Following their late comeback against Wycombe last Saturday night, Plymouth Argyle have given themselves a fighting chance of reaching the League Two Play-off final at Wembley.
After trailing the Chairboys by three goals going into the final five minutes of their semi-final first leg, substitutes Zak Ansah and Jason Banton as Argyle reduced their deficit to a single goal in the most dramatic of fashions.
One dilemma likely to be facing manager John Sheridan is whether to possibly include Ansah or fellow substitute Ryan Brunt, who replaced leading scorer Reuben Reid on 65 minutes, at the expense of his first choice strike partnership of Reid and Lewis Alessandra.
Over the course of the campaign, Reid and Alessandra have found the back of the net 33 times in all competitions and Reid has been playing with a foot injury of late.
Ansah and Brunt also started together at Shrewsbury Town in Argyle's final league fixture, which they won 2-0.
There is another the question of whether to include Banton in their starting eleven as well.
Scoring goals is likely to be crucial to any success for the Pilgrims at Adams Park, as Argyle's defensive unit of goalkeeper Luke McCormick and their central defensive trio of Curtis Nelson, Peter Hartley and Carl McHugh have proved to be very difficult to break down this season.
A repeat of the result they were able to pull off at Adams Park earlier in the season, when they won 2-0 courtesy of goals from Alessandra and Hartley would be the perfect outcome for Argyle.
It is also worth mentioning that when they last reached Wembley in 1996, they made it there after losing their first leg and winning their second against Colchester United.
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Sunday, 10 May 2015
KEEP CALM AND PASS IT TO BANTON - WITH ONE MINUTE LEFT
Plymouth Argyle winger Jason Banton believes his second goal for the Pilgrims against Wycombe Wanderers is more important than the goal he scored against Exeter City in March 2013.
Banton's strike against the Grecians, which proved to be crucial in the 60th league meeting between Argyle and City, helped to ease Argyle's relegation worries in the 2012-13 season.
Against the Chairboys, Banton - who came off the bench on 53 minutes - struck in the 89th minute to reduce the Pilgrims' arrears to a single goal after fellow substitute Zak Ansah had scored three minutes earlier.
But he thinks his most recent effort against the Chairboys can give the Pilgrims the belief that they can go to Adams Park and compete with Wycombe.
"I was coming on, I could literally see the third goal going in, " said Banton.
"But the gaffer’s (John Sheridan) message was to get a goal back and put them under pressure.
Banton's strike against the Grecians, which proved to be crucial in the 60th league meeting between Argyle and City, helped to ease Argyle's relegation worries in the 2012-13 season.
Against the Chairboys, Banton - who came off the bench on 53 minutes - struck in the 89th minute to reduce the Pilgrims' arrears to a single goal after fellow substitute Zak Ansah had scored three minutes earlier.
But he thinks his most recent effort against the Chairboys can give the Pilgrims the belief that they can go to Adams Park and compete with Wycombe.
"I was coming on, I could literally see the third goal going in, " said Banton.
"But the gaffer’s (John Sheridan) message was to get a goal back and put them under pressure.
"That’s what we did with Zak’s (Ansah) goal and with a goal in the
last minute of normal time, and I was happy to get that one.
"You could see at the final whistle that they (Wycombe) didn’t
look too happy.
"The goal I scored against Exeter (in 2013) was a good goal
and a very clean goal, but I think this could be a bigger goal, as it gives us
the belief that we can go to Wycombe and compete."
The former Crystal Palace starlet also paid tribute to the club's Australian Performance Manager John Harbin, who has helped to instil that level of belief in the Pilgrims.
He said: "John Harbin has taught us throughout the season - and since
he has been here at the club- to never give up regardless and show good
character, and the fans had a big part to play in that. "
LATE SHOW FROM ZAK AND JASON EASE PILGRIMS WORRIES
Just when Plymouth Argyle's Play-offs hopes looked to have taken a major blow against Wycombe Wanderers, two late goals from substitutes Zak Ansah and Jason Banton provided the Pilgrims with fresh momentum going into Thursday's second leg.
The Chairboys led 3-0 thanks to goals from former Argyle loanee Paul Hayes, Aaron Holloway and Steven Craig, but the introduction of Ansah and Banton sparked a revival for the Pilgrims, which resulted in the duo scoring in the 86th and 89th minutes respectively.
Banton's second goal could prove to be every bit as important, if not more, than the goal he scored against Exeter City in March 2013.
At 3-1 down going into their return at Adams Park, Argyle would still have had a mountain to climb, but now - at half-time in the tie - they can go there believing that an early goal can put the pressure right back on to Wycombe.
Earlier in the season, the Pilgrims beat the Chairboys 2-0 thanks to goals from Lewis Alessandra and Peter Hartley.
An identical score line on Thursday, in a match that will once again be televised on Sky TV, would be enough to see Argyle reach Wembley.
The Chairboys led 3-0 thanks to goals from former Argyle loanee Paul Hayes, Aaron Holloway and Steven Craig, but the introduction of Ansah and Banton sparked a revival for the Pilgrims, which resulted in the duo scoring in the 86th and 89th minutes respectively.
Banton's second goal could prove to be every bit as important, if not more, than the goal he scored against Exeter City in March 2013.
At 3-1 down going into their return at Adams Park, Argyle would still have had a mountain to climb, but now - at half-time in the tie - they can go there believing that an early goal can put the pressure right back on to Wycombe.
Earlier in the season, the Pilgrims beat the Chairboys 2-0 thanks to goals from Lewis Alessandra and Peter Hartley.
An identical score line on Thursday, in a match that will once again be televised on Sky TV, would be enough to see Argyle reach Wembley.
Saturday, 9 May 2015
PILGRIM'S PLAY-OFF FACTFILE
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE:
League position: 7th
Previous Play-off appearances: 1993-94 Division Two, 1995-96
Division Three (winners)
Top scorer: Reuben Reid 20
Last season’s league finish: 10th
Last promotion success: 2003-04 Division Two Champions
WYCOMBE WANDERERS:
League position: 4th
Previous Play-off appearances: 1993-94 Division Three
(winners), 2005-06 League Two, 2007-08 League Two
Top scorer: Paul Hayes 13
Last season’s league finish: 22nd
Last promotion success: 2010-11 League Two Runners-up
ARGYLE REACH ANOTHER LANDMARK
For the first time since they exited Administration in
October 2011, Plymouth Argyle now have a genuine opportunity to win promotion
from League Two after reaching this season’s Play-offs.
Two legs with Wycombe Wanderers, who finished 13 points
clear of the Pilgrims in 4th place in the league table, is all that
stands between Argyle and a first Wembley appearance since the 1996 Division
Play-off final with Darlington.
Over the past couple of years, a number of milestones have
been achieved by the club. Top scorer Reuben Reid became the first Pilgrims
striker since Tommy Tynan to score 20 goals or more in a season.
In this current campaign, he became the first Argyle forward
since Tynan to manage the feat twice.
Also this season, goalkeeper Luke McCormick kept 21 clean
sheets, which is a higher number than any keeper in Europe this season.
And manager John Sheridan now has the opportunity to join a
list of Pilgrims managers that includes Tony Waiters, Dave Smith, Neil Warnock
and Paul Sturrock who have led Argyle to promotion in living memory.
In a career that has seen him appear in two World Cups and
score a winning goal in a League Cup final as a player, and win a League Two
title and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy as a manager, further success with Argyle would
sit very comfortably alongside them.
Sunday, 3 May 2015
PILGRIMS SECURE PLAY-OFF SPOT
Plymouth Argyle can now look forward to a two-legged League Two Play-off semi-final with Wycombe Wanderers, after securing their fourth and final spot with a win away at Shrewsbury Town.
Whilst the Pilgrims needed a point to wrap up 7th place in the table, the Shrews - who included former Torquay United defender and childhood Argyle fan Mark Ellis in their side - needed to win to be with a chance of clinching the League Two title at the expense of Burton Albion.
First half goals from Bobby Reid and Kelvin Mellor proved to be enough to see the Pilgrims tame the Shrews and seal the fourth and final Play-off place.
It is the only the third time in Argyle's history that they have been involved in the end of season showdown. The other two occasions were in the 1993-94 season when they lost in the semi-final to Burnley in the 'old Division Two', and two years later when they defeated Darlington under Neil Warnock at Wembley after beating Colchester United in the semis.
Whilst the Pilgrims needed a point to wrap up 7th place in the table, the Shrews - who included former Torquay United defender and childhood Argyle fan Mark Ellis in their side - needed to win to be with a chance of clinching the League Two title at the expense of Burton Albion.
First half goals from Bobby Reid and Kelvin Mellor proved to be enough to see the Pilgrims tame the Shrews and seal the fourth and final Play-off place.
It is the only the third time in Argyle's history that they have been involved in the end of season showdown. The other two occasions were in the 1993-94 season when they lost in the semi-final to Burnley in the 'old Division Two', and two years later when they defeated Darlington under Neil Warnock at Wembley after beating Colchester United in the semis.
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
HARGREAVES BEGINS GULLS CLEAROUT
Following the end of their 2014-15 Vanarama Conference campaign, Torquay United manager Chris Hargreaves has set about rebuilding ahead of the 2015-16 season by releasing nine players.
We will now have a closer look at the nine, which Hargreaves decided were surplus to his requirements.
MARTIN RICE -
Former Exeter keeper Rice's departure brings the curtain down on a second spell at Plainmoor that began back in 2011 when he was re-signed by former Gulls manager Martin Ling from Truro City. An able deputy to Bobby Olejnik and Michael Poke, Rice was never quite able to firmly establish his credentials as a first choice keeper.
DALE TONGE -
A vastly experienced right-back, Tonge ends a two-year spell in south Devon which has been largely disappointing. Having not featured for the Gulls since October, due to a knee injury, Tonge, who has won promotions with Barnsley and Rotherham United, will probably be looking for a club nearer to his native South Yorkshire.
AARON DOWNES -
A wholehearted performer, Aussie centre back Downes has been one of United's most consistent performers during the past 12 months. However, due to the fact that Downes was one of the higher earners at the club as well as Hargreaves' desire to find more pace in defence, the decision was made to let him go. During his three years at Plainmoor, Downes won the club's Player of the Year award in the 2012-13 season, and could well be facing United in the rebranded 'National League' next season.
KRYSTIAN PEARCE -
The club's Player of the Year last term, Pearce has failed to hit those heights this season in the Vanarama Conference and a change of scenery will surely benefit both player and club in this instance. Hopefully his next port of call will be in the Football League, as those who remember Pearce's displays in the 2013-14 season will know that he was more than comfortable at that level.
THOMAS CRUISE -
The former Arsenal starlet, who once appeared for the Gunners in a Champions League group game against Olympiakos, has struggled with injuries during the campaign just gone. Once again, in Cruise's case, a fresh start in new surroundings would beneficial for him.
MICKEY PARCELL -
First year pro Parcell spent most of the season on loan at Bideford in the Evo-Stik Southern League and Hargreaves stated that he would have kept him on if the Gulls had their own Development squad. He shouldn't have a problem finding a club at non-league level, as Bideford boss, and former Gulls midfielder, Sean Joyce frequently praised his contributions for the Robins.
COURTNEY CAMERON -
Ex Aston Villa youngster Cameron has been inconsistent for the Gulls and also expressed a desire to Hargreaves to return to his native Midlands. When at his very best, Cameron has proved he is more than a match for most Conference defences and could also be lining up against the Gulls next season.
DUANE OFORI- ACHEAMPONG -
After scoring six goals for the Gulls earlier in the season, Ofori-Acheampong looked as though he would turn out to be a real find for Hargreaves, having been playing non-league football in the South East since being rejected by Southend United at 18. However, a family bereavement meant that Ofori-Acheampong has decided that his future lies in the South East closer to his family. He is a player who will probably receive a warm welcome back to Plainmoor should he ever return as part of a visiting team.
ELLIOT BENYON -
Benyon's first spell at Plainmoor between 2007 and 2011 was an unqualified success. He helped the Gulls win promotion back to the Football League, he even provided the assist for Chris Hargreaves in their Play-off final victory over Cambridge United. His prolific scoring for the returning Gulls earned him a move to Swindon Town for £125,000 in January 2011. Since then he failed to hit those same heights with the Robins, Southend United and in his second spell at Plainmoor and he was loaned out to Hayes and Yeading in Conference South for part of this season.
Further decisions will be made by Hargreaves on the futures of non-contract duo Aaron Dawson and Olliver Guegen once his budget for next season is finalised. This is a fate also awaiting midfielders Ben Harding and James McQuilkin, as well as long serving striker Ashley Yeoman.
A decision will also be made on Jordan Chapell once his loan spell at Grimsby Town, who are currently involved in the Conference Play-offs, comes to an end.
Meanwhile, winger Toby Ajala and academy scholars Levi Ives and Dan Lavercombe have been offered new contracts.
We will now have a closer look at the nine, which Hargreaves decided were surplus to his requirements.
MARTIN RICE -
Former Exeter keeper Rice's departure brings the curtain down on a second spell at Plainmoor that began back in 2011 when he was re-signed by former Gulls manager Martin Ling from Truro City. An able deputy to Bobby Olejnik and Michael Poke, Rice was never quite able to firmly establish his credentials as a first choice keeper.
DALE TONGE -
A vastly experienced right-back, Tonge ends a two-year spell in south Devon which has been largely disappointing. Having not featured for the Gulls since October, due to a knee injury, Tonge, who has won promotions with Barnsley and Rotherham United, will probably be looking for a club nearer to his native South Yorkshire.
AARON DOWNES -
A wholehearted performer, Aussie centre back Downes has been one of United's most consistent performers during the past 12 months. However, due to the fact that Downes was one of the higher earners at the club as well as Hargreaves' desire to find more pace in defence, the decision was made to let him go. During his three years at Plainmoor, Downes won the club's Player of the Year award in the 2012-13 season, and could well be facing United in the rebranded 'National League' next season.
KRYSTIAN PEARCE -
The club's Player of the Year last term, Pearce has failed to hit those heights this season in the Vanarama Conference and a change of scenery will surely benefit both player and club in this instance. Hopefully his next port of call will be in the Football League, as those who remember Pearce's displays in the 2013-14 season will know that he was more than comfortable at that level.
THOMAS CRUISE -
The former Arsenal starlet, who once appeared for the Gunners in a Champions League group game against Olympiakos, has struggled with injuries during the campaign just gone. Once again, in Cruise's case, a fresh start in new surroundings would beneficial for him.
MICKEY PARCELL -
First year pro Parcell spent most of the season on loan at Bideford in the Evo-Stik Southern League and Hargreaves stated that he would have kept him on if the Gulls had their own Development squad. He shouldn't have a problem finding a club at non-league level, as Bideford boss, and former Gulls midfielder, Sean Joyce frequently praised his contributions for the Robins.
COURTNEY CAMERON -
Ex Aston Villa youngster Cameron has been inconsistent for the Gulls and also expressed a desire to Hargreaves to return to his native Midlands. When at his very best, Cameron has proved he is more than a match for most Conference defences and could also be lining up against the Gulls next season.
DUANE OFORI- ACHEAMPONG -
After scoring six goals for the Gulls earlier in the season, Ofori-Acheampong looked as though he would turn out to be a real find for Hargreaves, having been playing non-league football in the South East since being rejected by Southend United at 18. However, a family bereavement meant that Ofori-Acheampong has decided that his future lies in the South East closer to his family. He is a player who will probably receive a warm welcome back to Plainmoor should he ever return as part of a visiting team.
ELLIOT BENYON -
Benyon's first spell at Plainmoor between 2007 and 2011 was an unqualified success. He helped the Gulls win promotion back to the Football League, he even provided the assist for Chris Hargreaves in their Play-off final victory over Cambridge United. His prolific scoring for the returning Gulls earned him a move to Swindon Town for £125,000 in January 2011. Since then he failed to hit those same heights with the Robins, Southend United and in his second spell at Plainmoor and he was loaned out to Hayes and Yeading in Conference South for part of this season.
Further decisions will be made by Hargreaves on the futures of non-contract duo Aaron Dawson and Olliver Guegen once his budget for next season is finalised. This is a fate also awaiting midfielders Ben Harding and James McQuilkin, as well as long serving striker Ashley Yeoman.
A decision will also be made on Jordan Chapell once his loan spell at Grimsby Town, who are currently involved in the Conference Play-offs, comes to an end.
Meanwhile, winger Toby Ajala and academy scholars Levi Ives and Dan Lavercombe have been offered new contracts.
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