THE DAILY DIARY

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Greens on Screen's Daily Diary is a compilation of Argyle news, with help from these and other Argyle-related sites.

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

Sunday 27th February 2022

Despite the loss, Steven Schumacher was very happy with Argyle's performance in the 1-0 loss at home to Rotherham. He preferred to focus positively on the high standard of performance in the game. The manager said: "Overall, I thought the performance was really good. The lads gave everything they had and caused them all sorts of problems. I don't think we deserved to be on the losing side. If you don't take your chances against the top teams, you'll get punished. We saw they had flaws in them, and we felt we exploited that today. We still got within their goal on a 1 vs 1 two times, we just didn't have the finishing touch.

"They've got a striker in top, top form, he's probably the best striker in the division. They've also been very good defensively this season, especially when they've only conceded five goals, and we had four or five really big chances today. In general, we're positive with the performance. It's not good we didn't get a result, but it's shown how far we've come. We've got to recover for next week and go again against Morecambe. It's a massive run in for March, a lot of home games. We're going to need the support of the home crowd. We've played really well, and we just didn't have that final bit from the strikers who've been excellent for us in the last few weeks. It is what it is, we move on, and we look forward to Morecambe. The fans are brilliant, they clapped us off the pitch today. If they can see that the player put in the effort, they'll always support us."

Joe Edwards, on his return to the team, also emphasised positivity, reminding fans that there will soon be a number of further home games in which Argyle can put things right. The skipper added: "On another day, I think we'd win the game, we had a lot of chances, probably more and better chances than they did, but they've taken theirs and we didn't at the end of the day. It's what they are good at, it's what they're known for. We can see why they're top of the league but overall, I think we deserved more from the game. We can hold our heads high, there's plenty of positives to take from it, it's disappointing because, having that many chances you at least expect to take one of them, and maybe on a different day we do. Rotherham are top of the league for a reason, and on the basis that they do keep a lot of clean sheets and block everything, they're a strong, physical team so credit to them in terms of that. We've worked hard this season to get to where we are today. The first game of the season was an eye opener really, we were levels apart, but I think we were on an even playing field, two good teams. We came in at half time and reiterated that we've taken them all the way in the first half, had chances and if we do that second half we'll go on and win the game, but unfortunately that didn't happen. Looking at the bigger picture, we've got some big games coming up now and we can use the confidence in the performance we had today and that'll be good for us. We've had miles and miles of travelling as always, even more so since Christmas, so it's nice to have a good period of games at home. There are some good games for us, hopefully games we can take advantage of and keep us in a good position and maybe push us a bit higher up so it's all to play for. It's exciting, it's a great time of the year and if we play like we did today and I'm sure we'll get some good results."

26th

Argyle lost 0-1 at home to Rotherham in a tight game between two competitive sides, where superior finishing secured the win for the visitors. Michael Smith slotted home just after the hour mark and numerous Argyle chances couldn't quite find the net. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Bolton, Gillesphey, Houghton(Jephcott), Edwards, Camara (Broom), Mayor, Grant, Hardie, Garrick (Ennis). Subs: Burton, Crichlow, Sessegnon, Randell.

25th

Academy defender Ethan Mitchell has joined Southern League side Plymouth Parkway, on a one-month work experience loan. The third-year scholar made his Argyle debut last season in the Greens' 3-1 win over Newport County AFC in the Papa John's Trophy. He joined Argyle from Tranmere Rovers at the start of last season and has captained the under-18 side this year. It is the second time that he will have spent time with city neighbours Parkway, having played at Bolitho Park earlier this season, with a loan at Nantwich Town in between.

24th

Adam Randell has declared himself ready for the visit of league leaders Rotherham. The midfielder spoke about the game before giving his feelings on his new two and a half year contract, explaining: "We have confidence that we can beat anyone in this league and have been in decent form recently. Tuesday was disappointing, but we always look forward and that is behind us now. We will be working hard over the next couple of days to make sure we are ready for the test as they are flying at the moment. They are doing really well but at the same time we have been doing well and so have the belief we can go and win. It is great news and as soon as the gaffer told me I couldn't stop smiling, I am buzzing with it. It's my first professional contract that has been longer than a year. I am hugely happy that it gives me a bit of security and it's a bit of a weight off my shoulders. I can fully focus on playing now. I have only come into the team recently really, and am really happy with the way I have been playing. With 15/16 thousand fans behind you, it's massive. To have those supporters at home it puts extra pressure on the opposition and really does help us as well. There is no reason why we can't keep pushing up the table, I am looking forward to seeing what can happen this year and that starts on Saturday."

23rd

Steven Schumacher reflected on the frustrating loss to Cambridge, marking the end of the five league game unbeaten run. He did however focus on ways in which Argyle can move forward positively, saying: "It was tough, we knew it was going to be a tough place to come. Cambridge are good team at home. We did okay on what was a really tough pitch to try and pass the ball. We passed it okay, just didn't have any end product. Some of the deliveries that went in from set plays, on another night, it hits one of our players and goes in; it was just one of them. We didn't get off to a great start, and we made an error, an individual error, and it's cost us a goal. After that we huffed and puffed and hadn't done quite enough to trouble their goalie. We said just before they got the second goal 'we're actually playing quite well', with a few of the patterns of play that we'd worked on and spoken about, but the second goal just before half time killed it, and I still can't get my head round the decision."

It's a strange one. I can't understand how, when someone's in front of somebody else and they get tripped up then it's got to be a foul. That's how I see the game but they're obviously different; It's cost us really because after 1-0 it's tough enough to turn around here because of how well Cambridge defend in general, but to do it at 2-0 was too much. Joe Edwards had a little niggle yesterday in training, so I didn't feel it was right to risk him, so Ryan Broom started and Sess was on the bench. He showed some little bits of quality when he came on and I'm pleased to have him finally involved. We are still 5th in the league, so we're on a great run; we're not going to win every single game. We got four wins on the spin and a draw before, so the lads are playing really well. We can't let our heads drop, we're playing great, and we've got a brilliant game to look forward to now on Saturday at Home Park against Rotherham so bring it on."

Steven Sessegnon finally made his debut for Argyle after an injury that ruled him out of February's games so far. He spoke of his pride despite the poor result, saying: "I'm very proud, it's been a long time coming as well. I've looked forward to coming in and playing with the boys, so I'm glad it's finally happened. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the three points but I'm very happy to make my debut. I was looking forward to getting in and playing with the boys, playing fast attacking football, so I was looking forward to this day a lot. I had a bit of a set back with my hamstring but I'm just glad I'm back out, I'm at my happiest when I'm out playing, especially for this club."

"I think we've got to consider the run we were on, good things don't last forever I guess but I don't think we can be too disappointed. We didn't have the greatest of days, but there's a big game Saturday so we've got to put it past us and look forward to the big game. It's a long season. I know we're halfway through, but games come very fast, and then by the time you know it's the end of the season, so we've got to put bad results behind us and look forward because this is a really positive team."

"I've definitely been told about the fans of this club and how passionate they are, and I absolutely love it, and I look forward to seeing them this weekend. I've seen videos so I can see how loud and passionate the fans are, so I look forward to being at Home Park and I'm sure they will do their jobs on pushing us forward"

22nd

Argyle's fine run of form came to an end with a bump at Cambridge, losing 2-0 in their final Tuesday away game of the scheduled season. The greens went a goal down early on and it was two before half-time. Argyle couldn't break down the resolute home defence in the second half and as such, the home side took all three points. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Bolton (Garrick), Gillesphey, Randell, Broom (Sessegnon), Camara, Mayor, Grant, Jephcott (Hardie), Ennis. Subs: Burton, Crichlow, Law, Houghton.

20th

After finally breaking Argyle's long Gillingham hoodoo, Steven Schumacher said: "Well, it wasn't easy, but thank god that record is over. Like I said in the week, records are there to be broken. We'd lost ten on the spin away to Gillingham and to go and win it so convincingly was fantastic. When we watched the games of Gillingham of late, we knew they were going to be organised. They make it difficult for teams, a bit like Shrewsbury did last weekend, and the key then is to try and be patient. We said before the game that we'd like to keep the ball on the floor. If we played too many long passes with the wind it's a bit of a lottery, it goes wherever, so we asked the lads just to play short passes and try move as fast as we can. I think we controlled possession for large part of the first half, without really threatening their goal. We had nine shots and not one of them hit the target so, even though we were in control at half time, I was a little bit frustrated that we hadn't managed to trouble the goalie. At half time we just asked the lads to keep doing the right things, to take our opportunities in the final third. Then, in our first shot in the second half, Jordon Garrick put one on target and it goes in. We were comfortable after that."

"Thankfully we just got him on. Him and Ryan linked up well for the chance in the first place and then, Ryan, as he does, cuts back inside and got us a good foul. Then a composed finish from Luke in the end because, again, we put a bit of pressure on him with missing the previous two as a team so I'm glad that little hoodoo is gone as well."

"An unbelievable effort to get here in those conditions and sit there knowing that when you come to Gillingham there is no stand above your head and you're going to get soaked. Thankfully it did die down a bit second half. The fans will keep coming because they're amazing and if the players keep running and working as hard as they can, they will always get their support."

Goalscorer Garrick echoed the words of his manager, giving praise to the travelling green army. He raved: "It was a tough one today, it's a tough place to come, the weather was against both teams, the pitch wasn't amazing, but these are the places you have to come as a good team and get three points, that's what promotion chasing teams have to do. When you can see how a team are set out to play to make it difficult, be resolute, strong and physical, it can be tough, but I think the best teams always find a way whether that is from a set piece, from moments of magic or whatever it is, you just got to find a way. We're chasing promotion, so you have to do all you can to win. It was nice to get that goal. I think it came at a great time because we were building momentum, and it just took that one moment and then all of a sudden, the game is different, and the game opened up. It was good to get it over the line; a 2-0 win and another clean sheet for the defenders and Coops."

"We're a tight knit unit, we've got love for each other. The gaffer says to us all the time, 'make sure you keep showing that you guys are doing the business right now.' I think me and Niall work well together, Niall and Luke work well together, Niall and Ryan, me and Jephs, me and Ryan, I don't think it matters at the moment. It's fine details like the tactics of the game, and the analysis is spot on for who the staff think should play."

"These guys are built different, they are fantastic. They literally go everywhere up and down the country, spend their hard-earned money to get to places so all I can do is send as much love as I can. It doesn't go unnoticed, we appreciate them and in games like today, the energy just transcends on to the players, so they are massive for us and I just want to send all the love."

19th

Argyle have achieved their first win away to Gillingham in 41 years with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Priestfield. The game was goalless at half-time but Argyle scored within seconds of the restart via a fine strike from Jordon Garrick. Schumacher bought on Ryan Hardie and he immediately won the penalty that Luke Jephcott (who came on at the same time) consequently slammed home and Argyle recorded their fourth league win on the bounce. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Bolton, Gillesphey, Houghton, Edwards, Camara, Mayor (Broom), Grant, Ennis (Jephcott), Garrick (Hardie). Subs: Burton, Crichlowe, Law, Randell.

18th

Academy graduate Adam Randell has signed a new two and a half year contract, keeping him at Home Park until the summer of 2024. The talented midfielder has broken into the first team in recent weeks and the lifelong fan will look to cement his place over the coming years. Schumacher said of the extension: "We are delighted that Adam has signed a new contract at Argyle. He has shown, this season, that he is ready to make that step up and become a regular member of the first team. It's fantastic that one of our own players has progressed through the Academy system and I am sure he will become an important part of our team going forward. The challenge for Adam now, is to continue his development and make a starting place in our midfield his own."

16th

James Bolton is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to be able to cement himself in the starting eleven, ahead of Argyle's trip to resurgent Gillingham. He said of his return to the first team: "We've been on a really good run and now we've got a couple more games which we can hopefully extend that run. Obviously it's not going to be easy, Gillingham are fighting for their lives at the bottom, so it will be a tough game. Gillingham is never an easy game, and you know what to expect. Maybe the ugly side to the game, long balls and we must be aware of that. We're not going into it thinking they're a pushover, they definitely won't be. They're going to be well up for it, their scrapping for their lives. It will be a tough game, but it should be a good game. I think there's a different task for each game. You know what you're going to come up against. Vadaine Oliver, he's a handful, so you need to be wary of that. There's never the same kind of striker so it will be good to test my wits against different people."

13th

Steven Schumacher has declared that the narrow victory against Shrewsbury was the win to give him most pride as Argyle manager, despite other more swashbuckling victories. Schumacher said: "I am really pleased," Steven said after the game, "Out of all of the wins and all of the performances of late that is probably the one I am most pleased about. We knew it was going to be a really tough game," Steven said. Shrewsbury are difficult to beat, and they have only lost one in ten; we knew there wouldn't be loads of goals in it. We knew we had to take the chance when it came along and thankfully, we did that second half. We said before the game that we might need patience, we might get frustrated, but we need to stay calm. We started the first half quite well and got into some good areas but that's what they are about, they have some big lads who are powerful and their whole team defend well as a unit. We looked at the stats at half time and everything was happening as we kind of expected so there was no use panicking or changing anything. There was a little bit of tension there because we are on a good run, we want to continue that and get up the league as much as we can."

"Bolts did great and we were confident he would do that. He showed it when we played against Birmingham City, and he did it again today. Dan Scarr is going to be out for a good few weeks with a hamstring injury, so it's down to Bolts to make that position his and Romoney Crichlow to stake a claim too."

Conor Grant ultimately scored the winning goal against the Shrews with a fine strike from the edge of the box on the 63rd minute. Grant explained the winning moment: "I was happy with it. I was happy to get a clean connection on it and luckily it flew into the top corner. I don't know if I was meant to put it there to be honest, but I've got lucky so I'm happy with the three points. It was a big goal; I think there was a lot of relief in it as well. Shrewsbury came here and made it very difficult for us, and in the first half we had a couple of chances, but we weren't quite at it. Coming off at the end of the game, we were all saying we had to work very hard for it. I think, at the end of the day, the 1-0 wins are the ones we have to grind it out, it's not the prettiest of games but they are the important wins, and we need them going forward. It's massive, the last game at home was Lincoln; we ended up losing late on. Then the Fleetwood game we lost to a couple of late goals, but we bounced back from that disappointment really well. That's three on the bounce in the league now, so it was important that we responded well. We want to keep adding as many points as we can and go into the last run with confidence and see where it takes us. We will give it our all."

11th

Argyle kept the winning league run going with a hard fought 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town. The game was deadlocked going into half-time but a fine strike from Conor Grant proved the difference between the sides. Dan Scarr missed the game through injury and will be out for several weeks. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Bolton, Gillesphey, Houghton (Randell), Edwards, Camara, Mayor, Grant, Jephcott (Ennis), Hardie (Garrick). Subs: Burton, Crichlow, Broom, Law.

10th

After a long run of away games, Danny Mayor is looking forward to Argyle's first home game in three weeks against Shrewsbury Town. He also spoke of the fantastic team cohesion, saying: "I think any player could come in and it wouldn't make us any weaker. I think it showed how good the group is on Tuesday, we freshened it up, some other lads came in and we got back to winning ways. The strikers we have – I've never seen anything like it. Whoever plays, whichever two, either score or assist. That's right through the team. Whoever plays in midfield, whether it's Rands, Broomy, Pan, me, Jordan; we just have such a strong group it doesn't matter who plays. We all just want to win; we want to get to where we think we can get to and hopefully have a special season. It's business as usual for us now and the focus is totally on the league. We have a grounded group and that's a credit to the gaffer and the staff. We work on it, it's not just 'turn up and it happens', we work hard on it. The gaffer's tactics and the analysis and work that goes into every game is the best I've ever worked with – it's no coincidence we've continued this good form."

"I've spent a long time on that bus, it's been mental, I've never seen anything like it. The fans have been incredible up and down the country and it'll be great for them and us to be at home on Saturday. Home comforts are a big thing. Playing in front of the fans is, of course, incredible and they are a big reason why we are so good at home. But not getting on the bus and not seeing Joe play Uno for seven hours will be bliss."

9th

Steven Schumacher hailed a marvellous comeback win at Crewe, paying special credit to Ryan Hardie who recovered superbly from the penalty miss at Chelsea to win Argyle the match with a hat-trick. Schumacher said of his team: "The second half was obviously better than the first half. I thought we did some good things, but also I thought Crewe played well first half, especially the first 20 minutes, which we expected. I was a bit frustrated not to be level at least at half time, and obviously missing a penalty was another issue. I said to the boys at half time that we got into some good positions, we just didn't make the right decisions or show enough quality. I felt that if we had just passed the ball a bit faster and be a little more positive with our play, we would continue to create chances, but in the second half the lads came out and were excellent. We scored some good goals, but it could have been more than four in the end, I think. I'm delighted for him. We had a bit of a discussion in the hotel before the game about penalties and what he was feeling. It was early on in the game; I think it might have been a bit too much pressure for him. Ryan has been one of our best players all season. He's our leading goal scorer, he's got 15 goals now, so it shows how important he is to us. We know he's a good finisher and he's a threat, so I'm really pleased he got his hat trick. It's brilliant that it's that landmark, the first Argyle player for so long to score one, so I'm buzzing for him."

"I've said for a long time the players are doing absolutely amazing, they've got great character, they all know their jobs and their roles so they're desperate to do well for the shirt, for the badge and for the fans. It's just incredible, they're putting on performances and giving it their all. I can count on one hand how many times we've had bad performances this season, so we've got to keep going, keep working hard and focus on the next game and see where it takes us."

Ryan Hardie spoke of an overriding sense of relief, becoming the first Argyle player to score a hat-trick since Reuben Reid in 2015. The Scottish striker explained: "It's a sigh of relief. I know everyone says I owe them nothing, but I felt like I owed everybody, so to help the team get the three points was the main objective tonight and then to do it with a hat trick feels a bit better. We went in at half time 1-0 down, so it just shows the resilience and the character that we've got. The gaffer made a lot of changes today and we've managed to prove that his decision was right to rest a few people after the weekend. For the first one I think there was a mix up between the 'keeper and the defender. I managed to punish on their mistake. There was relief in the celebration, but passion as well to show what it means to me and to show how much I was hurting after the weekend. The second one, there was only one thing on my mind 'get the shot off early and get it in the corner', and the third one where I ran through, about five minutes before Luke Jephcott said to me 'why did you not shoot when I cut it across to Niall, for the hat trick?', and then I went through and did it. I obviously had the confidence after the first couple of goals to try it and they're my finishes. It's more the relief than getting the hat trick. The most important thing was the bounce back after the weekend, and the three points. I'm glad to get it done and now I'm looking forward to the game on Saturday. The positivity I've received from everybody, I appreciate it a lot. It was obviously disappointing after the game on Saturday, but I've managed to react well and get my head around it by scoring a hat trick.

The support was shown from everyone, not just in the game. Everybody felt the same disappointment as I did, but they were right behind me after the game; they were singing my name. It means a lot to me."

8th

Argyle responded to the exhausting 120 minutes at Chelsea in emphatic fashion, coming from 1-0 down at half-time to win 4-1 at Crewe. After missing the decisive penalty at Chelsea, Ryan Hardie was the man of the moment. He scored Argyle's first, third and fourth goals in a second half hat-trick at Crewe, with Niall Ennis the other goalscorer. Argyle could have equalised in the first half but Adam Randell had a penalty saved, Argyle's second missed spot kick in successive games. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Randell, Broom, Camara, Mayor (Edwards), Law, Ennis(Garrick), Hardie (Jephcott). Subs: Burton, Bolton, Houghton, Grant.

6th

Steven Schumacher spoke with pride about Argyle's battling performance as they went down 2-1 at Chelsea, giving special praise to Ryan Hardie for his bravery in stepping up to take the penalty for Argyle, despite ultimately missing. Schumacher said: "I couldn't be any prouder really. To take it to extra time shows how well all the players have done. The lads, every one of them; the ones who started, the players who came on, everyone - they can be proud of themselves. They had to work so hard and be so organised and disciplined. When we had the chance to play, we did and for it to end in defeat, it's one that won't hurt too much. We kept going right to the end and as a club we can be so proud.

"We just wanted to give our fans something to cheer, and a goal would be the best thing. To get one so early on in the game we were just made up. We celebrated it like it was in the last minute. We knew the fans would be like that because our fans are just unbelievable. I think they can be proud of their team today and just to see everyone go wild when that goal went in, it was great. We thought set plays could be a good opportunity for us to score and it was an incredible delivery from Jordan and a great header from Macca. I thought we coped really well actually and, look, we rode our luck as well. They hit the bar twice and the post, but they were from long range shots.

"We dealt with crosses that came into the box and Michael made some good saves, the back lads dealt with everything. The bravery Ryan showed to step up and take that penalty was incredible and he's gutted right now. He's our leading goal scorer at the moment and I know he will pick his head up and learn from it. Hopefully he will go and get the winner on Tuesday."

5th

Argyle put in a wonderful account of themselves in a narrow 2-1 loss after extra-time at Stamford Bridge, coming within 15 minutes and one penalty kick of taking the Champions of Europe to a penalty shoot-out. Argyle walked out at Stamford Bridge to the rapturous applause of the green army and sent the away end into pandemonium, taking the lead after just 8 minutes with Maccauley Gillesphey's first goal for the club. The greens might have expected short lived joy but they held the lead for 33 minutes before Cesar Azpilcueta equalised just before half-time. A fantastic rearguard effort saw the scores level after 90 minutes but instead of a replay, the game went to extra-time. Just on half-time in extra-time, Marcus Alonso slotted the ball past Cooper to give the hosts the lead for the first time. After a quick VAR check, the goal stood. But the drama wasn't over yet. Ryan Hardie was bundled over by Sarr in the penalty area and the Scotsman immediately picked up the ball for the subsequent spot kick. The penalty was saved and held onto by Kepa Arrizabalaga and Argyle hearts were broken, yet filled with pride at the fantastic performance of their team. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Houghton, Edwards, Camara (Broom), Mayor(Randell), Grant (Law), Jephcott (Ennis), Garrick (Hardie). Subs: Burton, Bolton, Lewis, Craske.

4th

Argyle have recalled versatile defender, Finley Craske, from his work experience loan at Plymouth Parkway. Meanwhile, Ollie Tomlinson has extended his stay at Truro City until the end of the season.

1st

Jordan Houghton has spoken with excitement at the prospect of a return to Chelsea, the club where he spent his youth career and his first few years as a senior player. He will finally get the chance to walk out in front of a packed Stamford Bridge with the attention fully on Argyle. He said: "Coming out to a packed Stamford Bridge is going to be something I dreamt of from when I was a little boy. It's kind of gone full circle. Being 26 years old, the majority of my life was spent at Chelsea, it was where I grew up and to go back there will be great. It's obviously going to be amazing. I have had the opportunity to play there in some big games but not in front of the size of crowd they are expecting on Saturday. I would have obviously liked to do it as a Chelsea player but to do it as an Argyle player is something I am incredibly proud of. I will have all my family there but unfortunately won't have my grandad there, he passed away during the pandemic, but I am sure it'll be something for him as well. Obviously it is a massive game for us, the club and the fans as well. I think it's a game that the fans deserve; they've followed us tremendously through all the away games so far this season. There is more of a buzz I suppose it's such a big game and I think it's pretty much a sell-out. That buzz just naturally comes from coming up against some of the world's best players. We cannot wait."

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