After successive victories following our valiant defeat in the Worthington Cup at Maine Road, we have seen the boys playing some exquisite football, a change in formation has seen Dario utilise the wing play and with Steve Jones and Rob Hulse in fine form, Saturday’s visit of Paul Sturrock’s Plymouth Argyle will provide us with a great chance of continuing our recent run of excellent results.
Last weeks 4-1 win at Stockport was adjudged performance of the week by the league manager’s association, the second time we have won the award this season, having collected the award following our 5-0 away demolition of Mansfield.
Dario looks like to be forced into a change with Dave Walton replacing the injured Richard Walker, who picked up an ankle injury towards the end of last weekends win at Stockport, Walton is likely to replace the in form 22 year old who has been an ever present since his inclusion in the side away at Huddersfield on August 24th. Walton will be a straight swap with Walker and the former Shrewsbury centreback will partner Steve Foster in the heart of the defence in what will be his first start of the season if Walker fails to win his fitness race.
Apart from the possible inclusion of Walton, Dario may also include Neil Sorvel in the starting X1 as the experienced former Moss Rose player has now fully recovered from his illness. Otherwise, the starting X1 will be the same as the side, which began the game at Edgeley Park.
Last weeks goal frenzy will have boosted confidence and with Rob Hulse moving into double figures for the season and Steve Jones scoring 3 goals in his last 2 games, the side should be confident of stabilising our promotion push, Plymouth started the season well but have fallen away in the last few weeks and were beaten 3-1 at home to high flying Wigan last weekend. Paul Sturrock has a well organised side who will pose a threat to us on the counter attack, they have a decent blend of youth and experience and last seasons Division Three champions must not be underestimated if we are to secure all three points.
Dario recently stated that he was pleased with our start to the campaign but warned of complacency, and the visit of Plymouth is an example of a team that we must not underestimate, we are well capable of beating the Pilgrims but we must prove that we are the better side and avoid a slow start to the game. The last two games have proved that we have the ability to gain promotion and we should be looking to win our home games at all costs. With the only home defeat thus far coming against Notts County, we must aim to consolidate our position amongst the leading pack.
Plymouth have won 4, drawn 4 and lost 5 of their 13 league games to date, scoring a creditable 18 goals and conceding 20. Although we all expect us to be 3 points better off come 5 p.m on Saturday, whilst victory is well within our capability, we need to perform and we will underestimate Plymouth at our peril…
Let’s get behind the boys and ensure that we are 3 points closer to promotion come Saturday evening!