THE DAILY DIARY

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Plymouth Argyle FC

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Also included on the three most recent days, facts from Argyle's history.

Sunday 31st January 2021

Ryan Lowe expressed belief that Argyle's frenetic 2-2 draw with Accrington was a fair result from a game played between two teams of real quality. The manager said: "To keep that little run going where we've not been beaten for a little while, we want to continue that. We're progressing nicely, we're becoming a good team, and that's what we want to continue to keep doing. We did dominate large parts, and the second goal is rubbish really. Is it a good ball? We haven't dealt with that good ball. There's loads of stuff that we'll look at and come up with an agreement of where we can get better next time. But, again, the character of the lads to get back in it, against a good team was excellent.

I'm always satisfied when you don't lose the game of football – but I think they'd be more happy with the point than I am. If it was a bit different, where we weren't playing the way that I want us to play, then I'd be disappointed. As you've seen there, they're a good team, but we possibly could have went on and won it."

"The subs were fantastic – and it's tough because you don't want to be called a super sub, but it's the job. Whatever subs I make, they've got to go out and produce, and that's certainly what they've done. They've made a good impact, so I'm pleased with that. It's a squad game, it's a team game, when the lads came on the pitch and got on the front foot, it gave us that little bit of energy. Our lads had that little impetus, and we'll look it back, and hopefully they can give us more. Some of them our out on their feet in there, we had a few doubts early before the game – they've gone out and give us it all. They've put their bodies on the line, we'll rest and recover them, and get ready for another exciting, important game next Saturday away to Portsmouth.

Argyle made their final signing of the January window, bringing in Sam Woods on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season. Woods can play in defence and midfield and has appeared as a sub in a Premier League squad this season. He will wear the number 25 shirt during his time at the greens. Ryan Lowe said of the young prospect: : "Sam comes highly recommended to us, he's got experience in the SPL from last season. He's well thought of at Crystal Palace and has been involved with their first-team and made a number of senior appearances, as well as captaining their under-23 side. Scott Dann, who I know quite well, gave us a great reference on Sam, he could not speak highly enough of him. Sam is excited by the opportunity of joining Argyle, he provides quality and competition for places, and I feel he is a very good addition to the group."

30th

Argyle's home game against Accrington Stanley ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw which saw both sides have chances to win the game. The visitors took the lead twice either side of half-time but an energetic Argyle pegged them back with goals from Luke Jephcott and a first for the club from Niall Ennis who impressed from the bench. Argyle: M Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah(Reeves), Edwards, Camara, Mayor, Grant(Lewis), Hardie, Jephcott(Ennis). Subs: McCormick, Wootton, Nouble, Moore.

29th

Argyle's long-term aspirations have been handed another boost with the news that Ryan Hardie has joined the greens on a permanent deal, after two successful loan spells either side of the lockdown interregnum. Ryan Lowe said of the quick striker: "We are delighted to get Ryan on a permanent deal. We have agreed an undisclosed fee with Blackpool to keep him here for the long-term. He's settled down here, his family are here, he's a great lad to be around with a great attitude. He works hard every day, he's got quality, and we feel we can improve him. It's great to have him here, and I am thankful to the board for sanctioning the deal – he's one for the future of Plymouth Argyle."

28th

Dom Telford has left Argyle to join League Two promotion hopefuls Newport County for an undisclosed fee. Ryan Lowe said of Telford's time at the greens: "We would like to thank Dom for his efforts. He was part of our promotion-winning team last season after joining from Bury. He had ups and downs with injuries last season, but, as a lad, his attitude towards training and matches was first-class. Dom scored some good and crucial goals for us, but we felt that, this year, with the performances of Luke Jephcott, Ryan Hardie, Frank Nouble, and bringing Niall Ennis in, that he needed to get some games. I'm pleased for Dom, he'll go and score a load of goals and hopefully help get Newport promoted. We thank him for his contribution. While he's been here, he's been nothing but a class act, and we wish him all the best."

27th

Ryan Lowe declared himself emphatically pleased with a complete performance as Argyle emerged from a trip to Swindon Town the victors. He praised every aspect of Argyle's game, saying: "I just thought it was a good, complete performance. I thought in possession and out of possession we were very good. The defence was solid, but it worked from the front with the two strikers. All over the park, to a man, they were very good. They were in the right areas and we played a lot more than we have done in terms of the passing, lending it to each other and waiting for openings. Simplicity is a big word that I always use because it is simple stuff and when they do that, they look a good team. I said to the boys 'you're becoming a good team, can you go and become a very good team?' and I think they can. I've got every faith and belief that they can do that. Tonight, they knew when to press when not to press and were getting in good areas, it was fantastic, so I'm pleased."

"We limited them, yes, but we have to beat what's in front of us, hence why I'm screaming at the boys to keep passing the ball and move it. I don't want them to get too carried away, I just want them to play the way that I want them to play and that's being simple. When we do that, we look a good team. It was all pleasing from start to finish to be honest, even the subs that have come on the pitch were pleasing. They're going on and knowing their jobs and what we want. We have just got to keep learning, keep working every day. We are taking leaves out of the book from the likes of Sheffield United and the way they press. We are working on stuff that we learnt from them and the FA Cup has been a good learning curve for us and I said to the boys that we have got to take it into the league, and we have certainly done that. They've gone out today and, as you've seen, they've worked their socks off and warranted the three points."

"It's not going away from the strategy we have and the style of play, we won't come away from it. I think if you keep working to your beliefs you can keep winning games and scoring goals, and we know that. It's a learning curve every single day. When you lose games of football it's learning, even when you win you learn, but when you lose you know what you have to look at and what has gone wrong, but it is down to the players as well. We put the sessions on for them, we put the plans together and they have to execute it but that's what they've been doing so they have to take a lot of credit also, and my staff, because we work ever so hard to make sure that we put things right and we are certainly doing that. We're enjoying this little spell and we want to keep enjoying it."

26th

Argyle's upward start to 2021 has continued with a 2-0 victory away to Swindon Town, sinking the hosts further into relegation trouble. In truth, Argyle were never in doubt during the game, Pantuche Camara netting the opening goal before being involved in our second which was slotted away by Ryan Hardie. Argyle: Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah(Reeves), Edwards, Camara, Mayor(Wootton), Grant(Moore), Hardie(Nouble), Jephcott(Ennis). Subs: McCormick, Telford.

25th

Ryan Lowe declared himself emphatically pleased with Argyle's display in their narrow loss at Premier League Sheffield United. Lowe said: "I was pleased, in terms of the performance from us. The way we went about our business, coming to Sheffield United, and put on a show like we did – we were not too far away from potentially getting a second and taking it to extra-time. We've had a good run in the FA Cup to the fourth round, we haven't been there for a while, and I'd have loved to be sitting here now saying we're going to the fifth round, but our bread and butter now returns to League One. What I will say, I'm proud of every single one of them players that entered that pitch today, and on this run. The lads gave it everything today, the belief, the character, the desire to keep going. We just fell a little bit short, but there's no shame in falling short to a Premier League outfit."

Loanee defender Jerome Opoku has extended his stay at Argyle until the end of the season, following his recent return to the side. Ryan Lowe said of the extension: "We're delighted to extend Jerome's loan until the end of the season – it was always the plan, and he's done well and is working hard. He's a good lad and a good player – on the occasions he's found himself out of the team he's come back stronger. He's made that position his own at the moment, and long may that continue."

23rd

Argyle's impressive FA Cup run has come to an end with a battling 2-1 loss at Premier League Sheffield United. United established a 2-0 lead with goals either side of half-time and the game looked like ebbing away before Pantuche Camara gave Argyle hope with 15 to go. Sadly an equalising goal was not to be. Argyle: Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah(Reeves), Edwards, Camara(Nouble), Mayor, Grant, Hardie(Telford), Jephcott(Moore). Subs: McCormick, Wootton, Pursall, Mitchell, Law.

22nd

The Mayflower Grandstand at Home Park will serve as a COVID-19 Vaccination Centre from next week, helping the NHS in its fight against the virus. CEO Andrew Parkinson said of the decision: "We are delighted to have once again been able to offer up Home Park to assist with the fight to end the coronavirus pandemic.Of course, when we opened our brand-new Mayflower Grandstand a little under a year ago, we had no idea what was around the corner - but I am proud that we have been able to make a tangible contribution to the city's efforts throughout a challenging year. What's more, though, by allowing Home Park to be used for mass vaccinations, we are able to ensure that a greater number of our supporters can be vaccinated as quickly as possible, which, hopefully, paves the way for them to return to stands in greater numbers. As ever, on behalf of the club, I would like to place on record our sincerest gratitude to healthcare and front-line workers who continue to go above and beyond to protect our community."

21st

Argyle's trip to Milton Keynes Dons has been scheduled for Tuesday 16th March, with a 7pm kick-off. The fixture had initially been pencilled in for this upcoming weekend, but the Pilgrims' progress to the FA Cup fourth round meant that the game had to be postponed.

20th

Ryan Lowe declared his pleasure at Argyle's continued good start to 2021, following the 2-1 at the stadium of light. The gaffer enthused: "When you come away to a special place like this, even though it was empty, and to take all three points with a performance which was magnificent from every single player that entered the pitch, was very good, and I'm really pleased. Pleased for the group, they're getting better each day, each week, the results are getting better. To come to Sunderland and play the way that we played, the goals we scored, and the patterns of play, is pleasing. I haven't let anything get on my mind about not winning away from home, the league's a lot harder than last season. We were magnificent, we'll give the lads credit where the credit is due, and they've got a fantastic three points – but we've got to keep building. We had a good start to the season, a little bad patch, and now another good patch that we've got to continue. The league is tough, we're not getting carried away – as I say, never too high, never too low – but when you come away to Sunderland and perform the way that you perform, you've got a right to be happy, and we certainly are."

"The work-rate is fantastic and they're a fit group. The average over the team is very good, the numbers are very good in terms of what they're achieving in the running stats, but that should be a given. You've got to work hard for every single one of each other, and they're certainly doing that. What pleased me most is two wing-backs getting in positions to score, two fantastic goals. A lot of teams wouldn't expect our wing-backs to get in those positions, but they do because they're determined to get in there.

"We've tried to talk to the lads, when you do get rocked a little bit, you have to understand that the opposition are going to do their analysis on us and know where we're getting out and try and stop that. It's like a game of chess with the opposition manager – and certainly Sunderland weren't going to let us roll them over, there's no chance. They got a goal back, but for us to get a fantastic goal from Joe with his left foot again was fantastic."

19th

Argyle's long hunt for an away win has come to an end with a spectacular win at play-off chasing Sunderland. New signing Adam Lewis put Argyle into the lead with his first start in green colours. Sunderland equalised just after half-time but the game was put beyond the Mackems with Joe Edwards' winning goal. A much needed win was secured to propel Argyle forward. Argyle: Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah(Wootton), Edwards, Mayor, Grant, Lewis(Reeves), Hardie(Nouble), Jephcott (Ennis). Subs:McCormick, Tomlinson, Telford.

18th

Argyle have made their first permanent signing of the January window, bringing Niall Ennis to the club from Wolves on a two and a half year deal. The young striker joined for an undisclosed fee and will wear the number 21 shirt at Home Park.

17th

Ryan Lowe has stated his happiness with Argyle's draw and improved performance in their win against Crewe. He felt the draw to be a good result against a good side, saying: "I thought we were very good overall, throughout the game. Crewe are a good team, let's have it right. When we scored, we were on top, and we had a few great chances to score again, and the first-half performance was excellent. In the second-half, we had to deal with a little bit of pressure, and Crewe dropped their wingers into 10 positions. We knew it was going to be tough, they're a good team. I felt that we had more than enough chances to win it, but, overall, it's another point in the right direction, and we're building a small little run."

"When you come under a little bit of pressure, Kelland was booked, and Jerome, it's tough, isn't it? If you're one foot wrong, or one tackle wrong, you're a little bit worried. I thought we were bright, we worked a lot of patterns of play that we've worked on and created loads of good chances. The ball Conor put in in the second-half, you're thinking that someone just needs to throw their body at it. Overall, the lads have worked their socks off, they've had a tough week, and we've not got to recover them to save their legs for another good game on Tuesday night."

16th

Argyle have kept their unbeaten start to 2021 but were unable to cling on for a win against Crewe. A Luke Jephcott penalty put the greens into an early lead but a Crewe spell of pressure came to fruition in the second half, equalising with 25 minutes to go. Full-time came and honours were shared. Argyle: Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah, Edwards, Camara, Mayor(Lewis), Grant, Hardie(Nouble), Jephcott(Telford). Subs: McCormick, Wootton, Reeves, Moore.

14th

Argyle's first signing of the January window has been confirmed with the signing of Adam Lewis on a loan deal from Liverpool for the rest of the season. The highly-rated youngster will wear squad number 22 for Argyle.

Adam Randell's loan at Devon neighbours Torquay United has been extended until the end of the season. The has made 16 appearances in the league for the Gulls so far who currently occupy top spot.

12th

Niall Canavan has left Argyle after two and a half years at the club. He joined Bradford for an undisclosed fee after making just shy of 100 appearances for the greens. Ryan Lowe said of the departing defender: "Niall did a brilliant job in getting us back into League One last season, away from his young family, and we thank him for his contribution to Argyle. He came and spoke to me and said that he had the opportunity to move to Bradford on a longer-term deal, and we were not in a position to offer him anything beyond this season. We felt that it was not right to stand in his way. To receive a fee is a positive for the club, and it now provides an opportunity for others to stake their claim, as well potential for new additions."

11th

Argyle have been drawn at away to Premier League side Sheffield United in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The fixture will be played on the weekend of Saturday 23rd January. The victor will host either Millwall or Bristol City in the fifth round,

10th

Argyle came from behind twice to progress to the fourth round of the cup and Ryan Lowe focused strongly on the positive mental attitude shown by the greens to not know when they were beaten. Lowe said: "I thought we were very good all over the park on Saturday evening. I know that we gave away a couple of goals, one was a worldie, but the attitude to come back from that, we scored three wonderful goals. The lads have got that bouncebackability, I think we've done it a lot this season. I don't want to keep going goals down, but it just shows the attitude, desire, commitment of the boys to get back in. They know they made the mistake in terms of the goal, but we knew were on the front foot, we set the game plan out to counter fast, and I think we did that. To score three fantastic goals like that against Championship opposition in Huddersfield is pleasing."

"We just said to be more compact – coming to these type of teams, the levels, there's a lot of good footballers in there, and we felt that we didn't want to be undone. I thought the first-half was a little bit 'you have it, we have it', counter each end, but we needed to make sure that we tightened things up a bit."

"We always knew Huddersfield was going to be a tough place to come, I said that from day one, and to get to the fourth round with Plymouth Argyle is a tremendous achievement. We take massive confidence from winning any game – you can only beat what's in front of you. I respect the FA Cup massively, it's a big competition, I love it. It's the first time I've ever been into the fourth round as a manager. We are in a good run of form, and we want to keep that winning mentality. We had it a lot last season, we had it early this season, and we had bumps in the road – we're building to where we want to get to."

"Reaching the fourth round is massive for the football club, because it puts us on the map. We're building from the bottom to the top. We've earned a bit of respect today by coming to Huddersfield and getting to the fourth round, and people will take note. I'm just going to wait patiently, but whoever we get, we'll relish the opportunity."

9th

Argyle have progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup following an upset away to Championship side Huddersfield Town. Argyle twice went behind but twice pegged the hosts back in the first half alone, with Pantuche Camara and Ryan Hardie getting confidence boosting goals. The greens took the lead for the first time in the second half through a sharp Joe Edwards finish and the greens are in the fourth round for the first time since 2008. Argyle: M Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah(Wootton), Edwards, Camara, Mayor, Grant(Moore), Hardie(Nouble), Jephcott(Telford). Subs: McCormick, Canavan, Ruddy.

2nd

Argyle's 2021 got off to a good start with a 1-0 win over Gillingham, the greens also keeping a rare clean sheet. Luke Jephcott got Argyle off the mark just after the half hour mark and whilst the greens had to defend stoutly in the second half, the Gills weren't able to carve Argyle open and three valuable points were earned. Argyle: Cooper, Aimson, Canavan, Watts, MacLeod(Fornah), Edwards, Camara, Mayor, Grant(Opoku), Jephcott(Telford), Hardie(Nouble). Subs: McCormick, Wootton, Moore.

1st

Argyle's League One fixture at Swindon Town on Tuesday 26th January will kick-off at the earlier time of 7pm.

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