PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 3 – 0 ACCRINGTON STANLEY

---

Intro

Argyle were looking to extend their 100% home record in the league this season with a win over a Stanley side who had won their previous 3 matches. So far the Green Army have beaten the likes of Derby, Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday, and find themselves deservedly on top of the League One table. Last weekend they enjoyed a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Lancashire rivals Morecambe, and in fact hadn’t lost since mid-September away at Wycombe.

---

The Ground

Home Park is well placed by the main road into central Plymouth, and enjoys a large car park on one side, and the greener Central Park on the other. A new statue honouring Jack Leslie – the first black player to be selected for England – now proudly stands outside the Devonport End stand. Three quarters of the ground is made up of 3 joined all-seated stands which are fairly unremarkable in appearance. The grandstand, however, adds a bit more character. Also all-seated, this stand consists of a lower and upper area and, despite being recently redeveloped, retains its original characterful design.

---

The Match

Accrington Stanley started the game strongly and were managing to break up any attempts Argyle had at keeping meaningful possession. This positive start lasted until the 24th minute when the pacey Niall Ennis played a neat one-two with captain Joe Edwards and stuck the return ball away confidently. Plymouth keeper Michael Cooper was brought into action 6 minutes later as he turned Ethan Hamilton’s shot around the post. By far the most contentious moment of the whole match arrived in the 38th minute as Argyle’s Scarr and Stanley’s Conneely both flew in for a loose 50/50 ball in the middle of the pitch. The referee took a while to make his decision before sending both players off for an early bath. A decision that I thought was the best course of action.

Home striker Sam Cosgrove doubled Plymouth’s lead in the 63rd minute, receiving the ball in the box, and taking a couple of touches before finishing devastatingly into the bottom corner. Edwards hit the bar from distace with 10 minutes remaining. Argyle continued to push forward, seeking the killer 3rd goal, but it wouldn’t come until deep into injury time. Substitute Ryan Hardie received a lovely ball over the top and finished calmly.

---

The Photos