THE DAILY DIARY

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Sunday 28th November 2021

Ryan Lowe showed his frustration at a very tough week for Argyle but maintained a positive outlook, encouraging his team to get back up and fight to turn their form around. The manager said: "I'm really gutted, we've had a tough week. Losing another game is not ideal and the lads are on the floor in the dressing room but we're still in a fantastic position and we've probably got a bit carried away with ourselves. We always knew after the run we went on; it was like the run was never going to end, now, this run looks like it's never going to end. I am sure it will, we have a fantastic group who want to keep learning and we have a chance to do that next week. The week hasn't been great for us, we have to take the pressure off the boys and go to Rochdale with a bit of freedom. Once you get that one win and bounce back, things will look a bit rosy again."

"Sometimes you have to give the opposition some credit as well, Wigan are a good team. When we look at the last goal, can we be a bit more savvy, and use game management by kicking the ball up the pitch. At 90 minutes you're thinking the game is going to end at 1-1 and both teams will go home with a point, but we fell asleep and didn't look after the ball and we give a lethal striker in Callum Lang a chance to score. There is experience in that dressing room but there are also a lot of youngsters too. We have to make sure we regroup and make sure we're better next time."

James Wilson further expressed his annoyance at the situation and expressed a desire for better focus in defence: "Disappointing is definitely the overriding emotion I think we played good football at times but again we have given away two very sloppy goals and that is very frustrating. Obviously the last three results haven't been ideal, but I don't think we have been hammered in those games. We need to do better in that moment, it's the 90th minute, we have to be more savvy. We have had the discussion; it has been a bad week but that is all it can be – we have to move on and kick on next Sunday.

"We've had a really good start; we really need to turn a corner now and go again next week. I think all of the boys are comping at the bit to put it right. You are obviously confident when you're playing well, and we want the fans to come here and be enthusiastic. We want to have that pressure on us and be up there at the end of the season, we just have to deal with it and deal with it better that we have this week. We're nearly halfway through the season and have played most teams in the league. I don't think anyone has really got the better of us."

27th

Argyle suffered their third loss in as many games going down 2-1 at home to Wigan Athletic. Danny Mayor sent the greens in level at half-time following Wigan's opener. The second half was competitive but it was late heartbreak for the hosts when the Lactics netted a late winner. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton, Edwards, Camara, Mayor (Broom), Grant, Hardie (Agard), Jephcott (Garrick). Subs: Burton, Law, Randell, G Cooper.

Argyle confirmed that the club has launched an investigation into the events that occurred during the League One fixture against Wigan Athletic. A disturbance broke out in the Barn Park End during the closing stages of our 2-1 defeat on Saturday afternoon, and Argyle said that footage will be reviewed as a matter of urgency.

24th

Ryan Lowe was not despondent following the end of Argyle's home unbeaten run but did call for more clinical finishing from his Argyle attackers. He said: "I thought for 60 odd minutes we were fantastic, we had 27 shots but only four on target and you've got to be hitting the target more than that. I'm wanting people to take chances and snap shots off but they're just taking too long. At the other end we found ourselves in a game where the opposition are playing it direct and if you switch off, then you're always susceptible to conceding goals. Conceding three goals is disappointing. We have been solid and resolute all season, not conceded many goals but today we've conceded rubbish goals. You can't just fold, once one has gone in you have to try and get back into the game. There was a twenty-minute spell when everything they did was effective. We just have to deal with it better, we let too many things happen tonight that we shouldn't have.

On Brendan Galloway, he added: "He has dislocated his kneecap. I don't know how long it will be or how bad it is. There is a bit of swelling on it but it's not ligament damage. We'll have to scan and x-ray it and see how it goes. It's important that we get back to winning ways and not conceding goals. The quicker we shut the back door for us the better and Saturday is a good place to start."

Conor Grant agreed with his manager's assessment, adding: "Obviously very disappointed to lose back-to-back games. We had good chances in the game, I had one myself and we just didn't take them. It's a game of who takes their chances. Chances are key and taking them at the right time. We have done that really well this season but recently teams have been taking their chances at good moments. We have to be a bit more ruthless and not concede the sloppy goals which we haven't been doing for the majority of the season. I thought we played very well in large spells; the goals have changed the game."

"We have to be better; we have to be switched on and not concede goals like that. I think we knew this run of fixtures was going to test us, it's important that we bounce back and recover well. We know the fans will be there again on Saturday because that is what they do. We are hurting for them tonight that's for sure."

23rd

Argyle suffered back to back losses and their first home defeat of the season going down 3-0 at home to old rivals Wycombe. As in the game against Charlton, it was a second half blitz that defeated the greens. Argyle will also be concerned by the loss of Brendan Galloway who went off in the first half with an injury. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Galloway (Gillesphey), Houghton, Edwwards, Camara, Mayor, Grant, Hardie (Garrick), Jephcott (Broom). Subs: Burton, Randell, G Cooper, Agard.

21st

Ryan Lowe called for patience and calm from Argyle, and to hit the reset button after their first loss since the opening day of the season. Lowe went on to speak about the game in general, assessing: "First and foremost, I thought Charlton were worthy winners. They were on the front foot, you can see that they're playing for their manager and we just weren't at our best today. We had loads of possession, which is expected. We got up to the top end of the pitch, but we didn't have that clinical edge, but it wasn't for the lack of trying. Where we are and what we've achieved so far has been excellent, so I said to the group I am not going to drag it out, it's on to the next one. It's not a thumping defeat, it's the reset button and it's the challenge now of how we react from the defeat. It's a learning curve for us all the time but we've been excellent so far this season and what we need to do now is reset and go again. We have two big home games and that's what we need. What we've got to do now is we've got to put that defeat to bed quickly. There's a disappointed dressing room in there but you can't win or draw every game. I'm not going to criticise, they're a good group, a good bunch. It's a perfect one to come back to, an exciting game against Wycombe, and it'll be a different test, but it's one we're looking forward to. That was only our second defeat in terms of bouncing back, it has been a while, and sometimes these things set you in good stead.

"You feel for them because they wanted a goal here today. They would've gone wild in that end. Fair play, fantastic support, but they've been like that all season, wherever it's been, they've been a different class. We wanted to get them a goal today, so they could cheer, but it wasn't to be, the top end just wasn't as slick as we like it, but fantastic support and I'm really pleased."

Joe Edwards echoed similar words, shifting the emphasis to two big home games to come. Edwards: "We didn't want to lose today, and we're disappointed. I think when you don't lose for so long and then you lose it probably feels worse than it is. We're all disappointed but we've been proud of the run we've been on; we've just got to start a new run now. The Gaffer got us in and said he's proud of the run we've been on and the performances we've put together. We know we were off our game, so we're disappointed with that, but he said we're a family and we need to put a run together now to do it again. If we all stick together, with the fans behind us like it was then, we'll be able to do that. It's good really, all you want is a game straight away. We need to bounce back, and we've got to improve on how we performed today. We've got a great opportunity now with two home games, it's going to be packed out, and hopefully we can put on a performance and get results. We want to keep winning, it's such a good place to be when you're winning, and we were really confident going into each game and we've got to make sure that it doesn't dent our confidence. We've been fantastic this season and we need to do it again.

"It's down to us to turn it around on Monday, planning for Tuesday, we've got to make sure we have that belief and confidence going into Tuesday like we have had for the last couple of months. The fans were phenomenal again, so we thank them for coming and hopefully we can turn it around on Tuesday. They're the best around, we know they'll stick with us. It was fantastic to see so many there, so we hope they stay with us and on Tuesday and Saturday. We've got two massive home games, so I know they'll be loud and cheering us on, so it'll be brilliant."

20th

Argyle's amazing unbeaten run finally came to an end with a 2-0 loss to Charlton Athletic in front of a 3,000 strong set of green army following fans. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton, Edwards (G Cooper), Camara, Mayor (Broom), Grant, Garrick, Hardie (Jephcott). Subs: Burton, Galloway, Randell, Agard.

19th

Academy striker Rhys Shirley has joined Southern League side Plymouth Parkway on a 28-day work experience loan. The 18-year-old has played nine times for the first team this season, scoring one goal.

17th

Ryan Lowe couldn't hide the pride at his accomplished Argyle side, comfortably beating Sheffield Wednesday at Home Park. Lowe said of his team: "I thought we were different class to be honest," Ryan said after the game. I thought we were fantastic from start to finish. The way we used the ball, passing through the thirds, I thought we stood up to Sheffield Wednesday superbly. I am really happy with the supporters, honestly hand on heart, I have to say it's amazing. They were singing all the way through and many of them have work tomorrow. I know 3,000 are going to Charlton on Saturday and I know they'll be screaming their hearts out which will help us massively. They are playing their part this season too, make sure you know that – they are superb."

"The work rate of the boys and what they're doing, putting in the miles and putting in the performances is great and long may it continue. When these games are coming thick and fast, the boys just want to play games. Yes, it looks phenomenal, and it looks great, but they are just doing their jobs. And they are doing their jobs incredibly well at the moment."

Two goal star Jordon Garrick enthused: "When the atmosphere is this good, we just want to perform better. I can't explain how good it is when you hear the crowd chanting. The fans can turn a game on its head just like that. As soon as we came out today, they were singing and clapping – the fans here are something special. It was nice to get the two goals. To be fair, I always say if I'm on the edge of the box, put your house on it that I'm going to score. I knew how I wanted to hit and where I wanted to put it and thankfully it went in. The second one was a strange one because I think, he thought I was going to get to it and I thought he was going to get there so I stopped and he just carried on sliding. It was either let go of the ball or hold on for the free kick, I think he made the wrong decision but I'm not going to complain. I think the atmosphere was just so good. The players just soak it up."

The Greens' Sky Bet League One trip to Milton Keynes Dons which has now been moved to Wednesday, 8 December will remain as a live broadcast for Sky Sports. The fixture has been pushed back a day due to Argyle's Emirates FA Cup second round tie with Rochdale AFC being played on Sunday, 5 December. The kick-off time of 7:45 will remain the same.

16th

Argyle are into the second round of the FA Cup after their second 3-0 victory at home to Sheffield Wednesday of the season. They mirrored the scoreline of the league game, with a fine Jordan Garrick double being sandwiched by a Ryan Hardie strike. Argyle will travel to Rochdale in round two after they beat Notts County. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton (Randell), Edwards, Camara, Broom (Mayor), Grant, Hardie, Garrick (Agard). Subs: Burton, Pursall, Law, G Cooper, Jenkins-Davies, Shirley.

15th

Teenage defender Oscar Halls has become the latest Academy prospect to sign a professional deal at the club on his 17th birthday. The latest addition to the squad said; "It's more than a dream come true – it's unreal, I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and I cannot wait to try and earn my place in the first team squad now. My mum and dad were instrumental in getting us to places, getting me to training from Penzance. I am sure there were some nights when they didn't want to do it but they kept persevering and kept me going. That is really where I want to be, in and around it, training and maybe making my league debut. It's all small steps and I have to keep working hard and hopefully my time will come."

14th

Ryan Lowe declared himself thrilled at the efforts of his Argyle side, thoroughly demolishing Accrington Stanley on the road, despite the absence of some key players. Argyle: "It's a fantastic win, not many teams will come here and do that. Accrington are a good team, we knew they were going to be a threat in the way they set up. We were definitely worthy of our goals. We had youngsters on the bench who are stepping in, we didn't have Danny, Brendan and Luke and have these other players stepping in doing so well. I said to the group yesterday, 'those stepping in, the shirt is yours, make sure you keep it.' I just thought we were superb today, every single one of the boys."

"We knew they were going to come out and try to get in our faces and one thing you have to do when you come to Accrington is compete, and that's what we've done. When we got our foot on the game we got into the swing of things and stared playing through the thirds, we looked a real threat. I am proud to represent this football club, and what it represents - especially with these travelling fans once again. I want to keep chalking up the games and continue to do well - I would have treated today if it was my first, 99th or 100th but it's great."

After his wondergoal that wrapped up the win, Ryan Broom added: "I think my goal came at a great time and then to go on and get a fourth made it a little bit easier. We knew before the game that if we played well, we could win the game. It was a different test; they were physical and good off the second balls and fought a lot. They had patches when they were on top, but we stood up to it and got a fantastic win."

"It was definitely the best goal I have scored. I struck it well and it flew into the top corner. It's a great goal for me to but ultimately it was another goal in a great win and that's the main thing. The keeper wasn't too far away from it, so I had to watch it all the way in, when I saw it went in it was just a massive relief. It's an incredible effort for so many of them to make the journey up here on the day and we're happy to have done the job for them really as well. We had the luxury of staying overnight but most of the supporters didn't and that is just an incredible effort."

13th

Argyle's marvellous run of form continued with a 4-1 win at Accrington Stanley, one of the most convincing victories of the season so far. The greens took a 2-0 lead at the interval with an own goal breaking the deadlock and Jordan Houghton doubling their lead on the stroke of half-time. Argyle briefly weathered a storm at the start of the second half with the hosts getting a goal back but a stunning long range effort from Ryan Broom restored the two goal lead. Ryan Hardie put the seal on an emphatic away victory. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton, Camara(Randell), Broom (Jenkins-Davies), Grant, Garrick, Hardie (Agard). Subs: Burton, Law, Pursall, Shirley.

Argyle reported after the game that one of our players reported being subjected to consistent homophobic slurs from a small number of supporters within the stadium. The club confirmed that Accrington have began an investigation to identify the culprits.

12th

Ryan Lowe has been crowned the League One manager of the month for October following the fine unbeaten month for the greens. It is Lowe's first Manager of the Month award at League One level, and his fifth across his managerial career. The gaffer said: "I'm delighted to win the award, but it is not just recognition for me – it also reflects the work done by my back-room staff, players, our fans and everyone involved at the club throughout the season so far. Of course, I am always proud to pick up any honour, but there is a lot of the season still left to play and we will keep working hard and have our feet firmly on the ground."

Mike Cooper has targeted more clean sheets this season as Argyle look to build on their impressive defensive record at the summit of League One. Cooper reflected back and also looked forward to the game at Accrington, saying: "Accrington are hard-working, and they're going to be all over you. They're a good team that are challenging in this league, so we're going to go up there and do what we do best. I think I've improved different aspects of my game since then, but a lot of credit has got to go to the defence, they've been really strong this season, which has made my job a lot easier. If you look at certain stats like shots against, it's lower. The way we're playing and the way we're defending at the moment is a big help."

"It's going well, to be fair. We're second now, and it's a bit more reassuring knowing that everyone else has played their games that they had to catch up on – so being up there is a true reflection of how we've played, and where you want to be at the end of the day. I've just always been able to throw the ball a long way. I'm just going to try and keep hold of that as long as possible. Obviously before the Burton game the coaches pointed out something that we could capitalise on with counter attacks, and luckily I did it in the game and it paid off."

"Every game you sort of pick up different things here and there. The older I get, the more mature and the more of a leader you become naturally. It's not something I've been looking at and thinking I need to improve – I was thinking it will come naturally and it has done so far."

11th

Should the Greens defeat Sheffield Wednesday in their Emirates FA Cup replay on Tuesday, their second round tie at Rochdale or Notts County will be televised live on ITV. As a result, the fixture will take place on Sunday 5th December, with a 12.15pm kick-off. The Pilgrims are currently scheduled to travel to Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday, 7 December, for a 7.45pm kick-off live on Sky Sports. In the event that Argyle make it to the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, this fixture will be played one day later, on Wednesday 8th December, 7.45pm kick-off.

9th

Argyle boss Ryan Lowe has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month award for October. The Greens' manager oversaw an unbeaten month in the league, with four wins and two draws taking Argyle to the summit of the division.

8th

Argyle or Sheffield Wednesday have been drawn away to Rochdale or Notts County in the second round of the FA Cup. The fixture, due to be played on the weekend of Saturday 4th December is contingent upon the Greens winning their replay at Home Park after a 0-0 draw at Hillsborough on Sunday. The replay will be played on Tuesday 16th November, with a 7.45pm kick-off

7th

Ryan Lowe was satisfied with Argyle's defensive performance in the draw at Sheffield Wednesday but urged his charges to be more clinical in the final third. He mused: "The performance was okay," Ryan said. "I thought when we got to the final third it wasn't quite as we've been, and I want that little bit of excitement up there. The defence were resolute and kept a clean sheet. The second half, they got in a few areas and caused us a couple of problems and we'll look at that because we know we're definitely not the finished article, but in terms of us in the first half I thought top end of the pitch we just weren't quite right and if we had been there would've been opportunities for us to score. Overall, we definitely weren't clinical enough so I'm disappointed with that aspect, but happy with the performance and the clean sheet. In any FA Cup you want to be in the hat. We'll have our place rocking and bouncing on a Tuesday night when Sheffield Wednesday come visiting again and that's what we want. It's another good game. The FA Cup is a good cup so we will now focus on Accrington and then when the time's right to play Sheffield Wednesday in the replay, we'll look forward to that."

"We know that we've come on leaps and bounds, we know we've come far. We are resolute, we are solid, we are good in possession, we're good out of possession. Ultimately, I think in terms of where we are now, we're a lot better equipped with a lot better personnel, better in the way we play. I always want the best. We know we've come a long way, but we keep learning every day."

Dan Scarr agreed with his manager, but spoke positively of the way Argyle ended the game. He said: "I thought we probably had the better chances – definitely in the first half. I thought we played some good stuff, and got from our edge of the box into their half quite well, with good tempo, passing movements, and patterns of play. I just think we slightly lacked in the final third," said Dan. "Whether it was decision making, or not keeping the intensity as we got up there. I thought both teams sort of cancelled each other out – it was hard to find the overloads because we were both the same shape, so everyone was pretty much locked on everywhere. It was a pretty even game, but I thought we probably could've nicked it, and if we'd scored in the first half it would've been a different game. You want to play against the best players in the league, and they've come down a league so it's good to play against them. You're always learning when you play against players like that, you can't really switch off and they're always going to test you. I thought as a back three and Jordy in front, as a team, we dealt with them quite well. They're going to have chances, they're good players, but I thought we nullified them well."

"We set out our stall early, we want to win this game and get in the hat for the next round. We are in the hat for the next round, obviously we would have liked to have won, but we'll have to take it back to our place and do it there. Fair play to them, we just want to say thank you to them. They always come out and put on a good show for us. It was a big effort for them to come and leave that early in the morning. We haven't given them too much to celebrate today, but hopefully they have a safe travel home."

6th

Argyle's FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday will go to a replay after a 0-0 stalemate at Hillsborough. The match which was live on ITV saw no goals and little excitement although it was notable for a 100th appearance in green for Conor Grant. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Galloway, Houghton, Edwards(Agard), Mayor(Broom), Camara, Grant, Jephcott (Shirley), Hardie (Garrick). Subs: Burton, Gillesphey, Randell, Law, Jenkins-Davies.

5th

Final year Academy scholar Finley Craske is joining city neighbours Plymouth Parkway on a one-month work experience loan, after making his Argyle debut earlier this season in the Football League Trophy.

4th

Ollie Tomlinson has joined Southern League side Truro city on a three-month loan. The defender will be managed by Argyle legend and former player/assistant manager, Paul Wotton.

3rd

Ryan Lowe declared his pride towards Argyle's side of youngsters for a battling performance in the game against Arsenal under-21s despite the fact that they have been eliminated from the competition again. He said: "I thought our youngsters were fantastic. I think we finished with eight academy graduates on the pitch. It was a good game they have some fantastic players in their team and they play in Europe a lot. We had a lot of youngsters out there that held their own. It was nice to get a draw from the game and then win on penalties."

"We missed an opportunity in the other two games, the performances and results weren't good enough. The teams we've put out in the competition we should have had five points minimum which might have seen us through. We have three little superstars in the academy with Will Jenkins-Davies, Caleb Roberts and Freddie Issaka – they are all quality players. All of them need to keep their consistency up, I need these lads who are going to be good assets for the football club to perform like they did tonight. The academy kids have to believe that they'll get opportunities, but they have to earn the right as well and they do that by performing for the youth team day in day out."

Luke Jephcott has been selected for the Wales under-21 squad for their European Championship qualifying matches against Gibraltar and Switzerland. He will miss Argyle's trip to Accrington.

2nd

Argyle's exit from the Football League Trophy was confirmed with a draw against Arsenal under-21s. Nonetheless, it was a creditable performance for Argyle who secured the extra point with a victory in the penalty shootout. Keiran Agard opened for Argyle with his second goal and his second in this competition before Arsenal equalised after half-time. Argyle: Burton, Tomlinson, Gillesphey, Pursall, Houghton(Garside), Garrick (Craske), Jenkins-Davies, Mayor (Roberts), Law, Agard, Shirley. Subs: Baker, Halls, Wariuh, Issaka.

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