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 30th September 2024

Defender, Lewis Gibson, has deservedly made it into the EFL Championship Team of the Week.

Waste management specialists, Biffa, have extended their partnership with Plymouth Argyle.

Biffa will continue to provide waste management solutions across Home Park Stadium but will also sponsor the Fan Zone which will be renamed the 'Biffa Fan Zone.'

29th

Argyle Women secured their place in the second round of the FA Women's National League Cup following a 4-1 victory away from home against Maidenhead United.

Goals from Katie Dickson, Ava Kuyken, Charlotte Whitmore and Ellie Sara propelled Argyle to a comfortable victory over the Division One South West side at York Road, much to the pleasure of Head Coach Ryan Perks.

"I'm really pleased," he said. "We scored some good goals in the game but are slightly disappointed with the goal we conceded. However, it was nice that the girls tried to implement what we worked on in training throughout the week.

"We scored four, but it should have been a lot more. We created probably five or six really good chances to score on top of the goals and we haven't taken them. There's still work to be done in front of the goal, but that's me being overly critical of the players.

"Winning football matches breeds confidence. We've had an ok start in the league and the cup. We want more points on the board in the league but, hopefully, that will come this weekend."

Argyle have been drawn against Billericay Town in the next round tie to be played on 20 October.

28th

Argyle Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, praised his team's 'deserved' 3-1 win against Luton Town at Home Park last night.

Rooney declared himself pleased with his team's all-round game, combining slick passing football with a steely determination to keep the ball out of their own net.

"I thought the lads were excellent, performance wise," he said. "I thought we had some really good chances, could have scored more goals.

"I think we deserved to win tonight. In the first half, I thought we had a lot of control of the game. Second half, we battled and then had our moments.

"I was delighted with the resilience we showed defensively. We had to face a lot of set-pieces; Luton are a big danger at set-pieces. We showed character, getting first contacts, then blocks at the end of that. That was a big, big plus for us tonight.

"We got more bodies in the box and created better chances in better areas. Thankfully, we took three of them. The first two from Rami and Ibs were two fantastic goals, and then Ibs' [second goal] it's one of those scruffy finishes which is very difficult for keepers.

"I think Gibbo (Lewis Gibson) and Kornel [Szucs] in particular were fantastic. I think they're creating a really good partnership. Defensively, very good, but also calm and composed on the ball. I'm delighted with them, but not just them, the work the lads are doing in front of them helps as well.

"The foundation of what we want is working hard, defending well. We know we're going to have to face difficult moments and [it's about] getting through them and then allowing the attacking players to go and win us the games.

"I think everyone is starting to see what we're trying to do. The players are understanding it more - games are helping with that - but it's always nice when you get results from that."

By coincidence, Argyle's Under-18s also played Luton Town this weekend in the South Youth Alliance League. An extraordinary conclusion saw the young Greens salvage a draw, having looked like they had lost the game.

With the score at 1-1, following goals from Luton's Dylan Stitt and Argyle's Joel Sullivan, the game entered injury-time, and Luton dramatically went in front as Harry Fox headed in a 95th-minute free-kick. However, just a minute later, Sam Lord drove home for the Pilgrims to complete a frantic finale at Millennium Fields.

Head Coach Jamie Lowry was delighted with his side's overall performance against a strong Luton side.

He said: "I'm proud of the lads, again. The overall performance was really strong. We're just making naive mistakes at the moment that are giving teams goals and making it difficult for ourselves, however.

"I addressed the boys at the end and said that I can't ask for any more in terms of their work and effort, and in following the game plan I'm putting together. We're just making silly errors that are giving chances to teams that are at the top of the league.

"Wimbledon last week were first, Luton are second in the league and the lads make it hard for themselves by giving them goals from our mistakes, but we're pleased and proud of their performance."

27th

Argyle won a second consecutive home fixture, beating Luton Town 3-1 on a frantic Friday night at Home Park. In a game that never let up, and was played at a ferocious, sometimes out-of-control, speed, Argyle led via an early debut goal from Rami Al Hajj and doubled their lead through substitute Ibrahim Cissoko with just over 20 minutes to go. However, Luton got one back instantly through Victor Moses and threatened to turn the game right around. The Greens saw out the threat, though, and Cissoko, the coolest man in the South West of England, stroked in a third in stoppage time, and put the game out of sight.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba (Galloway), Szucs, Edwards, Hardie (Tijani), Whittaker, Obafemi (Cissoko), Gibson, Gyabi (Houghton), Randell, Al Hajj (Forshaw). Substitutes (not used): Marosi, Wright, Bundu, Palsson.

26th

Argyle have announced that construction of the multi-million-pound Brickfields development is to begin this autumn, after plans were approved earlier this year to transform the site into a sporting centre of excellence and asset for the wider Plymouth community.

Now that all the leases and legal contracts have been successfully completed, work can begin on site to construct the outdoor areas. Those works are expected to start in the next few weeks with the completion of the new facilities phased throughout late 2025 and early 2026.

25th

Joe Hatch's hat-trick saw Argyle Academy side comfortably beat Elburton Villa 3-1 at Haye Road in the Devon St Luke's Bowl.

Hatch continued his fine form by scoring all three of Argyle's goals for a youthful side that included first-team members Jack Matthews and Caleb Roberts.

Elburton grabbed a goal back through Levi Landricombe just after the 80th-minute mark before Hatch secured his hat-trick, three minutes before the 90-minute mark.

Head Coach, Jamie Lowry, was delighted with the way his team performed, whilst also praising Elburton in a successful evening for the Greens.

"I'm delighted with the boys' application and attitude going into the game," Lowry said. "It was a great opportunity to have lots of the ball and work on our patterns that we try and implement with the Under-18s.  

"I'm pleased again for Joe. To score three goals is a massive positive. He's in a really rich vein of form at the moment, but also delighted for Jack Matthews and Caleb Roberts, from the first team, to get minutes as well. It's nice to have them around the environment and dressing room to give the boys a bit of a lift."

22nd

Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, had praise for the Argyle team who went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against league leaders, West Bromwich Albion, at The Hawthorns yesterday.

Albion struck the post three times in the first half, but it was not until just after the hour mark, at a point where Argyle were arguably in the ascendant, that the Baggies leading scorer, Josh Maja, netted. Despite positive play from the Greens, they were unable to find the equaliser.

"I'm obviously disappointed with the result. but [there were] a lot of positive signs for us," said Rooney. "We're coming here against a very good team, but I thought we were well organised, we took the ball well and created some good chances. I felt we deserved something out of the game.

"I really felt we were taking control of the game and then they score against the run of play, if you like. I think after that, for five or 10 minutes, we struggled to get a foothold in the game.

"I made a few changes to the team, and I felt we got full control and kept pushing right to the end. We were unfortunate not to get an equaliser.

"I think the fans, the players, and us as coaches, we can see a lot of improvements in the team. It's really encouraging."

Argyle Women suffered a 2-1 defeat away from home in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division to Billericay Town at the New Lawn.

Ellie Sara's goal before half-time was cancelled out quickly after Breon Grant's driving finish, adding to Valentine Pursey's early goal and handing three points to the home side.

21st

Argyle fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns as Josh Maja's 62nd-minute goal separated the sides. Wayne Rooney's side performed admirably at the Championship table toppers but were left to rue missed chances to clinch a result on the road. Morgan Whittaker had the best of them after Alex Palmer saved with the forward one on one, but the hosts had chances aplenty of their own and hit the woodwork three times.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Szucs, Cissoko (Wright), Edwards, Hardie (Bundu), Whittaker, Gibson, Gyabi (Obafemi), Randell, Forshaw (Al Hajj). Substitutes (not used): Marosi, Ogbeta, Houghton, Galloway, Palsson.

Argyle Under-18s suffered late heartbreak against AFC Wimbledon in the Youth Alliance League, falling to a 2-1 away defeat.

The Dons led from an early penalty, and though Argyle equalised via Joe Hatch, Kiaym Moore's goal at the very end gave the home side the victory.

"I'm pleased with the overall performance," said Head Coach, Jamie Lowry. "The lads deserved something out of the game. They were great for 80+ minutes. Two individual errors cost us and led to their two goals, but that's part of the boys' development, as is learning from them.

"It was probably our best overall performance so far this season. Wimbledon is a tough place to go and they're top of the league for a reason. I'm pleased with the boys' application and general performance in that position.

"It's something to continue to build on and add to, and we're seeing lots of pleasing progression and development in the lads moving forward over the last couple of games. We're really pleased with the direction we're going at the moment."

20th

To the delight of everyone at Argyle, Joe Edwards, now universally known as Captain Fantastic, has extended his contract with the Club. He will now remain at Home Park in a playing capacity until 2026.

Joe said: "It's amazing. I love this club. I love playing for this club.

"I'm familiar with the place and with what it feels to be an Argyle player. To get another year to keep doing it is really special for me and my family."

Zak Baker has signed for Tiverton Town on loan until January.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper is heading back to East Devon to link up with the Yellows again, having spent time with the club last season. Zak played nearly 30 times in the Southern League Premier Division South, and now returns between the posts at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium.

Zak was on loan briefly to Plymouth Parkway earlier in the season but was recalled following Michael Cooper's departure for Sheffield United.

Everyone at Home Park is saddened to learn of the death of former Head of Finance, Ben Rendle. A popular and hardworking member of the team, Ben worked for the Club in the finance department for 10 years between 2010 and 2020 before leaving to start his own business. He steered Argyle through the difficult times of Administration, going unpaid throughout that period to ensure the Club did not experience any further financial difficulties.

Chairman, Simon Hallett, said: "Ben was someone I got to know well during his time at the club and I was shocked to hear of his passing.

"He was a young man with a young family and lots of life left to live and this news is just devastating for everyone. I want to personally send my condolences to his family and friends."

Ben leaves a wife and three children.

18th

Argyle have announced that they will be screening selected A away matches in the Sports Bar at the Far Post this season. Members of the Green Army who aren't able to support the side on their travels can do so from the comfort of Home Park.

Because of domestic streaming restrictions, so far, these are the only fixtures selected:

Saturday, 19 October - Cardiff City v Argyle (12.30pm KO)

Thursday, 26 December – Coventry City v Argyle (3pm KO)

Saturday, 4 January – Stoke City v Argyle (12.30pm KO)

No pre-booking is necessary.

Argyle Women have signed goalkeeper, Comfort Erhabor, on loan from Women's Super League team Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the season.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper who has featured for the Seagulls' Under-19s team, signed her first professional contract in January 2024. She was a starter and on the winning side in the Nike Premier Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur.

She joined Brighton from West Ham United in March 2023 and completed a loan spell with Scottish side Hibernian after signing her contract with the south -coast side.

"I feel great," Erhabor told Argyle TV. "I'm excited to get started and get involved with the girls. I feel like the club has great ambitions and targets they want to reach and that they're heading in the right direction.

"When I was asked to get involved, there was no second thought. I was like: 'Yeah, I want to get involved!'

17th

Argyle midfielder Will Jenkins Davies has rejoined National League South side Torquay United on loan.

Nineteen-year-old Will spent time on loan with the Gulls last season, making 33 appearances and scoring seven goals, despite missing part of the season with a knee injury.

He signed a one-year contract extension with Argyle in June and will now return to Torquay for regular game time and to continue his development.

15th

Argyle Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, was naturally thrilled with his team's performance in beating previously unbeaten league-leaders, Sunderland 3-2 yesterday afternoon in front of a packed Home Park.

However, the Greens' first win of the season didn't come easily as Sunderland seemed to boss the game in the first half, going in front with a dubious penalty.

"I thought in the first half we were okay," said Rooney, with a telling downward stress on the word 'okay', "but the chances they created came from us giving the ball away. I think we tidied up on that.

"I challenged them at half-time to be a bit more aggressive in the final third, to put balls in the box, land on second balls and get shots off. They went out and did it in the second half. That's what you want as a coach, when you're asking them to do things a little bit more. They did go out and do it, so I'm really pleased they did.

"I thought in the second half we were outstanding; over the course of the game, I think we deserved to win."

The icing on the cake was delivered by Captain Fantastic, Joe Edwards. After running tirelessly throughout the game, the almost-34-year-old popped up to score the winning goal on the rebound from the Sunderland keeper in the third of seven added minutes, sending the Devonport End delirious with excitement.

"Joe's been fantastic," said Rooney. "He's shown why he's the captain of the football club. I think [it's] his passion, his drive; he drives his teammates on as well, and keeps going. I couldn't be happier for him."

"I'll be honest," said Joe, "it doesn't get much better. That feeling is something that I'll never get over.

"I feel good. I just feel I'm in a good place at the minute. I feel really fit - mentally, physically, I'm feeling good.

"It's the reason you play football, that buzz that I get. It's why I'm still running around like a lunatic!"

Argyle Women made it a hat trick of Green wins this weekend when they progressed comfortably into the next round of the FA Women's National League Cup with a 3-0 win over London Bees at Home Park.

All of the goals came in the first period, with Georgia Wilson scoring twice, either side of a strike from Charlotte Whitmore.

"I'm happy we got the job done," said Head Coach, Ryan Perks. "We've said previously about cup football being about winning, but what was quite positive today was that we won in the right way. We had to bounce back after a heavy defeat last week, and it was nice to get a clean sheet.

"We spoke about having a clean-sheet mentality before the game and I thought the girls were superb in spells today. We went into the half 3-0 up and, although the game went a bit flat in the second half, we probably should have scored a few more. Overall, a pleasing performance."

The win means the Greens will face Maidenhead United in the next round.

14th

Argyle picked up their first league win of the season, toppling the previously unbeaten Sunderland in a 3-2 victory at Home Park thanks to a last-minute goal from Joe Edwards. In a feisty tie at the Theatre of Greens, an extra-time winner from Edwards, a penalty from Ryan Hardie and an own goal from Black Cats' defender Daniel Ballard handed the three points to Wayne Rooney's side. Sunderland's Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle found the back of the net for the visiting side, but it wasn't enough to halt an onrushing Argyle side in the final minutes of the game.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Szucs, Cissoko (Galloway 79), Edwards, Whittaker, Wright (Al Hajj 65), Obafemi (Hardie 65), Gibson, Gyabi (Houghton 83), Randell (Forshaw 83). Substitutes (not used): Morosi, Ogbeta, Bundu, Palsson.

Argyle declared the Sunderland fixture the latest in their Project 35 initiative.

Argyle Community Trust, in partnership with Ginsters, invited supporters and members of the community to bring items of in-date, non-perishable food to Home Park. Once again, they delivered in record fashion, with 1,600 items of food and essentials, along with an incredible £1,425.50, collected and donated through the JustGiving page. These donations will help provide essential support for people facing food insecurity through the Manadon Food Larder.

Joe Hatch's heroics in front of goal comfortably handed Argyle Under-18s three points as the forward scored all five of the Greens' goals in a 5-0 victory over Bristol Rovers in the Youth Alliance Cup.

The win at Millennium Fields pushes Argyle to the top of Group 6, sitting ahead of Newport County on goal difference after their opening two games.

Head Coach Jamie Lowry was delighted with his team's performance and their achievement of back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

"I'm obviously really pleased," Lowry said. "It's a fantastic result and pleasing performance. The boys were outstanding. Out of possession they pressed, worked hard, and were ruthless in front of goal.

"I'm delighted that Joe scored five goals in one game. It's a pretty amazing thing to happen."

13th

Argyle have moved quickly to sign another goalkeeper in the light of the injury to Conor Hazard and his expected lengthy recovery.

Marko Marosi, 30, has signed from Shrewsbury on loan till at least January. Born in Slovakia, he has played for his country's under-21 side, as well as spells for English clubs, Wigan Athletic, Doncaster Rovers, Coventry City and Shrewsbury where he has been ever-present for the last three seasons.

Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney commented: "When we knew the severity of Conor's injury, we moved quickly to bring in a goalkeeper who could strengthen the group.

"We are really pleased to bring Marko to the club, he has good experience and the attributes we were looking for. He will challenge Daniel for the shirt but is also another seasoned professional for our crop of young goalkeepers to learn from as well."

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: "I am delighted we have managed to bring Marko to the club, initially on a short-term deal. He has really good EFL experience having played close to 250 games and joins us off the back of a really positive time at Shrewsbury. He will join up with the group immediately and go straight into the squad for Saturday's game. We all wish him well for his time with Argyle."

10th

Argyle and Northern Irish international goalkeeper, Conor Hazard, has undergone ankle surgery after sustaining an injury in the closing stages of the match against Stoke City. He is expected to miss around 12 weeks of action.

Striker, Ben Waine, on loan at Mansfield Town, scored a spectacular 89th minute equalising goal for New Zealand in their international friendly fixture against the USA. The game ended 1-1.

9th

Argyle's recently signed defensive midfielder, Victor Pálsson, scored for Iceland in their 3-1 away defeat by Turkey in the UEFA Nations League. He thus becomes the first active Argyle player to score a full International goal for a European side since Rory Patterson's 86th minute penalty for Northern Ireland vs Morocco on 17th November 2010 (thanks to Argyle Life for this).

8th

Argyle Women suffered a 5-0 loss to a confident Hashtag United side at Home Park, although the scoreline was slightly harsh on the Pilgrims who were made to pay from a series of set pieces.

The Mike Bickle testimonial match between the Forever Green Legends and a Mid-Cornwall Vets XI sadly had to be cancelled, due to a waterlogged pitch at St Blazey.

7th

Argyle Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, scored a stunning direct free kick goal in the Legends fixture between Manchester United and Celtic Legends at Old Trafford. The game ended 1-1 at full time, Celtic winning 5-4 on penalties.

4th

Happy Birthday to our Chairman, Simon Hallett.

1st

Wayne Rooney expressed his frustration at the 1-0 defeat by Stoke City yesterday afternoon. "It's similar to the Hull City game, really, where I felt we were, especially the second half, in control of the game, but were not being clinical and ruthless enough.

"In the second half, I think they had maybe one chance. It's not even a chance, really. It's a half-chance - and he scores.

"I'm really disappointed on their goal as well; [Manhoef] does that quite a lot. It's something we looked at before the game. I made Bali [Mumba] aware of it as well. Bali does everything right really and he's unfortunate, he goes to block and it goes through his legs. I think maybe that unsights Conor a little bit.

"I thought in the second half, up until the final third, we played some really good stuff. We were making it difficult for Stoke, getting in good areas, but it's that last bit, so it's something we really need to work on.

"We've made changes to try and keep that energy up there, have more attacking players on the pitch, but we just couldn't find that clear opportunity. When we did get half-chances, we hit the goalkeeper, or we didn't quite get them right.

"It's something we really need to improve on, otherwise it's going to cost us.

"We caused them problems on the back line, but we just couldn't get that clear opportunity.

"I thought the crowd were outstanding again. I think they've been great since I've come into the club. I'm gutted for the fans today because they've come here, they've supported the team again magnificently and, unfortunately, we've lost the game.

"I think the work we put in, the effort we put in, I don't think we deserved to lose the game, but that's football, it can be cruel sometimes."

Argyle Women chalked up their first win of the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division season in fine fashion - 5-1 against MK Dons on the road at Stadium MK.

Goals from Charlotte Whitmore, Lulu Jarvis, Katie Dickson and Taya Pomfret, made sure the Greens came away with all three points. Argyle dominated the game in chances and possession, with the Dons' only goal of the game coming from a defensive error.

Head Coach, Ryan Perks, was delighted that the team executed the game plan perfectly: "...we dominated most of the game. It was a bit scrappy, but once we settled, we created opportunities...

"If I was being overly negative, we probably should have scored a few more in the first half, but, again, we spoke about being disciplined in the second half and had a horrific start giving away another silly goal.

"We've just got to get a little bit better in that final third because against some higher opposition which we've got to come up against, we won't get as many chances. However, overall, I'm really pleased with how the girls played today."

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