Kenyan striker Taiwo Atieno, who scored his fifth goal of the season against Oxford on Monday, has spent much of the season playing second fiddle to 14-goal leading scorer, Rene Howe.
Nevertheless, when he has been called upon to do so, Atieno has scored a number of crucial goals this season, including the one he scored against current League Two leaders, Swindon, on Boxing Day as well as his most recent effort at the Kassam Stadium.
Recent loan acquisition, Ryan Jarvis, has also made an impact since his temporary switch from Walsall at the beginning of March, having scored the winner in the Gulls' 2-1 win over Port Vale and providing the assist for Howe's winner against Accrington Stanley on Good Friday.
Jarvis also worked with Ling during his reign as Leyton Orient manager where he scored six goals in 14 games during a loan spell at the Matchroom Stadium in the 2006-07 season. He could yet have another telling contribution to make for Ling as the Gulls look to reach League One.
The Gulls sit one point clear third place Shrewsbury Town and three ahead of Crawley Town, who have recently appointed Steve Coppell as Director of Football, in fourth.
Whilst Martin Ling's have enjoyed the benefits of stability in the centre of defence and midfield, Ling has only named four centre backs this season (Brian Saah, Mark Ellis, loan signing Angus MacDonald and the departed Chris Robertson) and five central midfielders (Lee Mansell, Eunan O'Kane, Damon Lathrope, Ian Morris and Chris McPhee).
However, he has used a different array of forwards and two of his current roster of strikers could yet play a vital role in helping Torquay secure a top three finish.
Kenyan striker Taiwo Atieno, who scored his fifth goal of the season against Oxford on Monday, has spent much of the season playing second fiddle to 14-goal leading scorer, Rene Howe.
Nevertheless, when he has been called upon to do so, Atieno has scored a number of crucial goals this season, including the one he scored against current League Two leaders, Swindon, on Boxing Day as well as his most recent effort at the Kassam Stadium.
Recent loan acquisition, Ryan Jarvis, has also made an impact since his temporary switch from Walsall at the beginning of March, having scored the winner in the Gulls' 2-1 win over Port Vale and providing the assist for Howe's winner against Accrington Stanley on Good Friday.
Jarvis also worked with Ling during his reign as Leyton Orient manager where he scored six goals in 14 games during a loan spell at the Matchroom Stadium in the 2006-07 season. He could yet have another telling contribution to make for Ling as the Gulls look to reach League One.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
HOWE SECURES MORE RECOGNITION FOR LING AND CO
A 73rd minute strike from Rene Howe gave Torquay United manager Martin Ling more to celebrate as the Gulls strengthen their grip on automatic promotion by beating Accrington Stanley.
Ling had received his second Manager of the Month award of the season before kick-off, he also won the prize in January, which he received on the back of six wins in eight matches during March and skipper Lee Mansell also received the Player of the Month award.
After the game, Ling said that he is happy to see his side continue to grind out results.
"If we can get five 1-0's between now and the end of the season then we'll take that." said Ling.
"It's getting to the stage of the season where performances are not as good as they have been, players are looking nervy and edgy, but the players are getting the results when needed.
"The games are getting bigger and the crowds are getting bigger, but the prize is still as big as anything in football, promotion from a league at the end of a long hard season. Other results went for us and it's in our own hands so we continue to plough on."
One person who had a big say in Ling receiving the award was forrmer Charlton and West Ham boss, Alan Curbishley, who is currently the head of the npower Manager of the Month judging panel.
"Martin has overseen another incredible month for Torquay, taking 19 invaluable points. They have now secured a top three spot and look strong candidates for promotion."
Skipper Lee Mansell also becomes the second Gulls player to receive the Player of the Month award this season, the other was Mark Ellis who ironically won the award in the same month that Ling lifted the managerial prize.
His performances in March, which saw him score four goals in eight matches received praise from Sky Sports Football League pundit Peter Beagrie.
"Midfield maestro Lee Mansell drove his Torquay side from sixth place to second in a marvellous March," said Beagrie.
"Mansell covered every blade of grass, destroying and creating. The all-action midfielder also found the net on four occasions."
Following Good Friday's matches, the Gulls are now three points ahead of third placed Shrewsbury Town and five clear of Crawley Town in fourth.
Ling had received his second Manager of the Month award of the season before kick-off, he also won the prize in January, which he received on the back of six wins in eight matches during March and skipper Lee Mansell also received the Player of the Month award.
After the game, Ling said that he is happy to see his side continue to grind out results.
"If we can get five 1-0's between now and the end of the season then we'll take that." said Ling.
"It's getting to the stage of the season where performances are not as good as they have been, players are looking nervy and edgy, but the players are getting the results when needed.
"The games are getting bigger and the crowds are getting bigger, but the prize is still as big as anything in football, promotion from a league at the end of a long hard season. Other results went for us and it's in our own hands so we continue to plough on."
One person who had a big say in Ling receiving the award was forrmer Charlton and West Ham boss, Alan Curbishley, who is currently the head of the npower Manager of the Month judging panel.
"Martin has overseen another incredible month for Torquay, taking 19 invaluable points. They have now secured a top three spot and look strong candidates for promotion."
Skipper Lee Mansell also becomes the second Gulls player to receive the Player of the Month award this season, the other was Mark Ellis who ironically won the award in the same month that Ling lifted the managerial prize.
His performances in March, which saw him score four goals in eight matches received praise from Sky Sports Football League pundit Peter Beagrie.
"Midfield maestro Lee Mansell drove his Torquay side from sixth place to second in a marvellous March," said Beagrie.
"Mansell covered every blade of grass, destroying and creating. The all-action midfielder also found the net on four occasions."
Following Good Friday's matches, the Gulls are now three points ahead of third placed Shrewsbury Town and five clear of Crawley Town in fourth.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
GAFFER AND SKIPPER NOMINATED
Another unique double could yet be on the cards for Torquay United as for the second time this season, Torquay United manager Martin Ling has been nominated for the npower League Two Manager of the Month award.
Ling previously won the award for January, after recording five consecutive wins during the month, and then successfully banished the 'curse' of the prize by leading the Gulls to victories in their first two league outings in February.
During the month of March, Ling steered Torquay to six wins in eight games, which has moved the Gulls up to second place in the League Two table. His fellow nominees this time include Northampton Town's Aidy Boothroyd and Crewe Alexandra's Steve Davis.
As in January, one of Ling's charges is also nominated for the Player of the Month award, this time skipper Lee Mansell is chosen nominee, in January Mark Ellis was shortlisted for and won the accolade.
March saw Mansell find the back of the net four times, which featured a brace against Bristol Rovers as the Gulls came from being two goals down to clinch a point.
His fellow contenders are Crewe's David Artell and Dagenham and Redbridge's Mickey Spillane.
Ling previously won the award for January, after recording five consecutive wins during the month, and then successfully banished the 'curse' of the prize by leading the Gulls to victories in their first two league outings in February.
During the month of March, Ling steered Torquay to six wins in eight games, which has moved the Gulls up to second place in the League Two table. His fellow nominees this time include Northampton Town's Aidy Boothroyd and Crewe Alexandra's Steve Davis.
As in January, one of Ling's charges is also nominated for the Player of the Month award, this time skipper Lee Mansell is chosen nominee, in January Mark Ellis was shortlisted for and won the accolade.
March saw Mansell find the back of the net four times, which featured a brace against Bristol Rovers as the Gulls came from being two goals down to clinch a point.
His fellow contenders are Crewe's David Artell and Dagenham and Redbridge's Mickey Spillane.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)