Going Out On A Plym…

Updated:

By Pete H

Here we all are now then, all the lads and lasses. It’s high time that we were rewarded for being super troopers during this week’s snowmageddon – and here it is. Our latest football fix takes us down to the rather optimistically-named English Riviera, and to a place known as Plymouth. If you have been out of the loop, our hosts did a draw at Liverpool last weekend. It is, therefore, Boro’s job to bring the Pilgrims back into the real world of League Two football. And what a warm and cosy world League Two is, full of wonder and merriment.

Of course, Darren Sarll’s men have the privilege of coming into this match after a much-welcome three points last time out. Let’s face it, though – this isn’t exactly Newport County at home. This’ll be quite a stern test – a team riding high in the table and laying down a strong promotion marker. So, it’s just as well our preparations have gone without a hitch isn’t it? After all, it’s not as if we’ve had any last-minute loan recalls or ongoing talks to deal with. Oh. Wait. We’re not reading the right notes – that’s actually exactly what we’ve had to deal with.

 

Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage: Devon Sent

Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage: Going Out On A P-Limb?

To be fair, we knew things would be up in the air with Jack King. The return of Luke Wilkinson to the bench last weekend means that is a simple like-for-like swap at the back. No fuss there, really. But the sudden departure of Tyler Walker is leaving us with a bit of a headache. And when we say “us”, we mean Darren Sarll. Is Ryan Loft ready for the challenge? Do we just put the birthday boy Bennedy up top and fill in the gap behind him. And just what is she gonna look like with a chimney on her? We’re waiting nearly 20 years for the answer on that.

And on the question of when Dean Martin is coming back.

Anyway, what does Plymouth Argyle away hold in store? The second best team in League Two by virtue of the fact they’re second in the table. The form guide suggests, however, that it’s their exploits on the road that’s doing the bulk of the work there. No club in this division is faring better on their travels than Plymouth Argyle. At home, they’re a mere sixth best in League Two. Rubbish. We’re 18th on that front, by the way. Perhaps more harmful to our chances, however, is their three-match unbeaten stretch at Home Park in the league.

Incidentally, we don’t usually make a point of calling out a referee in advance – but it’s John Busby this week. We don’t know each other well. Indeed, he’s only taken charge of us once and – yeah, sure – we ran out 6-1 winners against Hartlepool, but what does that count for? Like war, absolutely nuttin’. Our head-to-head record counts for as much too. This is our third time at their gaff in as many seasons. And as many managers. Let’s hope Sarll can do what G-Wezzle and T-Shezzle couldn’t? And, for that matter, what Klopp hasn’t. Yet.

Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage: It’s the return of League Two stats from Kick Off:

Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage - Stats Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage - Stats

Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage - Stats Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage - Stats

 

Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage: FIFA 17 Verdict

Plymouth Argyle v Stevenage: FIFA 17 Verdict

In the realm of binary code and all things digital, Boro’ put in a real shift against Plymouth and somehow only came away with a draw. After an even first half, we started to build up a real head of steam after the break – only to concede against the run of play. A piss-poor shot deflected wildly off Wilko’s leg to an unmarked Carey, who beat Jones at the near post. On came Rowan Liburd, however, to save the day late on. And then complete balls up a stoppage time one-on-one. You win some, you lose some. And, here it seems, you also draw them.

BoroGuide’s Plymouth Argyle club profile – findin’ it hard to believe we’re in Devon…