Defiant Defence Praised

AFTER a battling 0-0 draw at Devon rivals Torquay United, Argyle boss Carl Fletcher praised his defence, in particular full backs Robbie Williams and Durrell Berry.

Williams made a notable block in the first half and generally gave an assured performance, while right back Berry was occupied by the lively Danny Stevens, but gave a terrific accounting of himself against a talented opponent.

“I thought both my full backs were terrific,” said Fletch. “We knew (Stevens) was dangerous, I think it’s his first game for a while. Both their wingers, him and Boden, are very tricky.

“My full backs knew they would come under a bit of pressure today. I thought they handled it with great maturity and professionalism.

“You come away to places like Torquay and you know you’ll come under a bit of pressure during the game, you just hope you’ll see it through. I thought we saw it through well and quietened the crowd down.”

Argyle’s last visit to Plainmoor brought Torquay’s first league win over Argyle in nearly forty years, and the men in green were outplayed that day. This time, with virtually an entirely different team, they gave as good as they got against one of the league’s promotion favourites.

“Torquay don’t lose many games here,” said Carl, “They’ve got some really good players who cause a lot of problems. I’m pleased with the way we stuck to the task and the bravery we showed second half to get on the ball.

“I think it was a good game. In the first half defensively we were fine, we did what we need to do. We weren’t where we wanted to be on the ball, but that comes with a derby game.

“But in the second half the bravery of the lads showed through, to get the ball down and do the right things. I was really pleased.

“It was a case of talking to the lads at half time and instilling that of belief into them for the second half. They are all good players and can handle a football. You’re going to get players who have good days and bad days.

“I think it was a fairly even game. I thought it was a tough game. On another day we could have nicked it, and maybe Torquay feel they could have nicked it. It was a good derby; some tough tackles but it was all clean. It was a great atmosphere and hopefully we’ve sent the Plymouth fans back happy that we got a clean sheet.

“We’re getting there. There are still some things to work on, but we’re getting there.”