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.

Saturday 30th November 2024

Argyle fell to a second defeat on the road in a week, this time losing 4-0 away to Bristol City. The first half was goalless, and Argyle were competitive, even if on the back foot, but once the opening goal arrived, the result never looked in question. Although Scott Twine's opener, on 57 minutes, was a little fortunate, it was deserved, and it led to Anis Mehmeti – who had the initial shot which deflected off Twine for Twine's goal – making it two with a curling shot into the corner. On 70 minutes, a Bristol breakaway led to Mehmeti scoring again to make it 3-0, and slightly more formally put the game to bed, with Sinclair Armstrong, bang on 90 minutes, tucking it in and switching off the lights.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Ogbeta, Houghton (Roberts), Pleguezuelo, Hardie (Gray), Gibson, Randell, Forshaw, Issaka (Obafemi), Palsson. Substitutes (not used): Marosi, Wright, Bundu, Gyabi, Al-Hajj, Sorinola.

27th

Wayne Rooney pulled no punches after his Argyle side's 6-1 loss at Carrow Road, branding the result and performance: 'nowhere near good enough' and said that the Under-18 side could have done better.

Following the game, Rooney told Argyle TV: "It was obviously a difficult start, conceding so early again. We spoke to the players before the game, but we conceded in the first few minutes again. It makes it difficult for us.

"We were probably fortunate to go in at half-time 2-1 down. We tried to regroup, but then [made too many] individual errors. As a team, we weren't aggressive enough, we didn't win enough tackles. We were panicking in possession; we weren't taking the ball as well as we know we can do.

"The goals we conceded were way too easy. I'm really disappointed [tonight]. I know how far the fans have travelled to get behind the team, and I feel for them because that was nowhere near good enough.

"Of course, Norwich deserved to win. They were the better team by far tonight. From our point of view, you go through difficult periods in games and you need to find a way to get through those periods. It's maybe a bit of naivety from the lads because, as I said, it's happened a couple of times this season, away from home.

"We need to really put a stop to it because that's not what I want to see.

"There's a lot of good teams in this league. We know at times you're going to suffer, but you need to. We knew tonight that we're going to have difficult moments in the game, but you need to pull together, you need to communicate, you need to be getting to the ball, be a bit more aggressive when you're tackled, win your duels.

"We didn't do any of that tonight. I'm extremely angry, disappointed with what I've just seen.

"I don't think tonight's performance is something we can brush aside. It needs addressing and I'll certainly do that over the next two days."

Argyle Under-17s suffered a heartbreaking, last-minute 4-3 away loss to Bristol City on Tuesday night, ending their 2024-25 Professional Development League Cup campaign.

The Robins held a one-goal advantage after a dominant first 45 minutes and doubled their lead five minutes after the restart. However, the Greens' second-half performance should be applauded. Facing a strong and high-pressing Category Two academy was no easy task, but the youthful side continued to bounce back at every stage. Three minutes after Bristol's second goal, Kian Burch tapped home a rebound following a save by Freddie Godden to give Argyle the hope they needed. However, a hat-trick for Rushon Walker extended the home side's lead to two. The pressure seemed to be getting to Argyle, but a Jack Flower save seemed to boost Jamie Lowry's side to push forward and search for another goal – which happened with a Seb Campbell tap-in on the 70-minute mark and an equalising penalty on 85 which Cole Fisher converted.

For the remainder of the game, it was a complete scramble from one goal to the other until the Robins scored the winner close to time.

After the game, Head Coach, Jamie Lowry, said: "Tonight, in the first 45 minutes, we were really poor, miles off our standards that we set ourselves. We didn't compete with Bristol City and it seemed to be men against boys in the first half but, in the second half, we were much better and much more competitive.

"We played the game a bit better in terms of playing the ball beyond the press it a bit more, playing into our forward players and getting on the first and second ball, so I'm pleased with the second-half performance and the reaction the boys gave at half-time.

"They were super aggressive on the front foot, made us work hard and pressed the life out of us so we needed to be tidy and good on the ball. In the second half, we probably had the more clear-cut chances, but we didn't finish them, and then they nicked a goal at the very end. We're disappointed to be out of the competition, disappointed that we couldn't progress and win the game, but it's a good learning curve for the young side."

26th

Argyle suffered a 6-1 defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road. Despite Mustapha Bundu finding the back of the net before half-time, a hat-trick from Borja Sainz and goals from Shane Duffy, Anis Slimane and Ante Crnac handed the hosts victory.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Szucs, Wright (Forshaw), Bundu (Issaka), Gyabi (Al Hajj), Gray (Roberts), Randell, Sorinola (Obafemi), Palsson. Substitutes (not used): Marosi, Ogbeta, Gibson, Finn.

24th

Argyle's first-ever front-of-shirt sponsor Beacon Electrical will adorn the Argyle Women's home shirts for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Our official travel partner, Tally Ho Coaches, will also feature on the backs of the players' shorts, while confectionary giant Wrigley's will be on the shirt sleeves of both home and away kits.

Beacon Electrical is a Devon-based electrical brand which first sponsored the club in 1983, They now sponsor the Mayflower Grandstand.

Tally Ho are one of the largest independent coach operators in the South West. They provide transport for players and staff for all long-distance trips away from home in the FA Women's National League and Cup competitions.

Wrigley's, the well-known gum manufacturer, are a key source of employment in Plymouth and the South West, and will see their Extra brand adorning the green, white and yellow this season.

Argyle are out of the Adobe Women's FA Cup following defeat at Home Park against Exeter City.

The Greens seemed to have the better of the first half, but the Grecians went in at the break 1-0 up through Mollie Taylor's goal. In the second half, Exeter pulled away, with goals from Sarah Stacey (2), Sophie Gillies and Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham before Charlotte Whitmore's Argyle consolation.

"Not good enough today," said Head Coach, Ryan Perks. "I thought we were the better team in the first 35 minutes, played some good football, and were probably unlucky not to take the lead. We had a couple of chances from set pieces and Charlotte had one cleared off the line, after some good defending.

"But, as soon as we conceded the goal, I think we crumbled, especially in the second half. We had no fight and lacked any real shape. We spoke about being disciplined in our shape but we didn't do that in the second half, and that punished us. We conceded from three set-pieces. We've worked on defending set-pieces, so the players have got to be held a little bit accountable. They've got to start heading the ball and clearing the ball better.

"Credit to Exeter; over the 90 minutes, they were the better team and good luck for them in the next round."

23rd

Wayne Rooney believes that the latest last-minute Home Park escape goal in the televised match against Watford was a credit to his staff.

"It was a strange game," said Rooney, after the match. "I thought in the first 10 minutes, we really struggled to get into the game. They caused us big problems and got the goal.

"I thought, after we scored, we made it difficult for them. We got into a good shape, made it very difficult for them, and then conceded a really sloppy goal from a free kick, maybe a lack of concentration; a really bad goal from our point of view.

"Then I thought there was a real mentality shift from half-time.

"I thought we came out for the second half, had a real control, made it really difficult for Watford to press us. We were getting into some dangerous areas, kept pushing and deserved the equaliser in the end.

"We put a lot of work in, fitness wise, with the players, trying to have the players in the best condition. That might be something which we need come the end of the season.

"I felt Watford looked a little bit tired in the last 15 minutes. We kept pushing, kept going and that helped us get a goal. I think the fans can feel it. You can sense it in the fans, pulling the ball into the net for us. We keep pushing, and you get your rewards."

22nd

Last minute heroics from Andre Gray stung Watford, as Argyle drew 2-2 with the Hornets at Home Park on Friday night. The Greens forward curled in an equaliser in front of the rowdy Devonport End with one of the final kicks of the game, securing an important point under the lights at the Theatre of Greens. The majority of the goalscoring was done in the first half, with Watford leading through Vakoun Bayo early on. Although former Hornet Gray scored midway through the period, Ryan Porteous put Watford in a half-time lead, that they would retain until the 95th minute.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Szucs, Whittaker (Wright), Obafemi (Bundu), Gibson, Gyabi, Gray, Randell, Sorinola (Issaka). Substitutes (not used): Marosi, Ogbeta, Houghton, Forshaw, Al Hajj, Palsson.

21st

The multi-million-pound redevelopment of Brickfields is to get a new name as part of its transformation into a sporting centre of excellence and asset for the wider Plymouth community.

Foulston Park will be home to the Plymouth Argyle Academy, Plymouth Argyle Women's team, Plymouth Albion and the Argyle Community Trust alongside extensive community and sporting facilities for the city.

Unveiling the new name represents a milestone in what is a major investment for Argyle, creating a critical asset for the club as part of its wider mission and vision for success, and long-term financial sustainability.

Reflecting the city's proud history, the name honours John Foulston, the visionary local architect who inspired the transformation of Devonport, Stonehouse and Plymouth including the development of Union Street, the Plymouth Atheneum and the iconic Devonport Column.

Andrew Parkinson, Plymouth Argyle Chief Executive, said: "Foulston's legacy is about transformation and ambition, which aligns perfectly with what we are building here and why the name resonates so much with everything we are trying to do.

"Foulston Park reinforces Argyle's identity and culture. The facilities here will support Argyle's growth by improving how we recruit, retain, and develop future players as well as strengthening the connection between the club, its supporters and communities. It's a core part of our vision to build on our success in developing homegrown talent as well as being an incredibly exciting prospect to find the next Adam Randell or Freddie Issaka."

17th

Argyle Women's winning run came to an end with defeat to Cheltenham Town, in a game played at Saltash United's Kimberley Stadium.

A goal in each half, from Una Lue and Emily Owen, both of whom scored when the Robinesses inflicted defeat on Argyle in the first league game of the season, was enough for the visitors. The second goal was scored in slightly controversial circumstances with a decisive corner from which the goal was scored being taken while Argyle's Amii Kearley was in need of treatment.

While Argyle might be entitled to feel aggrieved, ultimately, Cheltenham deserved their win for their enterprises.

After the game, assistant coach Jon Dawe shared his thoughts:

"I think the frustration for all of us stemmed from the incident where Amii was on the floor struggling to breathe," he said. "We were led to believe that she asked for treatment and for whatever reason this wasn't permitted. We then don't defend the resulting corner well enough, and it becomes an uphill task from there.

"We started the game very positively in possession. The girls were playing confidently and our build phase was very good, but if I'm honest we struggled to create many chances today. This was disappointing, given how clinical our assists and finishes were in last week's game with Gwalia.

"We reminded the players after the game that we had come into this fixture on the back of three wins, so it's important to stay positive and try and bounce back strongly against Exeter in the FA Cup next week."We're returning to Home Park, where the girls love playing, to a pitch we know well and a great set of fans that will get behind us no matter what. We know we can put this result behind us and bounce back, and we hope the Green Army can continue their amazing support like we saw today."

16th

Argyle Under-18s extended their EFL South Youth Alliance League unbeaten run to seven, returning as 6-1 victors against Bristol Rovers.

A hat-trick from Cole Fisher, a brace from Jared Rendle and a goal from Harley Sneap pushed the Greens to a fifth victory in their last seven games of league action, and lifted them to second in the league table, although other teams around them have games in hand.

After the match, Head Coach, Jamie Lowry, said: "Today was a really good result. The boys had a tough week with three games in seven days, but playing on Wednesday and Saturday was a good test physically and mentally.

"Despite the result, we were probably a little off our levels for where we should've been, but that's a little expected after playing Wednesday and putting in such a big shift and playing well. Loads of positives to take though, with scoring six goals and there were some strong passages of play, good performances and it's another three points"

15th

Argyle have launched their Christmas collection which is now available from the superstore and online.

14th

Argyle Academy recently welcomed three new young recruits in Eddie Mitchell, Ollie Smith and Yago Corrales.

Mitchell is a centre-back who has joined our Under-13s side. He progressed through our Cornwall Elite Hub programme under Paul Rowe's guidance, as did forward Smith. Both will be part of our Under-14s squad.

Corrales is a winger based in Taunton and featured in our SuperCupNI squad over the summer, where the Young Pilgrims claimed a victory in the Globe Play-off in the final game of their trip.

Head of Academy Recruitment, Adam Hayman, said: "These recent Academy signings highlight the strength of our pathway and the outstanding work of our scouting team. Eddie and Ollie have dedicated significant time to our respected Cornwall Elite Coaching Hub programme, and they've had prior experiences with the Academy in previous seasons. "Their progress is a testament to how hard work and resilience can pay off when the timing is right. Special thanks go to Paul Rowe and our exceptional coaching team within the Cornwall Elite Coaching Hubs, who have played a key role in their development.

"Yago was scouted by our South Somerset representative, Michael Hawes, during a district game. Credit also goes to Yago's coach, Dylan Fearn, who has worked with him for six years, providing crucial support in his development journey."

13th

Five of Argyle's first-team squad have been called up for international duty during the latest break.

Defender, Kornel Szucs, has been included in the Hungary squad for ties against two giants of European football--the Netherlands and Germany..

Szucs made his senior debut for Hungary in October, coming on as a late substitute in a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Full-back, Victor Palsson, has been called-up for Iceland's final two Nations League ties in League B, as they face Montenegro and Wales.

Mustapha Bundu and Sierra Leone face the crunch in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

After their stunning victory over African champions Cote d'Ivoire last time out, they sit in third place in Group G, on four points. Zambia, in second and the final qualifying spot, are on seven.

Sierra Leone first face bottom-side Chad, while Zambia play Cote d'Ivoire. If Bundu's side win, and Zambia drop points, there will be a winner-takes-all fixture between the two in Liberia on Tuesday, 19 November.

Darko Gyabi was set to be with England's Under-20s for the next two matches of their Elite League campaign, but injuries in the senior squad mean he will be line for his debut at Under-21 level. The Young Lions will play friendlies against Spain and the Netherlands.

Freddie Issaka will feature for Wales Under-19s for the first stage of their U19 European Championship qualifying campaign.

Wales have been drawn in a group with France, Scotland and Liechtenstein. Each team will play each other once during the break, with the top-two sides in the group progressing to the 'Elite Round', another group-stage format next Spring which will determine the qualifiers for the tournament in 2025.

Argyle progressed to the quarter-finals of the Bayside Graphics Devon St Luke's Challenge Cup with a 4-2 win over Exmouth Town. The side, largely made up of the Under-18s, was supplemented by first-season professionals, Jack Matthews and Caleb Roberts.

Roberts scored twice in the first half, either side of a Kian Burch goal, to put the Pilgrims in a strong half-time position. Exmouth rallied after the break, and scored through substitute Ben Griffin, but Tegan Finn's goal put the win beyond doubt for Argyle, despite a late consolation from Exmouth's Ace High.

"I really enjoyed it," said Head Coach, Jamie Lowry. "We produced a really mature performance. The support of Caleb and Jack obviously helped the group and gave us that extra little bit that we needed.

"It was a good little challenge for the lads, but they dealt with all the kind of obstacles they had to with the crowd, the evening, and the experience of their players.

"We spoke at half-time about not taking our foot off the gas too much, and we said: 'if they do get a goal, then it will lift the crowd a little bit. It'll give them a bit of a boost and they'll come and get after us a little bit' - which they did for the first 10 or 15 minutes after the goal.

"We managed that really well. It's brilliant experience of playing men's football. Different experiences are really important for them."

11th

Four more of Argyle's Sky Bet Championship home fixtures have been selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports.

No amendments have been made to the dates, though they all have new kick-off times.

Argyle v Queens Park Rangers. Saturday, 18 January. 12.30pm. Sky Sports+.

Argyle v Burnley. Wednesday, 22 January. 8pm. Sky Sports Football.

Argyle v West Bromwich Albion. Saturday, 1 February. 12.30pm. Sky Sports Football.

Argyle v Cardiff City. Saturday, 22 February. 12.30pm. Sky Sports+.

The EFL and Sky Sports have now confirmed all broadcast-selected Sky Bet EFL matches for the period up to the weekend of 1 and 2 March 2025.

10th

Wayne Rooney declared himself happy with Argyle's draw on the road at Derby County, giving the Greens four points from last week's two games.

The Argyle Head Coach made four changes from the starting line up against Portsmouth. Into the side at Pride Park came Michael Obafemi, Mustapha Bundu and Callum Wright, who all impacted the Pompey game as substitutes as well as Adam Randell, who had missed the previous couple of game through injury, with the midfielder taking the captain's armband.

Derby went ahead early on thanks to a spectacular overhead kick by Jerry Yates, but Argyle equalised before half-time through Adam Randell's deflected direct free-kick.

The Rams threatened more than their visitors during the game, but Argyle defended resolutely and, on occasions, saw moments to try to pinch a goal that would have given them a first away win of the season.

As it was, a point was probably what the Greens deserved, though Rooney would have liked his team to push a little more to get all three.

"We wanted to try and win the game, and I felt the game was there for us to do that," he said. "We were getting the ball down and moving it. We were getting into good areas, but we were a little bit wasteful and a little bit sloppy at times with that.

"Derby County's home form has been excellent this season, so we know it's a very difficult place to come. Going a goal down early on was really frustrating because we knew one of their big strengths is that they're the best in the league at scoring from set-pieces, so that was disappointing.

"I think, after that, we dug in on set-pieces and defended well. We had an element of control of the game at times. The last 20 minutes was difficult; we had to show really good character to hang in there and we've done that. Overall I'm pleased with the point."

Almost 2,000 Greens made the journey to the Midlands and for whom Rooney had nothing but praise:

"The fans, the support they've shown the lads is fantastic. It's incredible really, to travel again, to come here, spend the money again and get right behind the players. It's no secret our away form hasn't been great this season, but thankfully we've given them something to go home with."

9th

Argyle battled well against Derby to earn a valiant away point at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon. The 1-1 draw ended a run of five straight away league defeats for Wayne Rooney's side. Jerry Yates's acrobatic overhead kick put the Rams ahead within the opening ten minutes. However, Argyle struck back, Adam Randell marking his return to the side with a fine free-kick goal just minutes before half-time. After late pressure from the hosts in the second half, the Pilgrims walked away from Pride Park with a commendable point in what was a closely contested game.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Szucs, Whittaker, Wright (Issaka), Obafemi (Forshaw), Bundu (Hardie), Gyabi, Randell, Sorinola (Palsson). Substitutes (not used): Marosi, Ogbeta, Houghton, Gray, Al Hajj.

The Under-18s put in a five-star display on Saturday afternoon, running out 5-1 victors against Oxford United in the EFL South Youth Alliance League.

The first half saw two goals from Tegan Finn (the first in the fourth minute) and one each from Harry Shield and Seb Campbell, giving Argyle a four-goal advantage at the break.

Joel Sullivan made it five for Argyle before a late consolation for Oxford from Harley Gardner concluded the game.

The young Greens are now unbeaten in six fixtures across all competitions.

Head Coach, Jamie Lowry, said: "The boys were outstanding today; we blew them away in the first half.

"We spoke a lot in the last couple of weeks about having a little bit more quality in the final third. I feel like our performances, genuinely, have been really good, out-of-possession stuff has been spot on. We are competing, working really hard, really aggressive in our press and then just being a bit more ruthless and taking a bit more care in and around the final third.

"I'm delighted with everything today, an excellent performance from the boys."

8th

Following a regulatory hearing on 30 October, in the light of the 9 September charge, Argyle have been found to be in breach of Rule FA21 following a pitch incursion at the culmination of our Sky Bet Championship final game against Hull City last season.

It was alleged that Plymouth Argyle Football Club 'failed to ensure that spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending the Match and do not behave in a way which is improper, threatening or provocative; and/or encroach on to the pitch or commit any form of pitch incursion, contrary to FA Rules E21.1 and E21.3.'

The Club admitted the charge and provided a detailed statement in mitigation. Having considered this submission, the FA have imposed a fine of £45,000 and warned Argyle over its future conduct.

While we understand the joy we all felt after securing our Championship survival for another season, supporters were reminded before, during and after the game not to enter the field of play as it is a criminal offence and will bring charges to the football club.

These charges are not budgeted for, and in line with our sustainable values, we will need to fund this significant fee out of the facilities improvement budget and in the worst-case scenario, from player trading.

While we acknowledge the Green Army's incredible support in good times, it is also important to recognise these moments where we are in breach of FA regulations and remind supporters of their responsibilities as custodians of Plymouth Argyle Football Club. There will be no further comment.

Georgia Wilson has been voted Argyle Women's Player of the Month for October.

In a month of tough FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division fixtures, the midfielder's winning goal against Billericay Town in the second round of the FAWNL Cup secured a quarter-final place for the Greens.

Georgia won the supporters' vote with 56% of the poll, ahead of Charlotte Whitmore (24%), Ella Stephens (13%) and Caitlin Smith (7%).

6th

Argyle's win over Portsmouth in last night's televised game was a victory for substance over style.

It was hardly a classic between two sides who began the night in the relegation zone, but the longer the match progressed, the better Argyle got, and in the end Michael Obafemi's late strike was enough to claim a fourth home win in the last five for Wayne Rooney's Greens.

"It wasn't our greatest performance, to say the least, but tonight was all about the result," said Rooney.

"I said to the players before the game: Whatever happens, we have to make sure we come off the pitch with three points after our recent run of form, so I'm delighted for the lads because they stuck in there today. They worked extremely hard to get the win and thankfully we've done that.

"Tonight was a bit more basic than some of the performances we've had here at Home Park, but it's just as effective with us getting the three points."

Those three points mean that Argyle have moved out of the relegation zone.

Joe Edwards has been voted as Argyle's CT1 Player of the Month for October, making it back-to-back wins, after he picked up the award for September as well.

The Pilgrims' captain has been one of Argyle's standout players of the campaign so far, having featured in four out of five games in the month, his first of which was the memorable late win over Blackburn Rovers at Home Park.

He won the supporters' poll with 32% of the vote, ahead of Lewis Gibson (30%), Dan Grimshaw (22%) and Adam Randell (16%).

5th

Substitute Michael Obafemi scored the game's only goal as Argyle outlasted a game Portsmouth side at Home Park. Bottom side Pompey hustled from the off, and had Argyle on the back foot, but the Pilgrims held firm, keeping a much-needed clean sheet and scoring late on to seal a 1-0 home victory.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Houghton, Pleguezuelo, Szucs, Whittaker (Palsson 90), Gyabi, Gray (Obafemi 70), Al Hajj (Wright 62), Sorinola, Issaka (Bundu 62). Substitutes: Marosi, Ogbeta, Hardie, Forshaw, Roberts.

Argyle Women have signed attacker Chloe McMahon. The 18-year-old, who is studying at Plymouth University, featured for several years in the youth set-up at Bristol City, playing for the Robins from Under-14 to Under-21 levels.

She also played for Wales at Under-15s, -16s, -17s and -19s level in multiple competitions.

"I've been training for the last few weeks and I'm starting to get settled," Chloe told Argyle TV. "Everyone has been really welcoming as well, which has been nice. I'm doing physiotherapy at the University of Plymouth, and it's been good so far. I'm just finding my feet now but it's nice to play football as well alongside it

"I just want to show what I can do and play football; that's the main point. This club is great, and I want to see how far I can get."

Head Coach, Ryan Perks, said: "We're delighted to have Chloe sign with the club. She's been training with the side for several weeks now and knows what we want from her but is also familiar with the squad and how we want to play."

Meanwhile, midfielder Kelsey Blight has decided to leave Argyle to pursue a footballing opportunity elsewhere.

Kelsey was one of three Under-16s to step up into the first-team squad this season after coming through the Academy pathway at Home Park, featuring four times off the bench since August.

Ryan Perks said that Kelsey left with the Club's heartfelt thanks and best wishes. "She's been part of this Club for a long period. She'll be moving on to pursue first-team football opportunities elsewhere, and we wish her all the best on her journey ahead. The door will always be open for her."

4th

Argyle Women have been drawn at home to Exeter City in the second round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.

Exeter currently sit fourth in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division, with Argyle in 11th.

The game is scheduled to be played on Sunday, 24 November.

3rd

Wayne Rooney rued an eight-minute period at Elland Road yesterday in which the game got away from his Argyle side.

With a defensive line-up, the Pilgrims saw out the opening third in relative comfort, but when Dan James scored on the half-hour mark, it signalled a run of Leeds goals, with Joel Piroe adding the second two minutes later, and Brenden Aaronson scoring the third on 38 minutes. From there, it was a stroll to victory for Leeds, who retained the 3-0 scoreline to the final whistle.

Rooney's options were limited. Long-term injuries to Muhamed Tijani, Brendan Galloway and Conor Hazard have been joined in recent weeks by stalwarts Lewis Gibson and Joe Edwards. Adam Randell was also missing with a knock picked up against Preston North End. Plus Ibrahim Cissoko was serving the final game of a suspension, and Darko Gyabi was ineligible to play against his parent club. Two youth products featured: Caleb Roberts started and 16-year-old Tegan Finn came on as substitute, becoming the sixth-youngest Pilgrim of all time. Rooney's team selection was also made with one eye on the forthcoming Tuesday game at home to Portsmouth.

Rooney said: "We went with the game plan to try to be resilient, try to defend our box, which I thought we did well for 25 minutes, then we conceded the first goal and then I think there is probably a lack of concentration for the second and third goals.

"I think it was seven minutes, something like that, between the first and third goal - and that kills the game; it kills our plans. Then we're playing for pride to try to not let the scoreline get any bigger, hopefully we can try and nick one, which we didn't look like doing."

"We came here knowing Leeds are a very good team... We were missing some key players as well. We knew it was going to be a difficult game for us today, but we set up with a game plan to try to stay in the game as long as we could..."We didn't get to that point in the game, so [I am] really disappointed."

Argyle Women secured their place in the second round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup with a 6-0 victory over Poole Town at Bolitho Park.

Two own-goals and finishes from Charlotte Whitmore, Fern Orchard, Caitlin Smith and Imy Crawford propelled the Greens to a comfortable win over the visiting Dolphins.

After the final whistle, Head Coach, Ryan Perks, said: "I didn't think it was one of our best performances, but we spoke about having a bit of a reaction at half-time after what I thought was a bit of a lacklustre first half.

"We didn't move the ball quick enough and lacked forward movement ahead of the ball, but we got the reaction we wanted in the second half and scored five more goals. We probably should have had a few more if it wasn't for Poole's goalkeeper and a bit more composure in front of goal, but we got the job done."

2nd

Argyle's away-day difficulties continued in Yorkshire, as Leeds United ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Elland Road. Three goals in eight first-half minutes did all the damage. The Pilgrims had set out to defend and frustrate Leeds, but after half an hour the home side burst through with a goal by Dan James - and efforts from Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson quickly followed. After the break, the game rather petered out, with Leeds comfortable with their win, and Argyle unable to lay a glove on their lofty hosts.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Ogbeta (Gray), Houghton, Pleguezuelo, Szucs, Hardie (Finn), Forshaw, Sorinola, Roberts (Bundu), Palsson. Substitutes (not used): Marosi, Whittaker, Wright, Obafemi, Al Hajj, Issaka.

1st

Congratulations to Argyle Women's U-16's goalkeeper, Freya Weeks, who has been called up for England U-16s and featured in the game against Switzerland which finished in a 3-3 draw.

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