Encouragement for Argyle despite defeat in final warm-up match
Plymouth Argyle 1
Harvey 51
Yeovil Town 2
Hayter 21, Madden 24
Pre-season friendly, Saturday 27 July 2013
“It was very encouraging,” said manager John Sheridan, speaking to the club's website. “I was very pleased."
Positive words from the Plymouth boss despite a narrow home defeat to newly promoted Championship side Yeovil Town.
The final warm-up match ahead of next season's League Two opener at Southend United offered a strong test of Plymouth's resources.
In the end, two mid-first half goals by Yeovil proved too much for the Pilgrims, despite a second half strike by Tyler Harvey.
Yeovil ended Argyle's pre-season unbeaten run through two quick goals from strikers James Hayter and Paddy Madden. The goals came despite Argyle having enjoyed the better of the early part of the game.
The home side were not deterred though as they pressed for a comeback. Plymouth's goal arrived shortly after half time and a spirited effort right to the end saw Yeovil keeper Marek Stech forced into a number of saves.
The result will underline to Sheridan the importance of defensive solidity against strong opposition.
“I knew it would be a good test for us." said Sheridan.
"I felt we were a bit naïve; we were dropping too deep and inviting them to keep the ball a little bit.
“I told them at half time to step up ten or fifteen yards and don’t be worried about the ball in behind, just stop them from dictating the game.
"In the second half, I was really pleased with the way we went about our game.
“I like to win every game, so obviously the result was disappointing, but other than ten or fifteen minutes in the game I was really pleased.
"I thought we matched them in most departments and was very encouraged with what I saw."
The match saw the debut of potential Pilgrims signing, left-back Andre Blackman, a free agent who is thought to be close to a deal with the club. All-in-all it was a good final workout before the serious stuff begins next Saturday.
Plymouth Argyle (4-4-2): 1 Jake Cole (23 Luke McCormick half-time); 2 Durrell Berry, 4 Paul Wotton (14 Maxime Blanchard 60), 5 Curtis Nelson (17 Jamie Richards 85), 3 Andre Blackman (15 Ben Purrington half-time); 8 Luke Young (16 Isaac Vassell 57), 6 Conor Hourihane (c), 11 Dominic Blizzard, 7 Lewis Alessandra; 9 Reuben Reid (19 Ryan Lane 75), 10 Marvin Morgan (18 Tyler Harvey half-time).
Yeovil Town (4-3-3): 1 Marek Stech; 2 Luke Ayling (14 Ryan Burge 81), 5 Byron Webster, 6 Dan Seaborne, 4 Alan Tate; 7 Kevin Dawson, 3 Joe Edwards, 8 Ed Upson (20 Billy Clifford 25), 10 Sam Foley (11 Joel Grant 75); 9 James Hayter, 17 Paddy Madden (13 Keiffer Moore 84). Substitutes (not used): 12 Gareth Stewart (gk), 15 Lewis Young, 18 Nana Twumasi, 22 Joey Jones.
Referee: Paul Rees.
Attendance: 2,492 (114 away).
For a full match report and much more, visit the Plymouth Argyle website.
