IT'S proving increasingly difficult to avoid drawing comparisons - or rather note differences - between the opening weeks of this season against the opening weeks of last.
Ignoring the League Cup defeat to Notts County on Tuesday night, which, sadly, was to be expected if Argyle were to maintain a dismal record in the competition, the three league points already chalked up after just one game are something that, in 2009/10, were not forthcoming for a further nine fixtures.
Having watched the Southampton game at home, rather than from the usual vantage point up in the stands, I was afforded the luxury of commentary - as well as being able to sit in nothing but a precariously loose-fitting dressing gown.
While the comfortable attire was something to be cherished - and something I may slowly start working into match-days at Home Park - the commentary was far less a welcome addition as Argyle were incessantly written off and referred to as a side expected to do badly.
The Saints may be League One favourites but, to the best of my knowledge, we are also among the clubs tipped for promotion and an instant return to the Championship.
Thankfully, the players walked the walk, saving me from having to talk any further talk, and we can move on with a renewed sense of significance in this division.
Whether being favourites - a far cry from last year's expectations - is something which suits Argyle or not remains to be seen, but Peter Reid opted to stick with the same 11 that defeated Southampton, against all odds, for today's visit of Carlisle and find out.
The only changes being the omission of Karl Duguid and Réda Johnson on the bench, replaced by Jim Patterson, back from his Greek excursion, and the newly-appointed loan-signing Dean Parrett, Argyle started the game looking to pick up where they left off at St. Mary's - whilst I began the game looking to keep my dressing-gown hidden beneath my jacket.
A tepid opening couple of minutes, as Argyle continue to get used to their own new-and-improved playing surface, Rory Fallon's early chance seemed to signal intent before Carlisle's James Chester forced David Button into a fine save at his near post.
The pitch now resembling something of a professional football field, as opposed to a dropped chocolate cake, my mind began to wander and, having spent the morning writing this piece, I couldn't help but think back to last week's commentary and, consequently, begin to hear it in my mind.
To hear voices is hardly ever a good thing - more a sign of illness - but, mercifully, I am able to filter out any sort of analysis that I find unfair.
As Craig Curran saw another Carlisle chance cut-out by Button, this could have been mistaken as an indication that Argyle were destined to spend another first-half on the back foot, relying on a solid defence.
The commentary in my head, however, went more like this:
"Chance here for Curran - saved by Button, who invited the shot. Because he knew he would save it. Because we are favourites and the favourites always win."
Button (confidently) invited another shot as we approached the half-hour mark, this time a free-kick from Ian Harte. The former Leeds veteran remains no stranger to scoring, finishing last year as top-marksman at Carlisle and finding the net in their opening day 2-0 victory over Brentford.
Another fine stop from Button had me questioning whether my internal commentary had spoken rather too soon and if, in fact, the favourites don't always come out on top. It was subsequently dropped, for the sake of the team, having almost failed to learn lessons in the underdog from Southampton.
Both Argyle and United were hoping for a second win in as many games and Carlisle followed the Pilgrims out of League Cup earlier in the week, going down 1-0 to Huddersfield. With nothing but one goal scored separating the two teams so far this season - this was very much reflected in an open first half littered with half chances but lacking in any real danger of a breakthrough.
Peter Reid tinkered slightly, dragging Fallon off just before half time in favour of his namesake Patterson but, with little change, the score remained 0-0 at the break.
My dressing gown still neatly hidden as the second half got underway, I was hoping to focus more on the differences between this season and last, as elucidated to at the start of this blog, rather than the comparisons.
However, having neither won nor lost the opening two fixtures in 2009/10, it seemed increasingly as though a draw was the most likely outcome - leaving the piece in tatters.
Still no real action of note after 20 minutes of the second period and the only problem with such a closed game is that it drives a person to openly discuss strange clothing habits and voices in the head. A goal not only opens up a game but also justifies my presence - that goal came after 68 minutes courtesy of Carlisle's aforementioned veteran goal-machine, Harte.
With not long to show why Argyle were highlighted as early promotion candidates, the 'shock' win at St. Mary's seemed a million miles away and a persistent realisation that what still lacks is a proven goal-scorer was again apparent.
Rory Patterson's equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game, however, saved the point for Argyle and ensured an unbeaten start to the new season.
Unluckily for me, my dressing gown became visible as I jumped up to celebrate the goal and now I'm not sure if I'll be invited back.
Best of luck for the rest of the campaign.
Shaun Staff
