Well here we are again with that well liked opposing Manager Joey Barton in the other corner for another mid week friendly. It pretty much is true that nobody likes him isn't it. But we are not playing Joey we are playing his team so whatever we think of him doesn't really count for anything. There seems to be a concensus that Bristol Rovers have already packed their bags for the beach holiday. However, I am not that stupid as to believe that for one minute. If they can stitch up the club at the top you can be sure they will give it a damned good try. I refuse to believe that any game is going to be easy until the end of the season. I do not think Schuey will take this lightly either. There is no doubt on the form books that we can win this one and probably should but I can't help myself in the waiting for wheels to drop off any time soon. It's the Argo way sadly. I';m going to stick my neck out and say of course we will win this.......... COYG
Of course things can always go wrong but you have to acknowledge that this isn't the Argyle of old. The risks we take sometimes trying to play out from the back make me cringe, but there isn't a player in the squad who you fills you with dread when their name appears on the team sheet. How many years could you say that about? Instead, we've probably got 2 separate teams in the squad, neither of which would let us down, apart from goalkeepers, but we can't do anything about that now. We have a manager who, although of limited experience, is calm and unflustered and who devises and executes a range of (mostly) winning game plans. The fans are right behind the team in big numbers and hopefully they'll stick with it if we do suffer a set-back. We are where we are for good reason. I'm nervous but confident in a weird combination of feelings. And an afterthought, there’s no one player without whom you think we simply cannot win. We don’t have a Graham Carey but then again, we aren’t reliant on a Graham Carey either.
Michael Cooper was the only name that didn't bring any form of cringing....but we've had to get by without him for months now.....and until probably near next Christmas we will have to getr by. Callum Burton has been adequate in his place....which is good seeing he spent two seasons watching league matches from the dug-out.
Bristol Rovers have better away form than home....but it should not stop Argyle....as long as we play to our best ability.
I mean that in years past, there was usually at least one on the roster who you had no confidence in at all. Ever. Obviously form comes and goes and we all have our favourites but I wouldn’t classify any player in this squad as a weak link. They all bring something to the table.
The likeable Joey Barton has been stirring the pot for tonights game (hold on have I missed a un-...out there somewhere?) Barton mentioning 'bad blood' between the managements regarding a fine for one of his staff using homophobic language....which they deny from last October. Also Barton remembering being released as a teenager from Everton by Neil Dewsnip years back. Argyle just need to keep their minds clear on the match and not the spoilt brats tantrums.
Lets face it we all knew he was going to say something. Why should we even bother to listen is what I would ask. He ain't going to be on the pitch, and if he gobs off too much he may not be on the touchline for long either. Not even worth considering.
forgot the little weasel.. all we do is go and give them a hiding.. perhaps he will keep shut when he sees us as the better team by far. poor little man
...........................................................................Burton .................Wilson................................................Scarr.................................................Gillesphey ....Edwards..............................Randell..................................Butcher.........................................Mumba ..................................................C Wright....................................Mayor ..........................................................................Ennis Subs Parkes, Houghton, Hardie, Cosgrove, Azaz, Lonwijk, Matete.
0-0...H/T. Argyle....11 shots...3 on target. Rovers...1 shot...none on target. Argyle...67% possession. Ipswich score twice on H/T.
A calm, controlled and mature performance at times in the face of provocation from Barton’s Rovers. Never really in doubt, especially after the red for a stupid trip on Mayor while he was in full flight into the box. Argyle continued to play calm football, moving Rovers around the pitch, frustrating them and tiring their 10 men. Barton took strikers off and brought defenders on the hope of stealing a point. Ennis made the breakthrough. Facing away from goal, he brought the ball down on his chest and then slotted it home with an overhead kick. Absolutely top drawer. A goal that would grace any league in the world. Barton took off defenders off and brought attackers on. Argyle on the other hand continued to stroke it around and make them run after it until Gillesphy headed the winner. Dominant, determined and unflustered with some lovely football and quite a bit of grit in the face of a frustrated Rovers side. More of the same on Saturday please.
It it's worth saying then say it twice notdistant and that's ok. I can't really add much to what you have said there. Bristol were never really in this match and shot themselves in the foot with the Red card. There was nothing wrong with the decision for the red either. Barton of course started gobbing off as only Barton does. He got chanted for England by the Argyle faithful and to be fair he deserves all he gets and bings it on himself. However, the conbtent of some of the chants were, in my opinion, a tad over the top and not really called for. Anyway that was the easiest three points we have had all season and could not have come at a better time. It puts all the pressure on Sheffield now who have no option but to try for 6 points in their next two and cannot afford to drop a point now. Saturday is no pushover but keep the faith and we will prevail. Don't care if it's top or second but have to admit I'd love it to be top. Promotion is what counts after this exceptional season.
Just watched the video....not always easy against ten men....but we dominated proceedings....and how it only stood at 2-0 was a puzzle. Mumba's turn just before half-time losing two defenders was brilliant. Barton didn't want to be left out....so he got a yellow for his ranting. Good win by Burton at Lincoln....only their second home defeat....let's hope we've got enough in the locker for one more push fot 3pts against them.
Just watched the match day moments video....wow...some atmosphere there....just one more win needed against Burton on Saturday and last Tuesdays match will be like a quiet afternoon down the library.
