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 29th November 2020

Ryan Lowe spoke about the importance of using the half-time interval to rally the troops, following a first half that was at times underwhelming. Lowe declasr: "Very pleased. First-half it wasn't quite us – the fluidity, we kept giving the ball away in cheap areas, and we worked our socks off to keep it compact. Second-half, I rallied the troops on a bit, because they did have some good players coming on the pitch – we were mindful of that, we couldn't let anything slip. Overall pleased - when you lose two games on the bounce, you just want to find a winning formula, and tonight we found a way to win, which was very pleasing. Second-half, we were asking them to press on the next [touch]. We were pressing too early and they were bouncing it around a little bit – so we had to make sure we changed that at half-time. Changing those little minute things, they certainly helped."

"We've worked hard all week, and the minutes we've had on the pitch has benefited us. It's pleasing to keep the back door shut, but it's also pleasing to score two goals."

"It'll help us, because we have had no income, and we've been lucky with our fans in terms of the season-tickets, any sort of financial help helps us along the way. To be in the third round is great – I can't promise that we get past the third round, depending on who we get, but we do want to get a big team and test ourselves against these big oppositions. Hopefully the draw is kind to us. We'll have to recover the lads properly now, and have them in over the next two days to do the bits we need to do, the games are coming thick and fast. For us now, it's work on Rochdale."

28th

Argyle secured their place in the hat for the FA Cup third round with a 2-0 win over Lincoln City at Home Park. The scoring was opened by, once again, Luke Jephcott, heading in from a George Cooper corner. Ben Reeves got Argyle's second, with a spectacular goal of the season contender on the volley. Argyle: M Cooper, Wootton, Canavan, Watts, Fornah, Edwards, Grant(Camara), Reeves, Cooper(Opoku), Nouble,Jephcott(Hardie). Subs: McCormick, Aimson, Moore, Telford.

26th

Following government regulations confirming a return to football stadiums for fans following the end of the second national lockdown on December 2nd, Argyle have confirmed they are delighted to be able to welcome back 2,000 fans socially distanced around Home Park. Further announcements will explain how season ticket will be allocated.

24th

For the first time, Argyle lost back to back league games under Ryan Lowe with a 1-0 defeat at high flyers Peterborough United. Argyle were tight defensively for most of the first half but went behind just before half-time and were unable to restore parity after the interval. Argyle: M Cooper, Wootton, Opoku, Watts, Fornah, Edwards(Moore), Grant (Reeves), Mayor, G Cooper, Hardie(Nouble), Jephcott(Telford). Subs: McCormick, Aimson, Camara.

21st

Argyle were bought grinding down to earth with a halt following a 5-1 loss away to Fleetwood Town. It was all uphill after the first 6 minutes with the greens two down and a third was added before half-time. Ryan Lowe took advantage of the new 5 substitutions rule with all of Argyle's changes being made by the half-time interval. It was not enough however to prevent further humiliation in the second half where the hosts went five up before a Luke Jephcott consolation made the scoreline slightly more respectable. Argyle: M Cooper, Aimson(Wootton), Opoku(Canavan), Watts, Grant(Jephcott), Edwards, Camara(Fornah), Mayor, Moore, Nouble, Telford(Hardie). Subs: McCormick, G Cooper.

19th

Argyle's young professional Jarvis Cleal is currently on a period of leave from Home Park for personal reasons. Neil Dewsnip, said: "Jarvis knows that he has our full support in what is a challenging time for him. He is a tremendously talented young man, and his wellbeing is paramount – we will continue to support him, both professionally and pastorally, and look forward to his return to training when the time is right.".

The young wing-back added: "I have needed some time away for my mental health. Saying it has been tough is an understatement, but I am working hard, with help and ongoing support from the club, to get myself back on track and stronger than ever."

18th

Argyle's League One fixture at Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday 15th December will kick-off at the earlier time of 7pm. With supporters currently unable to attend the fixture due to government guidelines, the two clubs, in agreement with the EFL, decided on the slightly earlier kick-off time to assist with travel requirements.

17th

Ryan Lowe admitted a tinge of regret to only draw at home to Portsmouth after dominating the bulk of the game in front of the cameras. Lowe said: "It was a good game, I thought we were excellent for large parts – but I was disappointed with the goals we conceded. I thought we were on the front foot, especially first-half, we were passing through the lines, creating chances, possession was in our favour. I think if we put that chance away early doors in the second-half, it's a different game, and we probably go on and see the game out. Fair play to Portsmouth, they were always going to come and try and press. We felt, overall, we were the better team. Is a point fair? Probably, maybe. But I wanted three."

"It's the expectations they've set now. They're disappointed in there. But, again, I keep saying it, we are the new boys, and we are learning quite fast. The football, the patterns of play, the philosophy doesn't change, we keep going on the front foot and creating plenty of chances like we did – and hopefully we win more than we lose, or draw. We don't want anyone coming here thinking they can roll us over. You have to give them respect, they were solid and compact, and looking to get us on the counter. Kenny's a shrewd manager, he's been around a long time, and that, to me, is showing us respect. It was a case of showing people what we're doing, and how we're doing it. This football club is on the right track, and going in the right direction, on and off the pitch. We've showcased our philosophy and our style of play to millions of viewers."

16th

Argyle lost their winning run but kept the unbeaten one going with a 2-2 draw at home to Portsmouth in front of the Sky TV cameras. Argyle took the lead early on thanks to an unfortunate own goal. Pompey came out of the blocks at the start of the second half and went into the lead with two goals in three minutes, the first of which was from the penalty spot after a handball from Kelland Watts. Argyle equalised late in the game with a tap in from Jerome Opoku, for his first professional goal. Argyle: M Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah(Grant), Edwards, Camara(Reeves), Mayor, G Cooper, Nouble, Hardie(Telford). Subs: McCormick, Wootton, Canavan, Abraham.

12th

Argyle's League One fixture at Peterborough United on Tuesday, 24 November will kick-off at the earlier time of 7pm. With supporters currently unable to attend the fixture due to government guidelines, the two clubs, in agreement with the EFL, decided on the slightly earlier kick-off time to assist with travel requirements.

11th

Steven Schumacher spoke positively about last night's win against Newport, after taking the game from the touchline, as he usually does for this competition. He mentioned the importance of maintaining high standards: "That was the last thing that I said to the players before we went out – we've set standards at this football club, and we've got to stick at them every single game. We felt that the players went out there with the right attitude, they showed good energy, enthusiasm and effort, and a lot of quality. There's competition for places – the lads who are out of the team at the moment are knocking on the door – it's another positive."

"It is a shame that we're out of the competition because, if you've got a fully-fit squad like we have at the moment, then it's minutes for them in a competitive fixture, and opportunities to show the manager that they should be in the team. I felt that the performances throughout the competition have been quite good, we should have probably been ahead against Norwich, and, Cheltenham, we should have won that game. I am disappointed to be out of it, but it gives us the opportunity to focus on the league and the next round of the FA Cup."

10th

Argyle's third and final match of the Checkatrade Trophy ended in a 3-1 win over Newport County. The match was a dead rubber, with both sides having already been eliminated from the competition. The game was notable for the long awaited third debut of Luke McCormick, who rejoined this summer. Argyle went 1-0 up through Ben Reeves, before an own goal and a great effort from George Cooper put the game beyond reach. Newport did get a goal back but it was to no avail. The game was also notable for three debuts with Ethan Mitchell, Scott Crocker and Finley Craske all appearing in the green for the first time off the bench. Argyle: McCormick, Wootton, Canavan, Pursall, G Cooper, C Grant(Craske), Reeves, Law, Nouble(Crocker), Abraham, Telford. Subs: Ruddy, Watts, Fornah, Lolos.

7th

Ryan Lowe expressed, once again, his happiness with a solid Argyle performance and a clean sheet to boot as the greens progressed into the second round of the FA Cup. The gaffer said: "We came here knowing that it was going to be a tough place to come, but fair play to our lads, they took instructions on well. I thought we were value for money. I thought we were excellent in parts. First-half very good, we should've scored, Ryan Hardie had a great chance, the second-half, as well, we created a lot of good chances."

"I was always confident we'll score, I think you are when you've got the strikers and creative players we've got. The other day, we scored two early goals, and it took us a little while to get the goal today. We'll always keep working the way we want to work, the style of play, and if we keep doing that, we'll win a lot of games."

"We've put the belief into the players, knowing that we can go anywhere and put a performance on, and go anywhere and hopefully get a result, like we've done today. They made a few changes, but there's still some international players in there. I treat the FA Cup with massive, massive respect, because it's one of the best competitions in the world, for me. I felt that I want to keep a winning mentality in the boys, and momentum breeds a lot of confidence – and that's what we're certainly doing. I think we warranted the win today. We're always building, we're always pushing, we always want more. The next game, Tuesday night against Newport County, the lads who didn't play today will play on Tuesday night, that's a strong team. We've got to make sure that we're pushing right the way through. It's going to be tough, but every single one of them are backing each other to make sure we keep the winning momentum going. We're quite confident in ourselves, we are going about our business the right way, and all we can do is keep putting game plans together, and hopefully we keep winning."

Argyle's second round game will be a home fixture against Lincoln City, in the second all League One tie of the competition. The fixture will take place on the weekend of Saturday 28th November at Home Park,

6th

Argyle striker Luke Jephcott kept up his fantastic form by scoring the only goal of the game as Argyle progressed to the FA Cup second round with a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic. The young striker got his goal just on the hour mark. Argyle: M Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah, Edwards, Camara(Grant), Mayor, Moore, Hardie(Telford), Jephcott(Nouble). Subs: Ruddy, Canavan, Reeves, G Cooper.

5th

Argyle striker Luke Jephcott has been called up to the Welsh under-21 squad for their upcoming UEFA under-21 qualifying games against Moldova and Germany. Jephcott will miss Argyle Football League Trophy game against Newport as well as the upcoming league fixture against Portsmouth.

4th

Ryan Lowe has expressed positive feelings about Argyle's performance as they beat Swindon 4-2 to go 8th in League One, praising the breadth and depth of his squad. He enthused: "They're a good team, Swindon, they play some good football, and their goals were great, along with ours. But the energy of the lads to make sure that we don't lose games of football is different class. We have come away with three points, we've conceded two goals, but I think that's the first time that a team has really opened us up a little bit. We'll analyse it, because we don't want that to happen again, but you have to give credit to Swindon, they played some good football. I thought we were clinical as well, 23 shots, 11 on target, their keeper's made a few good saves. I did, at one point, think we could go on and get five or six, because we certainly had the chances, nevertheless, it's three points and we're happy."

"We were hanging in for that fourth to make it a bit more comfortable, but I thought we saw the second-half out sublimely. They were down to ten men, but they still had runners in behind, and I thought it was an excellent performance all-round. I enjoyed it when we were 2-0, but then it went to 2-2, and 3-2. We've got a lot of youngsters in the team, but they're all learning. It's not one for the faint hearted, when you know you're playing against a good team. Teams that come here and play, and have a good go, I have got full admiration for, and Swindon did. We were in charge, but you still have to be careful, when they bring Brett Pitman on, and they've still got a threat. I thought Jerome Opoku was magnificent at the back, Coops has made one or two good saves. We didn't need a fourth."

"In training, the lads were on fire. I think that distance was right for Con, every one that Conor's taken this season is a bit short, he just skims the bar. But no-one was saving that, it was right in the top bin!"

"That's credit to them. Scotty Wootton and Timmy Abraham have missed out today, along with Klaidi Lolos and Ryan Law. That's tough, it's never personal, it's just the decision I have to make. Sometimes, I plan my subs before the game. We didn't need two defenders on the bench, we didn't need three strikers. That's the way it is – we've got a great squad. That's probably what I get paid for, to make those decisions. We want to be hard to beat at home, and hopefully we can continue for a long period of time, but I think the football and the style is very good. We can't get any bums off seats at the moment because no-one's here! All we can do is keep putting plans together, keep training the boys, and if they keep putting performances like that on the pitch, then we'll be fine."

The Argyle Superstore will temporarily close its doors again from 1pm on Wednesday 4th November in line with government legislation and the second national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

3rd

Argyle won an eventful contest at Home Park, coming up 4-2 victors against Swindon Town. The greens went 2-0 up early on with efforts from Jephcott and Edwards. Chances flowed thick and fast for both sides but the visitors scored a quickfire double to level thing up, just as the game hit the quarter mark. Argyle went straight up the other end and scored again, with Jephcott's second effort of the game. The game did quieten down at this point but was marked by a sublime free-kick from substitute Conor Grant in the dying seconds to earn Argyle a fourth goal. Argyle: M Cooper, Aimson, Opoku, Watts, Fornah(Grant), Edwards, Camara, Mayor, Moore, Hardie(Telford), Jephcott(Nouble). Subs: Ruddy, Canavan, Reeves, G Cooper.

2nd

Argyle midfield prospect Adam Randell's loan to National League leaders Torquay United has been extended until January. The Academy graduate has featured in every league fixture for the Gulls since joining on an initial month's loan, and he scored a stunning long-range equaliser on his first start in the come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Bromley on 10 October. That win was the first of a run of five successive victories for The Gulls, with Randell starting every one.

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