THE DAILY DIARY

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

Tuesday 31st August 2021

Argyle lost their first of three Football League Trophy games, going down 2-0 at Newport, with Dom Telford and Timmy Abraham the two ex-Pilgrims scoring the goals. The Argyle starting eleven was very youthful with a number of debutants but the real shock was in the subs bench. At 15 years and 34 days old, Freddie Issaka broke the record for the youngest Argyle appearance maker of all time as a substitute. Argyle: Burton, Tomlinson, Wilson, Pursall, Randell, Garrick, Craske (Garrick), Wariuh (Jenkins-Davies), Law, Shirley, Massey (Issaka). Subs: Baker, Mitchell, Rutherford, Halls.

29th

Ryan Lowe once again stated his pleasure with the performance as Argyle drew 1-1 against Fleetwood Town. The manager assessed: "I thought we were excellent, we kept going we worked the patterns of play. We huffed and puffed, and I think if we'd scored a second goal when we were in front, we would have been away with it. It wasn't for the lack of trying; our lads are out on our feet now. We'd have loved ten points, but we're pleased with eight points. No team is going to come here and just roll over, they made it difficult for us. We're still unbeaten at home which is always a bonus and it's another point in the right direction. When we come back after the break we'll have James Wilson back, we'll have Danny Mayor back, we'll have George Cooper back. The fans were with us through thick and thin and they were bouncing away with us. We want to showcase what we're about; they help us be difficult to beat at home."

28th

Argyle continued a solid start to the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Fleetwood. Ryan Hardie continued his fine goalscoring start to the season converting a well directed long pass from Brendan Galloway. Argyle looked dominant but the visitors scored against the run of play after a fine cross. The second half petered out and once again, the spoils were shared at Home Park. Argyle: M Cooper, Gillesphey, Scarr, Galloway, Houghton, Edwards (Garrick), Camara, Broom, Grant (Law), Jephcott, Hardie (Shirley). Subs: Burton, Mitchell, Randell, Craske.

25th

Ryan Lowe declared himself very pleased with the performance of a young Argyle side away to Swansea, in a game where the scoreline did not quite reflect the game. Lowe said: "I feel for the lads, I thought they were excellent. We had a game plan and for 80 minutes I thought we were well in the game. They are a good team and I know they made a few changes, but I think the last ten minutes sort of killed us. The momentum was with us and I'm disappointed to concede the last three goals but them lads have been excellent all season - we were up against a quality team with quality players. Young Rhys Shirley – what a special little moment for him, it was a great goal. I told him before the game to back himself and attack the back stick. I thought all the young lads were great. Ollie Tomlinson was fantastic, he didn't look out of place. His pass completion was very good, and he defended well. Lawsy was up and down that flank. We made the changes to rest a few and it was a fantastic performance for 80 minutes."

Of the magic moment, Shirley himself added: "It's the best feeling ever, definitely the best feeling ever." And no-one doubts you Rhys. Rands whipped one in and I saw it coming over. I remember thinking 'ohh this could be coming over here' and I arrived at the right time and it went in. Being able to look up and see all the fans celebrating with me was just really special. Everything that has happened to me over the last few years is because of them driving me everywhere and being there for me, so it's a massive thanks to them really. Just coming here was a joy anyway to be able to play in a stadium like this but to get a goal here as well made it even better really."

24th

Argyle are out of the League Cup following a spirited 4-1 loss to Swansea City. A heavily rotated Argyle side were in the game until late on, when Rhys Shirley equalised off the bench, scoring his first ever Argyle goal. Sadly a hat trick from Morgan Whittaker in the last ten minutes gave the game a scoreline it didn't quite deserve. Argyle: Burton, Tomlinson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton(Camara), Edwards, Randell, Broom, Law (G Cooper), Jephcott, Hardie (Shirley). Subs: M Cooper, Galloway, Mitchell, Craske.

22nd

Ryan Lowe was very proud of Argyle's desire to keep a clean sheet in their game against Shrewsbury, even when the win looked a sure thing. Lowe said: "I thought the lads, every single one of them, worked their socks off. You need to work at these sorts of places to get results like that. Our defence works from the front. You saw Luke Jephcott and Ryan Hardie and then Jordon Garrick, when he came on, they've got to work. No-one in any league is going to give you time and space on the ball. We could have had five or six but again when your strikers are scoring goals like that and your defenders are making last ditch tackles and blocks, that optimises what were about and what we are trying to do. We opened them up at times and looked a very, very good team at times. They're good side, Shrewsbury, they'll get better. We needed to keep the fans quiet, and they started brightly but we had a calmness about us and played our football."

"I must say that the fans were fantastic - over a thousand once again. That's twice now, at Rotherham and now Shrewsbury. Fantastic turnout and hopefully we've sent them home with a smile on their faces."

21st

Argyle continued a strong start to the season with a 3-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town. It was the Jephcott and Hardie show for Argyle as the pair of them created eachother's goals. It was Luke Jephcott who assisted Ryan Hardie for the first and Jephcott himself slotted in the second after a squared ball from Argyle's rapid striker. Jephcott was then involved in the third and the Scotsman put the icing on the cake. Argyle: M Cooper, Gillesphey, Scarr, Galloway, Houghton, Edwards, Camara, Broom(Randell), Grant (Law), Jephcott (Garrick), Hardie. Subs: Burton, Tomlinson, G Cooper, Shirley.

20th

Argyle defender James Wilson has been handed a three-match suspension following an FA independent Regulatory Commission hearing, following the melee in the early stages of Argyle's draw against Cambridge.

19th

Argyle have signed winger Jordon Garrick on a season long loan from loan from Swansea City. The 23 year old, who can play as a wing-back and a striker, will wear the number 14 shirt for the greens and will be our 9th signing of the summer. Ryan Lowe said of his newest acquisition: ,"Jordan is one we have highlighted for a while. He's a fantastic kid, fantastic player - very tricky, very direct, very pacey. He can take a man on, he can pick a pass, he can pick a cross and more importantly he can score a goal.We're really looking forward to having him."

Garrick himself said: "I'm buzzing, I just can't wait to get started to be fair. From what I saw in the summer and from what I've seen so far, all I feel is love here. I am a loving person, I like to speak to everyone so I feel I'll settle in really nicely here."

On his previous spell at Swindon, he added: "It was tough, we ended up getting relegated. I loved my time there though and used it as a lesson to move forward with. Physically I think that League One is unmatched – you just have to get used to it. The more play the more your body gets used to it. There are also teams that like to play football and those are the games that I enjoyed playing in. I really don't mind getting the hard tackles and getting stuck in."

18th

Despite some frustration at the late equaliser, Ryan Lowe geed up his Argyle troops with positive words. He declared himself very happy with the overall performance, stating: "I thought it was a fantastic performance from our lads. We should be sitting here with three points rather than one and we're disappointed with that of course, but I'm proud of every single one of them. It got a little bit messy towards the end because we were desperate to try and score and Scarr hits the bar at the end. Second half again, it was a carbon copy of Saturday. There was only one team penetrating."

On the goal that never was, he added: "Whether it's offside or not is irrelevant after they've given it. We've celebrated it and enjoyed it and then it gets chalked off. The goal gets given, the official runs back towards the halfway line so that tells you it's a goal, but it wasn't – the ref has suddenly changed his mind. I think it's testament to the players, the way they are. I think that disallowed goal rallied us on. It rallied the fans on, it rallied the players on. The fans were excellent as well, they kept the lads going and kept singing. Those fans have seen again what the players are trying to do and how they're trying to do it. These players are desperate to do well for the football club."

"We're being patient, we're not rushing things at the moment and we're breaking teams down I feel. Second half, we are getting a little bit more joy because teams are getting tired of chasing and we're finding ways to break them down. When we create more chances, we need to put them away. We just need to build on the good things were doing really. Every game has seen a different challenge. The first game against Rotherham was a physical battle, the last game was physical and again against Cambridge. I think we just know how we're going to play now. Everyone knows the formation, and everyone knows how we are going to create chances, so we just stick to it.

18 year old Rhys Shirley made his Home Park debut in the game, stating his excitement at playing in front of the five figure crowd. Shirley said: "Luke's been great, hasn't he? Whenever we needed a goal, he's popped up and been in the right positions with some great finishes. That is what you look to in a striker and is something I really look up to. It's honestly great, being around the lads all the time, it's really, really fun to be a part of. When you train with the first team and come up against these sorts of players, you realise just how intelligent these players are, they know the game."

"My first thought is I wanted to get on and do something in the game. Everybody is always taller and stronger than I am but it's something I have to work around and is something I am going to have to adapt to."

Argyle's League One game with Portsmouth on Monday 6th September has been postponed due to international call-ups. The fixture to be played at Fratton Park, had been moved from Saturday 4th September to the Monday so that it could be shown on Sky Sports, however the clubs are in discussions with the EFL to arrange a new date for the match.

17th

Argyle confirmed their first draw of the season to go alongside a win and a loss, to make up their first three league games. A game against Cambridge United was mired with controversial incidents. A scuffle at the start of the game saw James Wilson booked and Argyle thought they had surely taken the lead when Luke Jephcott tapped the ball home early in the second half. After many Cambridge protestations however, referee Chris Sarginson consulted with his assistant and disallowed the goal. Jephcott put Argyle into the lead for real shortly after but Cambridge equalised via the penalty spot after a MacCauley Gillesphey foul. Mike Cooper saved the kick but the rebound was slotted straight in. The spoils, in the end, were shared. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton (Shirley), Edwards, Camara, Broom, Grant(Law), Jephcott (Randell), Hardie. Subs: Burton, Galloway, Tomlinson, Craske.

15th

Ryan Lowe declared that the victory against Gillingham was a win for the whole of Plymouth after the horrific events of the last week. Lowe said: "We knew it was going to come. We know what Steve Evans teams are going to do, we know how they're going to play, it's effective for their way. The second half we looked superb. I knew we were going to get a chance because of the running and the movement from our midfielders and strikers. We had to keep doing the right things and we know that if it falls to Luke Jephcott in the box, he's going to hit the back of the net."

"Teams are going to come here, sit off and try and get us on the counter. But what we have done this year is we've strengthened with the back lads and all of them have been superb. Ultimately when the players see the fans like that, we have to try to keep the performances up to keep them coming through the door. It was a great performance from the fans today as well."

Luke Jephcott spoke about the positive nature of the performance and his joy at finally getting the winning goal. Jephcott looked forward to the rest of the season, saying: " It's an unbelievable feeling, we kept trying and trying to find a way to break them down and we knew we would get a chance and thankfully towards the end, the goal went in. I think that is the furthest out I've scored a goal and it was still inside the box. Hearing everyone shout, you know, it was amazing. That's what we are here to do; make the fans happy. It's just an amazing feeling.

"Our talk was 'we're not coming off this pitch without three points' and you know I would like to dedicate my goal and our win to the families that were affected. We've always got to be in the mindset of when that chance come you've got to take it. We knew one of them was going to go in. It's not a bad start, but I just need to keep my head down now and see how many I get for the season."

14th

Argyle beat Gillingham 1-0 thanks to a late Luke Jephcott goal in the first competitive game back at a full capacity Home Park, in what was an extremely emotional day for the city of Plymouth. Supporters and players of both sides took a minute's silence before the game to honour the memory of the five who tragically lost their lives in a mass shooting on Thursday. The game itself was scrappy and end to end with Jephcott's late winner probably deserved in the end. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Galloway, Houghton, Camara (Randell), Broom (Gillesphey), Grant, Jephcott, Hardie. Subs: Burton, Tomlinson, Law, Craske, Shirley.

12th

Argyle's Football League Trophy group stage fixture with Newport County has been moved to Tuesday 31st August for a 7pm kick off, due to pitch renovations clashing with the original date.

11th

Ryan Lowe declared his delight at Argyle's perfect performance in the 4-0 win at Peterborough, saying: "It was a fantastic performance, fantastic goals. Every single one of them worked their socks off there tonight. You can't get too high or too low, we had a disappointing result on Saturday but tonight they were fantastic. We want to go and compete in every competition we are in. Yeah, they made a few changes but ultimately, they are a Championship outfit and we've played some good football, we've created chances and we've counter pressed loads."

"They want to play in the Championship and stay in the Championship and some of their players on the pitch tonight, they've paid a lot of money for. We've dominated a lot of the ball and scored some good goals, but I've got to be level-headed if you like, it's just one game and we have to have that consistency. Now we move onto the league, we have to have those consistent performances week in week out, especially at Home Park because we're really excited to get back and see the fans on Saturday."

Ryan Hardie has dedicated is two goals against Peterborough United on Tuesday night to his stepfather Neil, who sadly passed away last week. He said of the game and the sad news: "I got the sad news when I was travelling to the Rotherham game. I know he would have been watching me tonight. We had a few chances early doors and to get into the game early gave me a bit of a confidence boost to go on and get the goals. The first one, I just made a run off the centre half and then went across goal. The gaffer always says when you get into those positions go hard and low across the goal and you never know what will happen. For the second one, I saw Jephers get up like a salmon at the back stick and luckily it fell to me in the middle of the box and I was never going to miss from there. We have come to a Championship side, and I think we dominated the game. We controlled the ball really well; we went in behind when we needed to but we also kept the ball when we needed to. For most of the game we were on top and, we kept getting chances and scoring goals is massively important for our confidence."

Argyle have been rewarded for their efforts with a tie away to Swansea City in the second round. The fixture will take place at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday August 24th.

10th

Argyle progressed to the second round of the league cup for the fourth year in a row with a shock 4-0 win at Championship Peterborough. Ryan Hardie got Argyle's first goals of the season with two fine finishes in the first half. The drama continued after the interval with Luke Jephcott and Panutche Camara adding goals to secure a memorable win. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Galloway, Houghton (Randell), Edwards, Camara, Mayor (Law), Jephcott (Shirley), Hardie. Subs: Burton, Gillesphey, Craske, Tomlinson.

8th

Ryan Lowe stated that he is keen to take the positives and move on from Argyle's opening day loss to Rotherham, citing some good spells of territory and possession. Lowe surmised: "I'm disappointed obviously because we've lost a game, but I'm not too disappointed or too down because we know we've had some good spells - we just need to make sure when we're in those good spells we can make it count, and on Saturday we didn't. I thought there was some good stuff and then I thought there was some stuff we need to be better at but ultimately, I thought we defended our box very well. Rotherham were very good out of possession, they got in our faces. We had half-chances: Ryan Hardie had a great chance in the second half, Dan Scarr had one in the second half, but they're little, small margins. We've come up against a Championship outfit today, and we held our own in possession and in the football we played. We knew Rotherham was going to be a tough place to come, but I thought we played some good stuff, and we have to dust ourselves down quickly - we have to go again. We have Peterborough away on Tuesday and two home games to look forward to, but we will keep sticking to the plan, keep doing the right things and we'll hopefully score more goals.

"I know what League One's going to be this season, competitive, and that's going to be the case all the way through the season, so we've just got to dust ourselves down. We know we need to add a couple more players because on the bench today there were youngsters on there and they will be around, but we do need to add one or two more. We know what we need, but it's finding it, they're tough to find, we have to wait now and see how the next few weeks goes because they may come available, but we've got to keep working with the group we've got. We've got a good group who will play the right way and do the right things, and we will continue to do the right things by them.

"We don't want any disappointment with the fans, we want them to be there with us and they are. The appreciation for the fans will always be there and we're thankful for their support. We've said all along, they'll have more good times than bad, so we'll see them on Tuesday and Saturday."

Jordan Houghton gave a similar assessment to that of his manager, also taking time to praise the travelling fans. He said: "I'm disappointed but there's a long way to go. The first half was sloppy; we looked a bit nervous at times. It was disappointing but going 2-0 down to a good side, I think we played our way back into the game in the end of the first half and in the second half I thought there were some good bits to take. We can't get too disheartened, we've just got to look at the things we've done wrong and just build on that. It was always going to be a tough game coming here with a team that's come down from the Championship and play with a lot of energy. It's always going to be an uphill battle from 1-0 let alone 2-0. That's something we need to take into our games, that savviness, those fine details that decide games. I thought we got into good places around the edge of the box it's just that final third, that cutting edge, again it comes down to that small detail for being a top side, so we've got a lot of things to work on, but I think going 2-0 down at this place it takes a lot of guts to play the way we did in the second half."

"It was lovely to warm up in front of the fans; there were so many here cheering us. I'm sure they're going to be doing that all the away trips because they are a fantastic set of fans, that's one of the main reasons I came here, because I knew the fanbase was so good. There's nothing like coming out to 1,200 fans in a warm-up let alone coming out in a game, so it's really frustrating we couldn't give them something to cheer about. We're going to be working really hard to put things right. It's a long season to go and I'm sure they'll back us going forward."

7th

Argyle's season has began with defeat going down 2-0 to Rotherham United. The game started badly when Freddie Ladapo tapped home to silence the green army against his old club. Another defensive mix-up saw Argyle go two behind shortly before half time and there was no way back from there. 1,100 Pilgrims travelled to Yorkshire for the first away match we were allowed to witness since the start of the pandemic. Niall Ennis was named in the starting eleven but was replaced late on by Ryan Hardie after suffering an injury in the warm up. They can return proud, but not happy. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton, Edwards, Camara, Mayor(Broom), Grant (Randell), Jephcott (Shirley), Hardie. Subs: Burton, Galloway, Law, Craske.

6th

Ryan Lowe spoke of the importance of good preparation ahead of the season opening fixture at the New York stadium. Lowe said he relishes the tag of underdog: "It's been really positive, we've had team bonding days and really settled the new lads in. It's been a really good pre-season, everyone has come through it mainly unscathed. It's been easy for me as captain, everyone has got on well. It's a long six weeks, there is a lot of hard work and it is challenging. We are working towards something now, it's the real stuff and it's a really good feeling. You need to make sure you're right. We don't want no distractions Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Deep down I know the team I want to put out there, but I have to think about the lads who have been fantastic during pre-season. We're looking forward to it, the lads are fit. No injuries apart from James Bolton and we can go to Rotherham with a fully fit squad.

"Football without fans is nothing, it's nice to have them back – they're excited about it and so are we. We need them now to push us through for a gruelling League One campaign. Now, when there are fans back there are things to look forward to. There is a real buzz about the place. It brings back the emotion into football which is why we play the game. It's something that football really needs."

5th

Joe Edwards has declared himself raring to go ahead of Argyle's season opener at Rotherham United. Newly appointed as permanent captain, he spoke of his excitement ahead of the season. Edwards enthused: "Last year was tough at times, it felt like you were almost getting through games and going through the motions. Now when there is fans back you're excited for Saturday, there is a real buzz about the place. It's a massive, massive thing and it's something that football really needs. Walking out as captain, leading the boys, and walking into a packed house is something that will be really special. I'm really looking forward to Saturday. There is a different feeling this week, we're already working for Rotherham, you're working on the specifics. It's been a very positive pre-season, everyone has come out of it mainly unscathed and that's what you want."

"They have experienced players and know what they are good at. They're a big, physical team and it will be a real challenge. They've just come down and they'll be expected to do well. We would have loved the first game to be at home but we'll hopefully come back after a positive result and it will be a good build up for the first game at Home Park."

4th

Argyle have released the full list of squad number ahead of the 2021/22 season. Most notably, Niall Ennis has moved from the number 21 to number 11 following a successful half-season after signing from Wolves. The full list of numbers can be found on the club website.

3rd

Argyle's Papa John's Trophy group matches against Newport, Swindon and Arsenal under-21s have been confirmed. The Greens begin their campaign in South Wales playing Newport on Tuesday 14th September for a 7pm kick off. They then play host to Swindon four weeks later with the game at Home Park again kicking off at 7pm. The final game of the group against Arsenal under-21s will take place at Home Park, on Tuesday 16th November for a 7:45pm start.

1st

Ryan Lowe said he could not be happier with Argyle's final pre-season win against Torquay, praising a positive performance from Argyle's varied side. The manager said: "The performance was good. We mixed the team up a little bit. I think we have a good relationship with Torquay. It was a real good test for us. The goals were fantastic I thought, and that's what we want. We want to make sure we're scoring goals and keeping the back door shut. To get a clean sheet and to score three goals is always pleasing."

"The results don't count for anything, it's pre-season, there's no points at stake but it's a start in the right direction of where we want to go to. We're happy that we came away from a five, six week gruelling pre-season with no injuries. The excitement starts now for next Saturday."

"We knew the fans would come in their numbers, it was nice for us to score a few goals for them as well. We thank them for their support all pre-season and long may it continue for a tough 46 game period. I'm really looking forward to next week and I can't wait for the season to get going."

Adam Randell spoke about his particular delight at heading back to Plainmoor, where he enjoyed an excellent season as the player of the year last season. Randell spoke happily of his time there but said that his focus was entirely on the game, speaking first of the applause from the home fans: "I did hear it, but I didn't want to give too much reaction because I wanted to stay concentrated on my job. But it was nice. I am fond of coming here but I was here to do a job. It was great to be back, to be fair, really enjoyed it. It was a good game. I feel in quite good shape, I felt I was quite good on the ball which is what I am meant to be obviously."

"Everyone is ready for the start of the season. I think we've got good balance in the squad. Everyone has got minutes in their legs, and everything so were good to go. I'm very excited for the start of the season – I can't wait."

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