With a former Arsenal legend as his dad and a current England international for a brother, Bradley Wright-Phillips has had a lot of live up to in his career.
Bradley arrived at Home Park looking to make a fresh start after a spell at Southampton, but a number of injury problems prevented him from getting a regular run in the side under Paul Sturrock and he only appeared as a substitute under Luggy.
It was not until Paul Mariner had assumed control of first team affairs that Bradley was given his first start in a 1-1 draw with Coventry City in March 2010. In his next start, in a Westcountry derby clash with Bristol City, he was on target as the Pilgrims won 3-2.
Bradley then went on to strike up a useful partnership with Jamie Mackie, who has recently been called into the Scotland squad, prior to Argyle's relegation to League One.
However, having scoring his fourth goal in as many games for the Pilgrims, following his brace against Swindon Town, he has given himself the chance of doing something that no Pilgrims striker has done since Tommy Tynan, which is to score 20 or more goals in a season.
Tynan hit 24 goals for Argyle in the 1988-89 season and only midfielder Steve Castle, who found the back of the net 21 times during the 1993-94 campaign under Peter Shilton, has been able to hit more than 20 goals for the Pilgrims since then.
A number of strikers have managed to hit double figures for Argyle following Tynan's 1988-89 haul including Robbie Turner, Dwight Marshall, Kevin Nugent, Adrian Littlejohn, Mickey Evans, Carlo Corazzin, Paul McGregor and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. However, the player with the best goal return in the aforementioned list is Littlejohn who found the back of the net 17 times in Neil Warnock's Play-Off winning side in the 1995-96 campaign.
In the modern area, prior to Tynan, who also scored 31 goals in the 1984-85 season, Argyle's only other 20 goal-a-season men in the modern era have been Dave Kemp who scored 24 times in the 1980-81 campaign, Fred Binney, who hit 26 in the 1978-79 season, and Billy Rafferty who struck 23 times in the 1974-75 campaign.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
WRIGHT-PHILLIPS AT THE DOUBLE FOR ARGYLE
A brace from Bradley Wrught-Phillips helped Plymouth Argyle to their second away win of the season as the Pilgrims defeated Swindon Town 3-2 at the County Ground.
Reda Johnson opened the scoring for Argyle before Wright-Phillips doubled their advantage before David Prutton and Michael Rose replied for the Robins. The former Manchester City and Southampton striker then struck again in injury time to wrap up the points for the Pilgrims.
Yeovil Town dropped into the bottom four in League One despite securing a point against Southampton at Huish Park. Guilherme do Prado gave the Saints the lead before the Glovers levelled through an Adam Virgo penalty.
Also in League One, Exeter City slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth at the Fitness First Stadium. A Michael Symes brace and another strike from Marc Pugh sealed victory for the Cherries.
Torquay United have now five games without a win after losing 1-0 to Aldershot Town at Plainmoor courtesy of an 86th minute strike from Marvin Morgan. However, the Gulls still remain in the League Two Play-Off zone.
Reda Johnson opened the scoring for Argyle before Wright-Phillips doubled their advantage before David Prutton and Michael Rose replied for the Robins. The former Manchester City and Southampton striker then struck again in injury time to wrap up the points for the Pilgrims.
Yeovil Town dropped into the bottom four in League One despite securing a point against Southampton at Huish Park. Guilherme do Prado gave the Saints the lead before the Glovers levelled through an Adam Virgo penalty.
Also in League One, Exeter City slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth at the Fitness First Stadium. A Michael Symes brace and another strike from Marc Pugh sealed victory for the Cherries.
Torquay United have now five games without a win after losing 1-0 to Aldershot Town at Plainmoor courtesy of an 86th minute strike from Marvin Morgan. However, the Gulls still remain in the League Two Play-Off zone.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
MIDWEEK PREVIEW
A number of our sides go into matches tonight looking to bounce back after disappointing performances at the weekend.
Torquay United will be hoping to erase memories of their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Macclesfield Town with an improved display at Aldershot Town.
In League Two, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City both face South West derbies against Swindon Town and AFC Bournemouth respectively. The Pilgrims picked up a point against Rochdale on Saturday and will be looking to cliuch all three points at the County Ground. The Grecians are searching for a win that will see them move into the Play-Off zone.
Yeovil Town, meanwhile, host Southampton at Huish Park and Glovers Terry Skiverton will be hoping for an improvement from his side after their disappointing 3-1 home defeat by Exeter at the weekend which now means they have conceded 12 games in their four league encounters.
Torquay United will be hoping to erase memories of their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Macclesfield Town with an improved display at Aldershot Town.
In League Two, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City both face South West derbies against Swindon Town and AFC Bournemouth respectively. The Pilgrims picked up a point against Rochdale on Saturday and will be looking to cliuch all three points at the County Ground. The Grecians are searching for a win that will see them move into the Play-Off zone.
Yeovil Town, meanwhile, host Southampton at Huish Park and Glovers Terry Skiverton will be hoping for an improvement from his side after their disappointing 3-1 home defeat by Exeter at the weekend which now means they have conceded 12 games in their four league encounters.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
GRECIANS TAKE FIRST DERBY HONOURS
In the first Devon-Somerset league meeting of the season, Exeter City came out on top as they defeated Yeovil Town 3-1 at Huish Park. A brace from Richard Logan and another from Ryan Harley ensured that the Grecians came out on top as both sides said a final farewell to the late Adam Stansfield. Sam Williams scored the Glovers consolation goal.
Plymouth Argyle recovered from their 2-0 midweek defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion to draw 1-1 with Rochdale at Spotland. Bradley Wright-Phillips put the Pilgrims in front with a first half strike before Dale, who are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill, equalised in the second half through Craig Dawson.
Meanwhile in League Two, Torquay United slipped to a surprise 3-1 defeat at home to Macclesfield Town. Hamza Bencherif gave the Silkmen the lead in the 12th minute before Elliot Benyon turned in a cross from Eunan O'Kane on 40 minutes. However, Ross Draper and Emile Sinclair struck in the 76th and 78th minutes respectively to wrap up the points for Macclesfield.
Plymouth Argyle recovered from their 2-0 midweek defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion to draw 1-1 with Rochdale at Spotland. Bradley Wright-Phillips put the Pilgrims in front with a first half strike before Dale, who are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill, equalised in the second half through Craig Dawson.
Meanwhile in League Two, Torquay United slipped to a surprise 3-1 defeat at home to Macclesfield Town. Hamza Bencherif gave the Silkmen the lead in the 12th minute before Elliot Benyon turned in a cross from Eunan O'Kane on 40 minutes. However, Ross Draper and Emile Sinclair struck in the 76th and 78th minutes respectively to wrap up the points for Macclesfield.
Friday, 24 September 2010
A FINAL FAREWELL TO ADAM
Tomorrow's League One encounter between Yeovil Town and Exeter City will be an emotional occasion for both clubs as it marks the first league meeting between the two sides since the death of Adam Stansfield.
When the two sides met for the corresponding fixture last season, the Glovers came out on winning 2-1 with goals from Stefan Stam and Ryan Mason. The scorer for the Grecians that afternoon was Adam Stansfield and sportingly he refused to celebrate his goal. Sadly, it would prove to be his last ever appearance at Huish Park.
Adam was given his first taste of professional football by Yeovil in 2001 when Gary Johnson signed him from Western League side Elmore. During a three year stay at Huish Park, Adam helped the Glovers to win the FA Trophy in 2002 and, a year later, played a major role securing Yeovil's promotion to the Football League in 2003.
Ubfortunately for Adam, a leg break in a pre-season friendly meant he was unable to play a major role in the Glovers' debut season as a league club and he was released at the end of the 2003-04 campaign.
In 2006, Adam joined Exeter City where he was an influential member of the Grecians that achieved back to back promotions under Paul Tisdale before consolidating their League One status last season.
Both sides will be wearing commemorative shirts tomorrow and Adam's brother Paul will be attempting to run to the game along with fan Nick Bryant to mark the final on-field commemoration for Adam.
When the two sides met for the corresponding fixture last season, the Glovers came out on winning 2-1 with goals from Stefan Stam and Ryan Mason. The scorer for the Grecians that afternoon was Adam Stansfield and sportingly he refused to celebrate his goal. Sadly, it would prove to be his last ever appearance at Huish Park.
Adam was given his first taste of professional football by Yeovil in 2001 when Gary Johnson signed him from Western League side Elmore. During a three year stay at Huish Park, Adam helped the Glovers to win the FA Trophy in 2002 and, a year later, played a major role securing Yeovil's promotion to the Football League in 2003.
Ubfortunately for Adam, a leg break in a pre-season friendly meant he was unable to play a major role in the Glovers' debut season as a league club and he was released at the end of the 2003-04 campaign.
In 2006, Adam joined Exeter City where he was an influential member of the Grecians that achieved back to back promotions under Paul Tisdale before consolidating their League One status last season.
Both sides will be wearing commemorative shirts tomorrow and Adam's brother Paul will be attempting to run to the game along with fan Nick Bryant to mark the final on-field commemoration for Adam.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
ARGYLE CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT
After producing their first win in front of their own fans in six months with a superb 3-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, Plymouth Argyle were brought back down to earth last night with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion at Home Park.
To rub further salt in the wounds, Ashley Barnes, who left the Pilgrims to join the Seagulls in the close season, was on target for the visitors.
After the win over Wednesday, Peter Reid stated that his side needed to push on after picking up their first three points of the season. However, this defeat will surely see the former Sunderland boss heading back to the drawing board.
The 2010-11 campaign looks very much like a season of transition for Argyle and, with many high earners still currently on the Home Park payroll, Reid may not be able to make this team his own until the 2011-12 season at the very earliest.
There is also the ongoing waiting for the international clearance of Stephane Zubar, which will enable the right back, who arrived at Home Park on transfer deadline day, to appear in competitive matches for the Pilgrims.
Of the current squad, Bradley Wright-Phillips made one goal (Carl Fletcher's opener) against Sheffield Wednesday before finding the back of the net himself and if he continues to perform in that vein, he may yet have a long term future at Home Park.
Marcel Seip was another player who impressed against the Owls, when he came on to fill in at right back following the dismissal of Bondz N'gala. After a period in the wilderness which saw him loaned out to Blackpool and Sheffield United last season, the Dutchman could also have a chance of forcing his way back into the team.
One player whose form and fitness will have a big say on Argyle's fortunes is right winger Craig Noone, who despite not being the tallest of players, is more than capable of winning aerial battles with larger opponents.
This was most evident when he rose highest in the Sheffield Wednesday penalty area to head home Argyle's winning goal on Saturday.
To rub further salt in the wounds, Ashley Barnes, who left the Pilgrims to join the Seagulls in the close season, was on target for the visitors.
After the win over Wednesday, Peter Reid stated that his side needed to push on after picking up their first three points of the season. However, this defeat will surely see the former Sunderland boss heading back to the drawing board.
The 2010-11 campaign looks very much like a season of transition for Argyle and, with many high earners still currently on the Home Park payroll, Reid may not be able to make this team his own until the 2011-12 season at the very earliest.
There is also the ongoing waiting for the international clearance of Stephane Zubar, which will enable the right back, who arrived at Home Park on transfer deadline day, to appear in competitive matches for the Pilgrims.
Of the current squad, Bradley Wright-Phillips made one goal (Carl Fletcher's opener) against Sheffield Wednesday before finding the back of the net himself and if he continues to perform in that vein, he may yet have a long term future at Home Park.
Marcel Seip was another player who impressed against the Owls, when he came on to fill in at right back following the dismissal of Bondz N'gala. After a period in the wilderness which saw him loaned out to Blackpool and Sheffield United last season, the Dutchman could also have a chance of forcing his way back into the team.
One player whose form and fitness will have a big say on Argyle's fortunes is right winger Craig Noone, who despite not being the tallest of players, is more than capable of winning aerial battles with larger opponents.
This was most evident when he rose highest in the Sheffield Wednesday penalty area to head home Argyle's winning goal on Saturday.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
ARGYLE UP AND RUNNING
Plymouth Argyle recorded their first home league win of the season as they came out on top in a five goal thriller against Sheffield Wednesday.
Skipper Carl Fletcher opened the scoring before James O'Connor equalised for the Owls. The Pilgrims were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time following the dismissal of right back Bondz N'gala.
Bradley Wright-Phillips restored Argyle's lead on the stroke of half-time, but Wednesday were back on level terms later in the game when substitute Tommy Miller curled home a 30-yard volley. However, this was not the end of the scoring for the afternoon as Craig Noone nodded home a Jim Paterson cross to make it 3-2 to the Pilgrims.
Afterwards, Plymouth boss Peter Reid hailed the performance as one of the best performances that he had been involved in as a player and manager.
Elsewhere, Yeovil Town's topsy turvy season continued as they lost 4-2 to League One leaders Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium after leading 2-0 at one stage. Goals from Dean Bowditch and Paul Huntington gave the Glovers a two goal advantage going into the half-time break before the Terriers struck back in the second half through Scott Arfield before centre back John McCombe bagged a brace. Gary Roberts later added a fourth from the penalty spot for Lee Clark's side as they soared to the top of the League One table.
A late equaliser from Lee Tomlin secured a point for Peterborough United against Exeter City at St James Park. An own goal from Troy Archibald-Henville put the Posh ahead in the first half before the Grecians struck back through Daniel Nardiello and Jamie Cureton before Tomlin scored his late leveller.
In League Two, Torquay United dropped out of the automatic promotion places after they were held to a goalless draw by their former Blue Square Premier rivals Stevenage.
Skipper Carl Fletcher opened the scoring before James O'Connor equalised for the Owls. The Pilgrims were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time following the dismissal of right back Bondz N'gala.
Bradley Wright-Phillips restored Argyle's lead on the stroke of half-time, but Wednesday were back on level terms later in the game when substitute Tommy Miller curled home a 30-yard volley. However, this was not the end of the scoring for the afternoon as Craig Noone nodded home a Jim Paterson cross to make it 3-2 to the Pilgrims.
Afterwards, Plymouth boss Peter Reid hailed the performance as one of the best performances that he had been involved in as a player and manager.
Elsewhere, Yeovil Town's topsy turvy season continued as they lost 4-2 to League One leaders Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium after leading 2-0 at one stage. Goals from Dean Bowditch and Paul Huntington gave the Glovers a two goal advantage going into the half-time break before the Terriers struck back in the second half through Scott Arfield before centre back John McCombe bagged a brace. Gary Roberts later added a fourth from the penalty spot for Lee Clark's side as they soared to the top of the League One table.
A late equaliser from Lee Tomlin secured a point for Peterborough United against Exeter City at St James Park. An own goal from Troy Archibald-Henville put the Posh ahead in the first half before the Grecians struck back through Daniel Nardiello and Jamie Cureton before Tomlin scored his late leveller.
In League Two, Torquay United dropped out of the automatic promotion places after they were held to a goalless draw by their former Blue Square Premier rivals Stevenage.
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