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.

Monday 31st October 2022

Argyle rounded off a stunning October with a memorable game for the ages at Home Park on the final day of the month. Argyle had to fight back to equalise twice, with Morgan Whittaker equalising a minute after Exeter took the lead in the first half, and Bali Mumba doing similar after the interval with a stunning 25 yard strike. Argyle finally took the lead late on with Ryan Hardie scoring from the bench and it was Hardie again who put the game beyond doubt. Argyle won the game 4-2 and go 4 points clear at the top of League One. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Galloway, Edwards (Lonwijk), Houghton, Randell, Mumba (Grant), Whittaker (Butcher), Cosgrove, Ennis (Hardie). Subs: Burton, Jenkins-Davies, Issaka.

30th

As Joe Edwards looked ahead to his 32nd birthday with the game against Exeter on Halloween, he hoped the green army will be part of a birthday party to remember. He said: "There's a buzz about it already. You can feel it all around you just walking in the town, you get little comments. We know how much it means to everyone – and what it means to us as well. We are looking forward to it, especially me. It's my birthday as well, so hopefully it is a good one. We know what's at stake, and we are ready for it. We know it will send everyone home happy if we get a good result, so we have to make sure we are focused and ready for the challenge ahead. In my career, I have not had many big ones. This is going to be the biggest I have played in, in terms of what it means. We're at home, it is a sell-out. I'm so excited for it. You have to control your emotions and be clever with what you do. Ultimately, more than anything, you want to win the game. You don't want to lose because of a silly mistake or losing your head. There are some good teams in the league this year. Exeter are up there at the moment, they are doing well and have a new manager, so they might have that little buzz and bounce. We are in a great position, we want to keep that going. It is a full house and on the TV. We have to produce a performance that will compete in this game and hopefully come out on the right side of it. I've had mates who have played here, played in a Devon derby and scored or done something well. They are remembered for years and years, so it is a chance to put yourself in Argyle history. It is a fantastic club we are part of, and we want to be on the right side of things on Monday night."

28th

As he prepared to manage his first ever Devon Derby as a manager, Steven Schumacher admitted the fixture is more than just another game. He looked ahead, saying: "Local derbies always bring that little bit of excitement. We've been in good form here and we need to try to keep it going, but there will be a little bit more on this one. It's not just a normal league game. It's a local derby and we need to make sure that we're up for it. I loved them as a player. You didn't need any motivation for it. This will be my first one as a manager. I experienced it once as a number two, and that wasn't a good experience, so we want to try to get a better one on Monday night. When the fixtures came out, I said how it was the first fixture we looked for. Everyone is excited for it. The build-up on derby week is a little bit different. The fans will be edgy, which is what normally happens on derby day. As an Everton fan I was always like that when we had to play Liverpool. Our fans will be the same. We want the atmosphere at Home Park to be hostile and noisy, and to get right behind the team and make it as hard for Exeter as possible.

"It is important that we, as a coaching staff, give the players the same amount of information as we do for any game. We have to prepare the same; speak about their strengths, their weaknesses – that can't change. That preparation will be normal. The closer it gets to the game, there's a few players who have experienced it, who know what this game is all about, so we'll be leaning on them to let the other lads who don't know what it is about know how important it is. The young lads, the new players, who have been around the city for a short space of time, they will understand because I'm sure they speak to fans about how important this game is. They've had a great start coming up from League Two last year. Matt did a great job getting them to where he got them to; he's moved on and Gary Caldwell comes in to take over. That's another challenge for us. He's only had one game in charge, so we have to figure out how they are going to play. I'm sure they are happy with their start but in a local derby form and position in the table sort of goes out of the window. I get nervous and excited with the adrenaline going for every game. This might just be a little bit more because of what's at stake. It's game on, on Monday night."

26th

Schumacher gave credit to his number two Mark Hughes for a series of inspired tactical suggestions that helped Argyle get the win over the line against Shrewsbury. Schumacher enthused: "I want to give Hughesy, my number two, a bit of credit here. He goes under the radar at times, but at half-time we were talking about what we were going to do. We knew Sam Cosgrove was going to come on, we said do we go 3-5-2, with Morgan as a 10? He said 'no, let's go 4-4-2. We did it at Derby, and at Portsmouth, and it worked.' We had nothing to lose. With 15 minutes to go, he came to me and said: 'What about Brendan Galloway for Butch? Butch looks tired.' Brendan then comes on and sets the winner up. Sometimes you need your number two – you need all your staff. Our staff are doing brilliantly.

"We spoke to the players this week about 'if they score first, it becomes even harder because they will sit in'. They've got good defenders, and are organised. We controlled possession early on but found it difficult to break them down. They were really well organised, with a back five, three in and sometimes just one centre forward. It was hard to break them own. We made few errors; players you wouldn't expect to give the ball away so often did so. We were a bit hesitant a couple of times. We were a little indecisive with out-of-possession stuff. Adam Randell landing on a second ball changes the game. He made a 50-50 and then Morgan and Niall produce a moment of quality and it's game on. What it says about the players is that they keep going, they try their best, whatever way we try to tinker with things, they take on information and stick to the plan. Thankfully we got over the line. I would have liked us to play a little bit better with the ball, if I am honest, but we got the job done and it's another three points."

Matt Butcher emphasised the importance of composure in securing the win: "It was a tough game. Teams are going to come here, sit off us and let us have the ball, to make us break them down. They played for the counter-attack and were getting what they wanted out of the game. Luckily, we stayed with it, moved the ball quickly and stuck to the game plan, which paid off in the second half. The second their goal went in, we knew they would go deeper and would make it more difficult for us. It's just about staying balanced in the mentality and doing the same things. You can get caught up in chasing the game and making poor decisions. This season, we have won in very different ways. It's about recognising what type of game it is, and to be fair the gaffer and the coaching staff got it spot on. They knew what type of game it was before we even kicked off."

25th

Argyle kept their flawless home record going with a 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury. They did not have it all their own way, going behind on the half hour mark but once again the subs changed the game for Argyle and they turned it around after half-time, with Niall Ennis and Morgan Whittaker providing the goals. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Lonwijk, Butcher (Galloway), Mumba, Houghton, Randell, Grant (Edwards), Whittaker, Hardie (Cosgrove), Azaz (Ennis). Subs: Burton, Craske, Jenkins-Davies.

24th

Argyle's first round tie away to Grimsby Town in the FA Cup has been confirmed for 3pm on Saturday 5th November.

Caleb Roberts has signed his first professional deal with Argyle on his 17th birthday, just under a week after making his first start for the club against Crystal Palace under-21s. Roberts raved: "It's amazing. It's been a dream for years, since I've been playing football. It's slowly come together. I found out a while ago. I had to keep it quiet, and then coming up to the time I thought about it more. Now it is my birthday, I can sign the contract. From playing DJM, Sunday league football, it has been a dream just to be a professional footballer. There's still a long way to go but making a career in the game is what I want to do, and I'm just at the start of the journey. I got scouted at a park – I think I might have been six. I was in the community team for a couple of months, playing a year up for the pre-development squad, Under-7s. Since then, I have gone through all the teams up to Under-18s, and just kept progressing. It's always a great experience, but the standard is so much higher. Every time you step up, the tempo is faster, everyone is bigger, stronger; it's just a massive step up. But it's always a good experience and good to learn. You get an involvement, and then you just want the next game after that, to keep being in and around the first team. Making my debut was the best thing that could happen. It's all I wanted to happen. Coming from such a young age, I've always looked up to players doing what I am doing, and getting into the first team. I want to follow that path."

Steven Schumacher looked ahead to the midweek game against Shrewsbury, saying: "When you are sitting at the top of the league, everyone understands that you have been doing something right, otherwise you wouldn't have the points that we do. They will think 'we want to be the first one to beat them, if they haven't lost in 11 games.' We've got to be ready for that. We understand where we're sitting at the top of the league, and we know how we got there. We know what we have done well as a team, and also areas where we need to improve. We won't rest and think it's easy because we are the top, we have to be right for every single game. Sam Cosgrove might be available. His calf feels better, it was stiff at the weekend. It wasn't worth the risk to have him involved, but it did make us light. We had three teenagers on the bench. If Sam is available, that might be down to two, which gives us more options.

"We expected goals against Bristol Rovers, because of their data and information we had on them. Shrewsbury are one of the lower scorers, but don't give up an awful lot either. They have some good defenders and a good goalkeeper in our opinion. It will be a hard game, but we've just got to try to be positive about it. I watched their game against Fleetwood back and I thought they played well that day. They passed the ball really well and deservedly won that game. They lost at the weekend to Charlton, and probably didn't play as well as they would have wanted to play, but they have quality, they are well organised, and are a threat from set-pieces. We didn't think we played great at the weekend, but we got a point. Our performance level is going to have to be better to get more than a point on Tuesday night."

Brendan Galloway also looked ahead to the game, expressing hopes that he has finally put his injury worries to bed. Galloway: "I'm feeling great. Missing MK was more precautionary than anything. The staff looked after me and now I'm back playing and really looking forward to the next game. It takes a few games to get back to 100% but now I think I'm in that zone. I've been in that mindset probably since the first tackle in training when I came back! You want to get that out of the way, to get the confidence up, and now I don't think about it. If the tackle is there to be won, I will go in 100% to win it. If a ball is there to be won, a sprint is there to be made, I want to give it 100%. I love playing. I love the support from the fans at the games. It's a part of the game, to go through spells where there are a lot of games to come by, but it is something that we cherish. We're all up for it. I'm looking forward to playing Shrewsbury. It's another challenge. We've recovered well from Saturday and are ready to go again. It's been a tough month, games coming thick and fast, but we wouldn't want it any other way. That's the way football is - you have to be ready," he said. "Whoever it is knows the responsibility, knows the job that the manager wants us to do. It makes it easier for us, it's not about who is playing there. As a unit, whoever plays there, we are always solid and always tough to break down. We have all learned each other's games. You know how to be on the pitch as a unit, depending on different personnel. It's amazing to have a sell-out most weeks," he said. "For the fans to travel, put in all the miles that they do, it is something that we really appreciate, especially when the crowd is rocking and they really are the 12th man, driving us on. We can't thank them enough. Tuesday is going to be the same, we want to put on a performance for them, work hard for them and send them home happy."

23rd

Steven Schumacher reflected on the draw at Bristol Rovers, believing it to be a fair result on the face of it. He analysed: "There was a lot of action in the game. It was well contested and played at a good tempo. Both teams were desperate to win it. We got off to a good start, played some nice stuff early on then without being at our best with the ball, scored two great goals. We went in at half-time and spoke about having to start the second half properly because we were expecting a reaction from Bristol Rovers, unfortunately we didn't, we gave them a lifeline. Them, their crowd gets up, and they are on top for a few minutes and we had to ride a storm out. Credit to our players for doing that, because it was tough under the circumstances. We made a few substitutions and got a foothold in the game. It wasn't to be, but it's a good point. We are disappointed to lose a 2-0 lead, obviously, but a point here is not the worst result. I thought we limited them to very few opportunities in the first half. They had one when Aaron Collins got in and Michael made a good save, but that was their only chance. I felt that we were on top but you always get a reaction from the home team, when they are 2-0 down and have nothing to lose. We have to manage the game a little bit better in the first ten minutes of the second half because we conceded early last week at MK Dons. Our experienced heads have got to get us through that first ten minutes and quieten the crowd down. But they scored a goal and then it gets difficult for half an hour. But we stuck at it, dug in when we didn't have it all our own way and we come out of here still unbeaten. When they scored two quick goals the crowd were up and they had the momentum, so we had to show some character to get through it. We made a couple of changes, adjusted what we were doing slightly and got a foothold in the game.

"They were great strikes, nice moves where we looked after the ball – which too often we didn't do. Finn Azaz showed his quality once again with an unbelievable finish, and Rands showed what he can do as well with a strike from outside the box. Two good goals, but I don't think we did enough to win the game. We had a few little moments in the box, but we didn't show enough quality in the final third all afternoon. In the second half we just needed someone to produce one moment of magic and we might have won the game. We'll take the point and move on. This point will look a lot better if we can get a really positive result on Tuesday against Shrewsbury. We are still top of the league, we're still doing really well. It's all good."

On the increasing use of pyrotechnic devices at matches, Schumacher added: "I wish it wouldn't happen. First of all, it takes a long time to get them off the pitch. We've got momentum, we've just scored, so we want to game to get going again. We don't want a fine. Any fines we get comes out of the January transfer kitty, and we don't want that. The FA keep warning us, and the worst-case scenario is that they could deduct us points. The lads are playing so well, but because a couple of people are throwing smoke bombs on, it could have a knock-on effect. It needs to stop. Celebrate a goal. Go wild, limbs – all that. But keep the smoke bombs at home."

James Wilson looked back philosophically on the draw, praising the merits of an away point. He said: "Any point on the road is good, in any season, no matter where you are in the league, especially at a tough place like this. It's a good point on the road at the end of the day. We still haven't lost and there are a lot of positives to take. It was always going to be a really tough game. We didn't take anything for granted, I think that is why we started the game so well. In the first ten minutes of the second half, we played into their hands a little bit. That was the only time in the game that we weren't on top – that's how I felt anyway – but it is what it is. Coburn and Loft are big, strong lads. We are going to come up against that a lot, especially away from home. We've got to learn to deal with that a bit better, especially in the first ten minutes.

"Our attacking boys have been incredible. Some of the goals we've scored, some of the play, it's a pleasure to watch from behind them. We're really lucky to have some really good, talented young boys, and they are getting more confident. I was screaming 'shoot' at Randell because he had one just before that he took a touch and it went for a corner. He's got it in his locker, he's got an incredible strike. There's more to come from him, definitely. The atmosphere this season has been incredible. We need that support – it's going to get us to where we want to go. We're really thankful for it. They are always great away from home as well. They follow us all over the country and we can't thank them enough."

22nd

Argyle lost their winning run but kept the unbeaten run going with a creditable albeit frustrating 2-2 draw at in form Bristol Rovers. The greens went 2-0 up at half-time due to fine goals from Finn Azaz and Adam Randell. Argyle had to withstand a Rovers blitz at the start of the second half and we not able to hang onto their lead with two home goals before the hour mark. The game ebbed and flowed after that and the Westcountry Derby spoils were shared. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Lonwijk, Galloway, Edwards (Grant), Randell (Butcher), Houghton, Mumba, Whittaker (Hardie), Ennis, Azaz. Subs: Burton, Craske, Jenkins-Davies, Edworthy.

20th

The funeral of Gordon Sparks will be held at Home Park on the morning of Wednesday 2nd November. At the request of Gordon's family, Argyle will be be opening the gates of the stadium for a celebration of one of Plymouth's most beloved personalities. Gates will open at 10.30am for a service beginning at 11.30am, led by Argyle Club Chaplain Arthur Goode.

Morgan Whittaker reflected on his excellent loan spell at Argyle so far and hoped to continue his fine scoring form into the game against Bristol Rovers. He said: "There are clear messages from the manager, everyone knows their role. It's not just me that is scoring, everyone in the top line is scoring. It's never normally like this in a team. Normally there is one striker that has a good run, but it's all of us. That's good for us as team, knowing that if I don't perform, someone else can. It's not all reliant on one person. The manager is very confident in the players up front. We have a license to shoot, and people encourage you to shoot, because they know what the attacking players can do. I practise after most training sessions, and I feel confident in myself. I like to come in on my left foot; I have an idea of where the goal is and sometimes you can't look, you just have to know. You know you will get the chances, so you can't get disheartened. Football isn't perfect all the time, you're not going to score every one. It's just getting in that position and trying to keep doing it. Winning Player of the Month last month and us being top of the league as a team, I don't think it could be better. I didn't think we would be top of the league, looking at the games we have had. It's about making the most of the games we've got coming up, and trying to keep the run going for as long as possible. We've just got to be confident in ourselves. We go into that game with confidence, top of the league, and hopefully we'll get the win. Every game is different. We look at where they can be a threat, and be cautious of the other team, but the focus is on us because we know what we can do."

Steven Schumacher emphasised the importance of not underestimating Saturday's hosts, adding: "It's the second-shortest journey we have to make this season," said Schumacher, speaking to Argyle TV. "We're looking forward to it. Both sets of fans will be relishing the game. It will be two teams who are in form, Bristol Rovers have been going well, so it should add up to a pretty tasty game. Our training times can be normal; we can do our normal routine how we prepare for a home game, set off at lunchtime and fingers crossed be at the hotel before 7pm! Apart from that, it's pretty standard for us. We'll prepare as we normally do for every game, and we're looking forward to it. It was a good game when we played them in the Papa Johns Trophy. It will be one we are ready for, hopefully. They've got firepower, some really good attacking players. They were 4-0 up at half-time last week. They've got experienced midfield players who have been around the block a little bit in Paul Coutts, Jordan Rossiter, Sam Finley: good players. And defensively they have looked quite solid of late, not conceding too many goals. They are well balanced, I would say. We know how tough the game will be, but if we play the way we can play we will cause them a few problems as well. We're top of the league, so we should go into it with confidence.

We played well at MK Dons and we will have to be equally as good to get anything from this one. I think there might be goals in the game, hopefully we can come out on top of it. The pitch to the players is to stay at the top of the division you need to be consistent. The three games previous to MK Dons we didn't really pass well that well, but we passed it really well last week, and got into a good rhythm in the game. Our forward players produced some good moments of quality. In all games, whether you play really well, or you haven't performed to standard, it is important that you go over it and debrief. It's not possible to debrief every single one, when you have a three-game week it is hard to find time, but it is important to show areas where we think we can improve, whether we do that as a group or as individuals. It is also important to show what you are doing well. There was a lot of good stuff that happened last week at MK Dons, and I think if we continue to play like that, continue to be as organised without the ball as we were, pass it with as much quality and show the bravery that we did, then we'll be ok. We iron out the problems and reinforce the good stuff. That will help everybody stay on track. We are never as good as people say we are, but we'll never be as bad as other people think we are. We try to stay level, keep trying to do the right things every day, and that stands you in good stead."

Schumacher admitted that speculation is part and parcel of managing Argyle whilst they are so successful, amidst media reports that he has been linked with a move to West Brom. He reflected: "It will probably happen again at some point if we stay top of the league. I shouldn't think I have to explain every single time that I'm really happy here, I have got an amazing job, I love the place. It's part and parcel of football, if someone is doing well then you get linked with jobs, and the bookies do what the bookies do, but I'm focused on the job. The players crack a joke every now and again 'You are still here then?' They understand that it's part and parcel of it. Just like Michael Cooper would understand. It's part of the game. I'm not going to come in and work any less harder than I do any week because someone says 'Someone is interested in you' and the players wouldn't do that either. It's just business as usual."

Conor Grant reflected on his return to fitness following a long spell on the sidelines which ended with his first start of the season, against Crystal Palace under-21s in midweek. Grant frankly said: "For quite a while I was playing with a groin injury which I eventually found out the tendon had come off the bone and it needed reattaching. Looking back it was pretty painful and I was struggling to get through games with painkillers and anti-inflammatories. It was a tough period but we were flying and I didn't want to miss any football. No-one wanted me to miss any football. Just in the end I went to the specialist and I needed surgery straight away really. Then I had a frustrating time with the rehab, picking up a couple little niggles, which can happen. It hasn't been straightforward but now that I'm back building up it's worth it now. I was playing with it for quite a long time. It's quite an obscure injury. The surgeon was incredible, he straight away pointed it out and he got it fixed. Touch wood it's better than ever, it's stronger than ever, and I'm thankful to him for finding it and getting a solution. He set out a clear plan for how you get back and filled me with confidence that it was going to be fine. It was pretty routine but it needed to be done because it wasn't going to get any better. I got 60 minutes in and I felt good. The last few weeks I have been coming off the bench, which has been nice, but I have been trying to get a start. Obviously, as the lads are flying it has been hard to get that in the league so this was a good game to get that. When you are coming on as a sub it can be in different situations where you are either seeing out the game or you are trying to make an impact - we have had a couple of different ones. Obviously, starting the game is a lot better and you have to get up to the speed quicker. It's probably physically more demanding but it's what I need. In this formation I think I can play in a number of positions. It's obviously up to where the Gaffer wants to play me really and coming off the bench you have got to be flexible with that."

19th

Steven Schumacher expressed his delight at Argyle's progression into the next stage of the Football League Trophy, especially proud of Niall Ennis for continuing his goalscoring run in the competition. Schumacher said: "I'm pleased to get through, first and foremost. We knew what we needed tonight, we need a point, that's why we went for experience down the middle of the pitch, and youth on the outside. It got the job done. It wasn't pretty; the conditions weren't easy to play in. We turned the ball over a few too many times. We were rubbish in possession, for the first 55 or 60 minutes, but after that we passed it a bit better. I am pleased for Niall Ennis to score. A draw was enough anyway, but Niall keeps his run going.

"I thought the seniors went about the game well. They defended really well, Scarrsy in particular. I thought we were organised with our press and made the goalie kick it all the time, which is meat and drink to Dan Scarr. Conor gets an hour, which is good. It will only make him better, and he is getting stronger week-in, week-out. There are some positive signs, which is what we said this tournament would be all about. I'm pleased we are in the next round, and it gets exciting now I suppose. You want to keep a winning mentality going, because we are in a great run of form. Today, we've won a game with five or six seniors in there, and some came on and did well to see the game out for us. It keeps the winning habit going. As we go towards the quarter-final, or the semi-final, if we get there, then I'm sure excitement will start to build because at the end of it is a trip to Wembley. I'd love to go there."

Finley Craske spoke about his return to Argyle and the opportunity he has been given in the two games since coming back from Yeovil: "It was really good to be back out there. I haven't played many minutes since the start of the season, it was good to get an hour out there. I loved it at Yeovil. Everyone there was really nice, but that last step of getting on the pitch – I could never make it on. It was frustrating. It's a good level. Training was good, because you have players who have come from higher up down into that league. It was good to get some experience of proper men's football. All the coaches and lads were lovely, but it just didn't happen for me. The first half was a bit slow, everyone getting used to being on the ball, and being in a different team. In the second half we got the ball moving and a few of the stronger, more experienced players came on and made a big difference. That completely changed it, and then we got the goal at the end which was good. It's very important for everyone, especially when you are not getting many minutes. It's really good to get on and get some match fitness up, because you never know when you are going to get called upon. The gaffer has said to keep my head down, keep working hard because you never know what opportunities may come."

18th

Argyle have, for the first time since the introduction of the new format, progressed from the Football League Trophy group stage, and done so as winners to boot. The greens beat Crystal Palace under-21s with a last minute goal from substitute Niall Ennis. Argyle: Burton, Halls, Scarr, Galloway, Craske (Mumba), Butcher, Grant (Randell), Endacott, Jenkins-Davies (Azaz), Cosgrove (Hardie), Roberts (Ennis). Subs: Baker, Pursall.

17th

Argyle have been drawn away to Grimsby Town in the first round of the FA Cup. The game will be played on the weekend of 4-7 November.

As Conor Grant prepared for his first start of the season against Crystal Palace in the Football League Trophy, he spoke about his long road back to fitness, saying: "I'm feeling good. I'm happy to be back involved, getting more minutes and obviously the lads are flying, so it's been a lovely place to come back into. I've had my ups and downs. After the operation, I knew it was going to talk quite a long time to get back, and then in rehab I had a calf injury, so it was frustrating, but in those moments you have to dust yourself down and try to focus on getting back as quick as possible. The first two or three were just a few minutes off the bench; it was great just to be involved and to feel that buzz again, being around the stadium and feeling that adrenaline again. It's been picking up recently, and Saturday was the most I have played. It felt good to be part of a win again, and playing my role in it. I've been able to get full weeks work in training for the last four or five weeks, building up towards this game. For me, it is so important to have a competitive game where there is something on it. It is ideal for me to build my minutes up, and the young lads have come in and done really well. There will be a blend of youth and experience which is good. When I was coming back, it was the one game pencilled in that I would get a good amount of minutes. In the league games at the moment, it is hard to predict what minutes I can get, because I am still building up and the lads are flying. I have to be patient. I'll back myself all the time, but I am well aware of how well the team is doing, and I want to be part of that."

16th

Argyle have confirmed the sad passing of Club Ambassador and commentary icon, Gordon Sparks, aged 61, following a battle with cancer. Sparksy was moved into St Luke's hospice a few days before his passing and was able to listen to the commentary of Argyle's 4-1 win against Milton Keynes the previous day. CEO Andrew Parkinson said: "It is difficult to put into words what Gordon Sparks meant to everyone associated with Argyle, but we are certain that he understands the love and affection held for him from fans, players, and staff alike. Our thoughts are firstly with Heather and the wider Sparks family. Of course, it speaks to the quality of the man that his passing will affect so many – including his friends and colleagues at the BBC, here at Home Park, and in the Devon and Cornwall community."

Steven Schumacher added: "I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Gordon Sparks today. He will be remembered as an Argyle legend. It was very emotional listening to our fans singing his name in the stands at Milton Keynes Dons yesterday. He will be sorely missed by everyone. My thoughts are with Gordon's family at this sad time. Rest in peace, Sparksy."

Looking back at yesterday's win at Stadium MK, Schumacher added: "I'm really pleased with the performance," said Schumacher. "It was a great win. To score four goals was brilliant. We spoke to the players right at the start of the week and spoke about how we need to be a little bit better in possession of the ball. We felt if we could take the ball today and starve them of it, then we would have a chance. The focus all week was on possession, moving the ball, and trying to play through the lines to our number tens and to be accurate with it. Finn and Morgan have got so much ability; it is our job to get them the ball as often as we can. They were both great for the first goal, the second goal was a lovely move with Bali Mumba slipping in Niall, who is great form as well. What was also pleasing was the other two goals, which we forced from turnovers. MK Dons are brilliant in possession, but they do take chances. We thought if we could force them into mistakes by being aggressive with our press then we had a chance. We've nicked it off them twice, and two brilliant finishes from Finn Azaz.

"We spoke at half-time about how we'd get a reaction from MK being 3-0 down at half-time. They are an honest group of players, so they were going to have a go. We put ourselves under pressure with a mistake, Nigel's ended up closing the goalie down and left a massive hole in our defence, which they exploited. That was probably the only blip. It would have been nice for Michael to keep a clean sheet, because the way we defended throughout the whole game deserved a clean sheet."

"Matt Butcher deserves loads of credit and loads of praise, because that's twice now I've asked him to play out of position. Away at Wycombe he played left wing-back and did great, today he was outstanding. Us being in possession, having another midfielder player in there, comfortable on the ball, helped. Brendan hasn't been fit all week; he didn't train until Friday. He complained of a sore calf after Saturday's game, we didn't manage to get him scanned until Tuesday afternoon. Thursday he was still sore. The suspension to Dan and the injury to Macauley, even though Brendan trained Friday, I just didn't think it was the right call to play him."

"As soon as the gates opened, we came in and we were looking at the pitch, we could see everyone filtering in, we could see where the segregation mats were. I was thinking: 'wow, if we are going to fill that, it's going to be unbelievable.' They were, from the first whistle, they supported the lads, turned out in their numbers. We scored early, which was good, and got the atmosphere going. I'm sure they are all going home in real high spirits, again. We'll probably see one or two on the services on the way back!"

Finn Azaz said of the game: "I thought we were at home. I was buzzing to get goals like that, but I didn't put the majority of the work in, I just finished them off. The credit goes to the pressers really – and the game plan. We've got such a strong mentality, It doesn't matter who we are playing. We're going to have a game plan, but the core mentality is going to be there against every team. We go into every game with a self-belief that we can beat anyone. We try to do that every week. We've got the legs, we've got the energy, we're a young team – and we've got the mentality to go and press teams. We tried to do that today, and we got rewarded. There are games where we haven't been, but today we were. We've got five players on at least five goals, everyone is happy with that. It's keeping us hungry. It gets rotated and it keeps everyone on it, keeps everyone driven. I was brought in to score goals. It's an aim in every single game, but if I can contribute in other ways – I got an assist, and I played the ball to Bali for Niall's goal – that's rewarding as well. As long as we are winning games, and everyone's playing well, I'm happy."

15th

Argyle extended their gap at the top of League One with a sublime win over Milton Keynes, winning 4-1 at the Buckinghamshire club. The greens sailed into a 3-0 lead in the first half with goals from Morgan Whittaker, Niall Ennis and Finn Azaz. The home side got one back as the second half began but Azaz topped off an excellent game with his second goal and Argyle's fourth. Finley Craske was recalled from his season long loan at Yeovil and made an appearance off the bench. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Lonwijk, Butcher, Mumba(Grant), Houghton, Randell(Craske), Whittaker (Jenkins-Davies), Ennis (Hardie), Azaz(Cosgrove). Subs: Burton, Galloway.

14th

Ten months into his tenure as Argyle manager, Steven Schumacher is looking forward to going back to where it all began at Milton Keynes. Schumacher reflected: "I remember being nervous, butterflies in my stomach, being thrown in at the deep end, live on Sky. A lot had happened in the previous 48 hours. I remember going into the game excited, looking forward to the challenge. We played ok in the first half, quite well second half and came out with a good point from a good game. It's flown by. It's been a rollercoaster, a few highs, a few lows, but I've enjoyed it. Every week that goes past you get more experienced. I think the first six months I was true to myself, I kept how we played, the methods that we used. We changed a few things from when Ryan was in charge, of how the week looked, but nothing too drastic. I enjoyed the second half of last season, then this season I felt as though we needed to get a bit smarter, because we all know how the last five or six games of last season went, when we played against the top teams, MK Dons being one of them.

"We got to work over the summer, did something about it, and now we've got a couple of different ways to play. I would say it's still evolving, and I'm continuing to learn as a manager. I'm really surprised to see where they are in the league because they were third in the division last year, and arguably the best to watch. If you look at the turnover in the players, maybe that is a reason why they have had a slower start. It just takes time for players to gel. I wouldn't be surprised if they get it going because Liam is a good manager, a very good coach. I know his assistant Chris Hogg really well. They'll be working really hard to put it right, and I'm sure they will. I've watched a fair bit of their footage back, and their games have been really close, like nearly all games in League One are. They are not getting battered by anyone, they are in the games. The game on Tuesday night, against Bristol Rovers, they were in the game, it was a penalty decision that separated the outcome. They are only one good performance away from clicking into gear and getting that confidence back. It's our job to make sure that good performance doesn't come on Saturday."

"Occasionally when you get these clear weeks, I try to go back and review what we have done in the previous three or four games, and say 'what do we need to work on'. I thought our performance against Accrington, certainly early on the game, wasn't good enough with the ball. That's been the focus this week, trying to look after it a bit better, play with a bit more care and pass the ball a bit faster. We turned the ball over too many times against Accrington. We've had time to work on things, go over it and speak to the players about what we expect of them. Hopefully we've got some fresh legs ready to go on Saturday. It's going to be a good game. We've sold loads of tickets – again – which is brilliant. We want to go a put a good performance on for our fans."

Bali Mumba also looked forward to the game, hoping that Argyle can get their own back for the 5-0 thumping that MK dished out at Home Park at the tail end of last season. Mumba said: "We all know what happened with them coming here on the last day of last season," said Bali. "It is a game in which we would like to get one back on them. They are a strong team, a good team, and we have to remain incredible focused to give out a result. Our main focus is on us, what we can do and our strengths. I think if we worry about that, play our game first, make sure everyone does their job, hopefully we will be fine and Saturday can be another good result for us.

"I quite enjoy the rotation that me and Joe have. It gives us an extra option, and it is something the gaffer can look at and think: 'We trust this player to be on this side this week, and we next week we trust him to play on the left.' As a player, I don't mind which side I am on. There's a lot of things that have been into it for us to be in the position we are in. How hard the staff work, and the manager – they put a lot of thinking into the games. Credit to them for the position we are in. Also, the players. We've got a great bond. I think it is showing on the pitch. We all understand each other quite well. Off the pitch, the togetherness is good. There is no-one out there who I would think: 'I don't want to hang out with him.' Everyone is great. We have to be the ones going onto the pitch and performing. With the attitude that we have in the dressing room, and the potential we have, it's not a shock to me that we are the position that we are in. But there is a lot that has been put into it for us to be where we are. It's working so far, and hopefully it carries on that way."

Adam Parkes has joined Plymouth Parkway on loan. The goalkeeper, who signed for Argyle as a free agent last week, joins our neighbours on a loan deal until January. Steven Schumacher said: "Adam is going on loan to Parkway to get games and involvement because he is only a young lad. He is going somewhere where he can gain some experience, where we can monitor his progress, and he can hopefully be an asset to Parkway."

13th

Steven Schumacher has confirmed that Argyle have not yet received any bids for talented goalkeeper Mike Cooper, despite his dazzling displays in League One this season. Schumacher said: "You have always got to have a plan, you have got always got to be ready just in case. There is no denying Michael is playing great. He's attracting attention but Michael is happy with what he's doing. He has got two years left on his contract and the club are all quite calm with the situation. I would be amazed if the club decide to sell him in January, especially if we are still challenging up the top end of the league because he's too important to us. But you never know what happens in football so you have got to be prepared. The recruitment team will be ready. Yeah, we have got a good player but no-one has picked the phone up and said 'Can we bid for Michael Cooper?' Not one. I'm not surprised if Aston Villa are interested, or they send scouts to watch him, because that's what people do. We send scouts to watch players who we are interested in. That's what happens, but until someone picks the phone up and says 'Can we buy Michael Cooper?' then it's just someone says they are a good player. So people can relax because it's not like we have got a deal lined up and Michael Cooper is going. It's not happening. I think the way the club is run, they have got some intelligent people behind the scenes who understand how important a promotion would be for us. If we sold our goalkeeper, who we think is one of our best players, in the middle of the season that would make our chance less likely of going up, so I don't think they would take that risk. Now if someone comes in with a crazy bid that we absolutely can't turn down then, again, they are intelligent people. They will make that decision, but nobody has picked the phone up and said 'There is whatever million for Michael Cooper'. It just hasn't happened so the rumours 'Well, someone has bid this' are completely untrue."

"Adam Parkes has been with us since the pre-season. We had four or five different trialists as third choice goalkeepers. I have lost count of the amount of them because there was two in for two days, two in for another two days, because behind Michael and Callum we have got young Zak Baker. He's really good but he's just into his second year as a scholar. To have the training group standard the way that needs to be for Darren's department to function properly you need three goalies. If we have an injury to Michael and Callum steps up, Zak isn't ready top be a back-up goalie. We had Luke McCormick last year but he retired. From the first week of pre-season we had our eye on bringing in a goalie and Adam Parkes has come on board because he was the best one. It took a bit of time. We had to figure out if we had any money, first of all, in the budget to bring him in so that's why we waited until the end of the window because I wasn't wasting it if we didn't need to. When I had a little bit of money left, we have sorted the deal out and he has come in and joined us. At the moment, he's a training goalkeeper and he's probably going to go out on loan soon to get games and experience because he's only a young lad. He's sort of in the middle between Callum and the under-18 goalies. He's that age. It's not like we just wing how we work at this place. There is always a plan in place. You have to have your number two goalkeeper ready to sign. Callum only had this season left and he's a real good goalkeeper so we didn't want to let him go. His contract was up so he wanted his future sorted out, fine, there is a plan in place all the time. We are not reacting to rumours. We will work the way we work, and people will make of it what they want. Rest assured, we have got a plan here to try and do as well as we possibly can this season. For us to do that we need Michael in between the goals."

11th

Argyle have announced that captain Joe Edwards has extended his contract until the summer of 2024, in which he will also transition into a coaching role at Argyle. The skipper said: "It's a very exciting time for me. It's a very proud moment to extend my contract and I couldn't be any happier. I've got a lot of thanks to the club, Neil and the gaffer to give me this opportunity. Playing is my first concern, and I want to keep playing and being successful for as long as possible, but with their backing I'm hoping I'll be at Argyle for a long time and have a good future here. I try my best every day in training and games, and they've shown me that respect. They've offered me that opportunity to be here a long time and that's something I could only dream of really."

Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip, said: "We're delighted for Joe, and delighted for Argyle, really – we've secured both a player and a person of the highest quality and that can only be a good thing for the long term health of the club. Joe sets the standard for the team, he's an Argyle man who embodies the values and culture of the club. It speaks to the approach that we have here at Argyle to develop talent and maintain a strong philosophy through at all levels, and to be able to provide that pathway for Joe when he does decide to transition into coaching is very exciting. I have no doubt when the time comes he will become an excellent coach, but we can all see that he continues to improve as a player, and he has a lot to offer on the pitch for the next few seasons."

In less positive news, Steven Schumacher has confirmed that Danny Mayor will miss the next six weeks of football with a calf injury, explaining: "He has got a tear in his calf. We will have to see how it goes but, potentially, it's four to six weeks, maybe a bit longer. I have worked with him for five years and he hasn't had too many muscle injuries. We will just have to see how he adapts to that. It's a blow because obviously he's a good player and a big part of our squad, and he won't be available for a little while. But Niall Ennis played as a 10 against Accrington and Finn Azaz came on and did really well so it's a chance for somebody else to step in and play."

10th

Steven Schumacher admitted to having to sub off Bali Mumba due to the risk of him picking up a second yellow card in the game. Schumacher explained how he could not run the risk of Argyle going down to nine men, saying: "He had been booked and just the way the ref was going, we felt he was a bit flustered in that instance. Bali had made a foul trying to stop their lad coming out the box and I felt if the ball went near him in that four-minute spell and he made another foul he could have gone off. We would have been down to nine men at 1-0 which we just didn't want. We made it before half-time, which used up one of our substitution cards, but we felt that was probably the more sensible thing to do. I'm disappointed with Bali how he got his yellow card. It was silly really and I didn't want to take him off but he gave me no choice. He had to come off just to make sure we kept 10 on the pitch."

9th

Steven Schumacher expressed his delight, not only with three points but also with the fact that three Argyle scorers managed to get on the scoresheet for the 3-0 win over Accrington. Schumacher said: "They are all playing well at the moment and they complement each other really well. All three have a good relationship, they are playing well and scoring goals. I'm really pleased for Ryan Hardie to come and score in the last minute, he deserved his goal. He played well on Tuesday night. All three strikers scored, so it is a really good afternoon. We knew it wasn't going to be easy before the game started, because Accrington are a good team, ninth in the league. They rank first in the data for passes allowed per defensive action, which means that they are really aggressive with how they press. We said to the players that we are going to have to be really at it with the ball, because they are going to come after you. That's what we did, and we gave the ball away too many times in the first half and I thought Accrington played really well until we scored.

"They score a lot of goals late on, and we expected them to come at us and pose a threat, which they did. If we were ahead and they had to commit bodies forward, we might have chances on the counter-attack, and have an opportunity to be clinical."

"The sending off was a bit of a strange one. It spoiled the game slightly, but we've done the job and managed to be clinical and ruthless with two goals in the second half and another clean sheet. The game became a bit more stretched. We had to go to a back four, and John Coleman slightly changed their shape as well. If the referee shows a bit of common sense, he probably books both players because I don't think there was any malice in it from either player, they both slid along the floor and both missed the ball and collided.

"That was a demanding game, 10 v 10 on a big pitch, so I'm glad we haven't got a game on Tuesday. We'll be able to regroup, reset, see how everybody is and prepare for a tough game at MK Dons. Then it is Saturday-Tuesday for the rest of October. It's a busy month, but it has been a great start to it."

Jordan Houghton admitted that the game was a frustrating one for Argyle to play in but stated his relief that the greens took home the three points in the end. The midfielder explained: "It was probably the messiest game I have ever played in, and probably not a nice one to watch. But the three points is the main thing. We know we have got to be better in future games. They were always going to come here and make it tough for us. We've got to learn to win games the ugly way, as well as play some nice football. We've mixed it up a few times this season, especially away from home. We'll have to that again during the season. We lacked a bit of quality with the ball which is frustrating, but so did they, to be fair. It was quite a frustrating game. The main thing is: we won. It's always nice to go back, but Plymouth Argyle's my team now," he said of the impending trip to Buckinghamshire. "We'll go there with three points at the forefront of our minds.

"It's nice to have a free week, to have a couple of days rest. A lot of boys have had a lot of games, a lot of minutes. We've been on a really good run, it's now time to rest, get some work on the training pitch, and then we'll look forward to next week, and another tough period of games with some Saturday-Tuesdays. Games like this are frustrating, but they kept with us. Those periods of frustration I could feel with them, because they know we can do better. They stick with us through the whole 90 minutes, and away as well, so it's going to be massive, them pushing us through every minute of every game. It's a long season, I'm sure they will stay with us, and hopefully we can keep this run going for them."

8th

Argyle's run of fine form has continued, picking up their 8th league win out of 9 with a 3-0 victory over Accrington Stanley. Niall Ennis put Argyle into the lead with a poacher's finish halfway through the first half, and drama was added to the game just before the interval. Dan Scarr and Accrington captain Seumas Connelly were both dismissed following a 50/50 challenge. Argyle had the better of a ten v ten half, Sam Cosgrove and Ryan Hardie wrapping up the win. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Edwards, Houghton, Butcher (Randell), Mumba (Lonwijk), Ennis (Hardie), Cosgrove, Whittaker (Azaz). Subs: Burton, Grant, Jenkins-Davies.

7th

Steven Schumacher and Morgan Whittaker have been named League One Manager and Player of the Month respectively. Schumacher said, first of Whittaker's award: "He was outstanding and played really well throughout the month. He scored some big goals for us, got a couple of assists and you can see he is growing in confidence, week in, week out. He's playing well, and long may it continue. It's been a great month. The results that we have managed to get, the performances we put in against some really, really tough teams – the lads have been outstanding to get the points we have got on the board and to get to the top of the league. This recognition of that work is appreciated. It hasn't been easy. We've had to work really hard to get the points we've had. That's not just the players on the pitch – obviously they are the main people who get all the credit and deserve all the credit – but it's the staff, the recruitment team, the analysts, the data science department, the medical department, the performance team and us as a coaching staff. We try to give the players as much information as possible, then it's over to them to go out and perform and get the results. It's a team effort. I take the award and the recognition, but I couldn't do it without everybody from top to bottom."

Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has said a historical wrong has been put right by the awarding of a posthumous England cap to Plymouth Argyle legend Jack Leslie. The announcement was made during the unveiling ceremony of the statue in honour of Leslie, outside Home Park at the corner of the Devonport End and Lyndhurst Stand. Jack Leslie Campaign co-founder Matt Tiller told those watching: "At the start of our fundraising campaign the FA supported us and donated to us, but last week that took a step forwards as Debbie Hewitt, the chairwoman of the FA, acknowledged Jack as the first black player to be selected for England. Debbie has genuinely engaged with us and the family. She has read the evidence and taken time to understand the story."

6th

Argyle have signed free agent goalkeeper Adam Parkes to add competition to the squad. He was most recently at Watford. Making no appearances there, he has gained experience at Havant and Waterlooville, Dover, and Barnet in the National League. He will wear squad number 32 for Argyle. Goalkeeping coach Darren Behcet said of the signing: "We're bringing Adam in to strengthen our goalkeeping department, to bring depth to the squad. It's a good signing for us. He's going to push Callum and Michael. He's got a background at Southampton and Watford, and has experience in the National League. That's something we were looking for, a goalkeeper to come in that had played men's football; he has that on his side. The biggest thing for Adam is to be in this environment and to keep learning and developing. He'll bring a natural ability, he's a very good shot-stopper and a very good distributor of the ball. We'll add to those strength and work on other areas."

Steven Schumacher looked ahead to Argyle's weekend clash with Accrington and a reunion with some fellow Liverpudlians on the Accrington staff. Schumacher said: "The focus for the last two days has been recovery. The Sheffield Wednesday game was quite an intense game, so we've been trying to get everybody back, recovered and healthy. Now preparations have started on Accrington. We need to be in the best prepared state we can be, and be ready for another tough game. There's a little bit of a connection. Mark Hughes used to be at Accrington, Matt Butcher we brought from Accrington this summer. You can gain an insight into how their manager thinks, how they may set their team up and what their players are good at. It could give us some information you might not necessarily know if you are from the outside, so it is important to use those people who have those contacts and can give you a little bit of info – as much information that you can get, the better. It just makes you more prepared."

"I've known John Coleman a long time. He's brilliant. And Jimmy Bell, too, his assistant. All the coaching staff have been there a while, they are all Scousers, from the same town as me, in Kirkby. He does an unbelievable job at Accrington, always has done. He gets his team playing an attractive style of football and always make them competitive. They work incredibly hard for each other on limited resources. They've had a brilliant start. They are ninth in the table and have won their last three. They've got some good players. They are always difficult to play against with the way they play, the way they mark you. Accrington doing well might surprise other people who don't know them, but if you know who the characters are and know what that club is about then you shouldn't be surprised about how well they always do."

Finn Azaz looked back on his experience with Ireland under-21s, saying: "It was great to get my first cap. It was a different experience with me, going away, going to Ireland and Israel, it was really good. Being able to travel to different countries, and represent Ireland, was a really proud moment for me. I want more of that. I got a call about three weeks before, making sure I was eligible, and that the manager wants to bring you in. Then it was a waiting game, they announced it really late, only three or four days before we left. I couldn't play in the first game, I had a little problem with my calf, but the second game was amazing, even though we lost. I was gutted not to play in the Ipswich game, it looked like an amazing atmosphere. They are the games you want to play in, against the top teams.

"I think we should move forward with confidence knowing we have got results. They weren't fluke results, we've arguably deserved them for most of the games. I try not to look at the table too much, just go game-by-game. But obviously when you play a big team you know that they are going to be good, and every game we have done that, I think. We will prepare the same way we have been preparing and keep up the intensity. The challenge is to do the same now, and maintain the confidence, not have any complacency. It has been really surreal to perform in front of that many fans. I feel like I take it for granted because I'm in it, then looking back it will be unbelievable. Being on the pitch for the first goal, it was crazy. The energy in the air, you can't really get that anywhere else."

5th

Steven Schumacher declared his delight in his team once again, as Argyle showed remarkable resilience to beat Sheffield Wednesday after some tough refereeing calls went against them. He enthused: "It was unbelievable, the way it ended. Maybe one was over the line, we possibly could have had a penalty, but the big man slots one in at the end and all is forgotten. He made a big impact, as did all the subs when they came on. Jordan Houghton was outstanding when he came on, settled us right down after a bit of a dodgy spell we were having. Brendan Galloway the same, calmed everyone down. Niall Ennis was a threat; Conor Grant looks like he is back, he had a few touches of the ball. Big Sam will take the headlines, and rightly so. His header was outstanding, the one that we thought was over the line. He put himself about, he was good with his touch, and he scored a goal that I don't think anyone else in our squad could have. What a good goal – and what a win. It was very tight. It was the probably the toughest game we've had this year. We knew before the game, how strong they are. We didn't expect them to set up in the shape that they did. That surprised us, and it probably took us 20 minutes to settle into the game. We managed to change our shape to match them up a little bit, and got a grip of the game. Half-time, they changed shape again, so what we spoke about at half-time goes out the window. It was a hard night, and credit to the players because they kept going, kept believing and kept trying to do the right thing. We also kept the energy up, which we spoke about before the game, about keeping going in the last 20 minutes of the game.

"It's important we continue our standards. We can't drop off it and think the hard work is done, because it's not. Accrington will be a hard game on Saturday for different reasons. The players are in good form at the minute, in good spirits and enjoying what they are doing. We need that to continue for as long as we can."

Sam Cosgrove spoke of a feeling of deja vu after scoring yet another dramatic late winner to add to his one at Derby. He said: "You could say it's déjà vu. I've had a similar feeling to that before. But to do it front of a packed Home Park is ten times better. What a feeling. You could tell that the frustration and anger was reverberating around the stadium, and it was echoed on the pitch with us. We thought things weren't going our way. I didn't see it from the same angle as the linesman, but I thought the header was over, and it's a stonewall penalty as well. You could think it would be one of those days where it just doesn't go in. When I scored, it was a pure release, pure emotion. When I saw the ball hit the back of the net it was almost an angry celebration that came out! We had a game plan, and that was to hold them until 60 minutes. The gaffer and everyone behind the scenes knew the game would potentially change. All the substitutes have made an impact. Niall's put in two great balls for me, and Conor's put a good one in for me. Luckily one has gone in. The service is top drawer. It's so refreshing for me as a forward. When I came here, I touched on the fact that I played Argyle twice last season and I saw the quality that everyone had, the kind of football and the chances that were being created. It was a no-brainer to come here, and in the half a dozen games I've been involved in, I've had countless chances, and four goals is a decent tally since I've been here. What a crowd in here today. It's top class, and long may that continue through the season."

Steven Schumacher and Morgan Whittaker have been rewarded for their efforts in September, being nominated for manager and player of the month respectively.

4th

Argyle's remarkable run of good form has continued with a 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday to widen the gap at the top of League One. On his return to the side, Ryan Hardie scored just three minutes into the game in a frantic start, Wednesday equalised a matter of minutes later. The game was pulsating and end to end and in the end two substitutes combined for a last minute winner for Argyle, Niall Ennis crossing and Sam Cosgrove heading home. Argyle fans may feel justice was done after Cosgrove had a penalty appeal turned down minutes earlier and had a header appear to cross the line just minutes before that. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Lonwijk (Galloway), Edwards, Randell, Butcher (Houghton), Mumba (Grant), Azaz (Ennis), Hardie (Cosgrove), Whittaker. Subs: Burton, Jenkins-Davies.

3rd

Steven Schumacher explained the merits of an unpredictable line-up as he looked forward to Argyle's re-arranged midweek game against Sheffield Wednesday. The manager argued: "Not being predictable is a good thing. It makes it harder for opposition managers to plan against you. There are some really good managers and coaches in this division. I felt a little bit that last year, especially towards the end, when we played against the big teams, they just matched us up and said: 'go on, we'll see how good your players are against us'. We were a little bit predictable, and easy to play against. This year, it might be harder to plan playing against us, to figure out what formation we are going to play, what personnel will start, because we've got a few different types, a few different styles we can now use. It's given us a chance to pick some good points up against some really strong teams in the league. We're going to need to do that all season. We were really looking forward to this game last time we were about to play them. We'd just played Derby and we were going in to Sheffield Wednesday, we were excited, prepared – and then the game got called off, and we had to wait. We've managed to stick in there and get ourselves to the top of the division. They are still chasing, and are only a couple of points behind us, so it's going to be a great game. They are a strong team, have loads of strengths and a nice balance about their team. If we sell out, which would be fantastic, it should be a good night. I feel like I watch Sheffield Wednesday all of the time! We know a lot about each other. We played each other four times last season, and they were all good games, all tight. This year will be no different; two strong teams, going at it and playing football in the right way. I'm sure the fans will enjoy the game. Hopefully we can enjoy it and get another big result. I'm getting loads of messages, wishes of support. There is excitement in the city, everyone is enjoying coming to watch us play at the moment. That's all down to the players, credit to them for performing, putting in the work-rate and the effort every week, which the fans obviously appreciate, and want to keep coming back to watch them play. We want to continue that for as long as possible, stick in there with the big guns in the league and see where it takes us. It's an exciting time."

Dan Scarr scored in this fixture last time out, and he added: "I am just enjoying myself. All the games coming up, I am buzzing to get to the next game. That's a good place to be in. I just try my best and some days it works better than others. Sometimes you have a striker that wants to drop in all the time, some want to play on your shoulder and run in behind. It's fresh having something new to deal with. I look forward to dealing with every striker that the Gaffer says: 'you need to mark him'. When we played Wednesday at home last season, and we won 3-0, Gregory's movement was good, he was strong holding it up. He's a Championship player really. I thought he was one of the ones who made me feel the most uncomfortable. I still enjoyed playing against him, but some strikers you can second guess what they are going to do as the play is happening. With him, I had to stay on my toes and be alert, which is a good thing. It keeps you concentrating so you don't get complacent. It's mentally draining having to concentrate for that long. If you slip up or are not concentrating, it can cost you. You are playing against good teams and they can punish you quickly.

"We are doing well as a team. I get a lot of help from other players. I might have a good game, but it's the stuff in front of me that stops balls into feet, the line being squeezed so they don't have gaps to play in, and not getting stretched form the sides. It all helps. Mike Cooper is unbelievable. At the moment, we are playing well and defending well and although we try to limit it as much as we can, sometimes they are going to get through. But then they have to get past him. He's a good confidence to have behind you. I love playing under the lights. It's another big club coming down, another sell-out crowd, everyone will be up for it. In general, I'm just looking forward to every game that's happening at the moment. All the lads are in the same place, and the Gaffer is buzzing for these games. It goes right through the changing rooms. I'm really looking forward to it."

2nd

Steven Schumacher revealed that Argyle's win against Wycombe was a long time in the making, impacted by the way Argyle were physically bettered in the game at Adams Park last season. Schumacher explained his plan: "It's a game that's been on my mind since April. I remember going home in a terrible mood. I drove my car home and I was horrible to whoever was with me in the car. I snapped at my missus and my kids. It was a horrible day. I've been playing that game over and over in my head, thinking about what we would do next time. We came up with a plan this week. I'm absolutely delighted for the boys because when I went in on Thursday and told them what I was thinking, they gave me some answers about what we learned from last season. I thought we had to go there and be as big and as physical as possible. Wycombe were the better team last season by being too aggressive for us. We made mistakes and got punished for it, then got frustrated trying to play our way. I decided to go with as much height, as much physical strength as possible, to try to almost play them at their own game because I think it is the only way you'll beat them here. I thought it was the hardest game of my managerial tenure. I'm absolutely delighted. It's the best win of the season for me.

"We went a bit more direct into Sam Cosgrove – who was brilliant – and then would go from there. We produced a moment of quality, it got us a pen and we won the game. He was outstanding, and it gives us something to build from. When you go with those tactics, you've got to have someone like that in your squad. That's what we brought him here for. He's different to what we had. Wycombe want you to play out from the back; they come and high-press you, nick it off you and cause problems. Having Sam in the team allowed us to go into him and he was brilliant. Michael made a couple of great saves, and we got some important blocks in at times. We didn't win every first contact – you're not going to against these because it's their major strength. We had to try and fight against that and having only two players in the team who were under six feet tall – Adam Randell and Jordan Houghton – that gave us that to do.

"I had to explain to Joe Edwards and Bali Mumba the reason behind it. They got it. 'Yeah Gaffer, no problem.' They were disappointed not to be playing, especially Joe, who said we might need his experience, but I just felt Nigel's height at the back post was going to be important, and it was. We won a game last week against Ipswich and it was probably our best performance of the season, but we've made four changes today. We pick a team to give us a chance to go and win the next game. When you've got players that can come in and do that, and people who come off the bench and don't sulk about it, but come on and make a big difference, then it's a good formula. I'm delighted with everyone. It's a real good day."

After a win on his 22nd birthday, Adam Randell added: "It was obviously a different game to what we are used to. For me, personally, it's another learning experience. I'm just happy to get the win. We spoke about it in the build-up; how it is a team we need to start winning games against. I'm glad we could get the job done today. Our game plan was to get ourselves in the game, and we obviously we did that very early on. I wasn't quite expecting it myself, but we got ourselves ahead and managed to hold onto it. We have a plan for every game. Each time, it is usually different, to give us the best chance of winning. We did that today. We just tried to keep ourselves in the game, not make any big mistakes and keep a clean sheet, which we did. Coops made some unbelievable saves to keep us in the game in the first half. Big Sam up front did a hell of a job for us today, keeping us up the pitch. We managed to regain a bit of control after they had a spell, which helped us to kick on. Ever since that point, it was never in doubt, I think. We're already looking forward to the next one. Let's get back out there and get winning again."

1st

Argyle's fine start to the season has continued with a 1-0 victory at Wycombe Wanderers. Often a bogey side for Argyle, the greens took the lead early on after Sam Cosgrove duly converted the penalty that he won. Argyle dug deep for the rest of the game and stayed top of the league with the win. Argyle: M Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Galloway, Lonwijk, Randell, Houghton, Butcher, Azaz (Mayor), Cosgrove, Whittaker (Grant). Subs: Burton, Edworthy, Edwards, Mumba, Hardie.

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