Ben's Best Day

TEENAGE defender Ben Purrington enjoyed “the best day possible” as he helped Argyle to a 3-2 victory at Sky Bet League 2 leaders Oxford United on Boxing Day.

Ben, 17, became the 996th player to make his Pilgrims debut and showed maturity beyond his years and experience in only Argyle’s second win in 19 visits to Oxford.

“It was great,” he said afterwards. “There was a crowd of 10,000 here and it was great feeling to get the win, as well. It’s a great place to come and win, with a crowd like that. It was the best day possible.”

Ben found out he would be playing on Boxing Day morning as manager John Sheridan looked to fill the left-back slot with suspended Durrell Berry and injured Jamie Reckord.

“I did notice there were no other left-backs in the squad,” he said. “I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be, and once you get out there, it was alright; I settled in.

“I started off fairly well and tried to continue it through. I got booked, which was a bit scary. I wanted to make a few tackles.”

The victory saw Argyle rise to 13th in League 2, with a visit to Wimbledon on Sunday, when Durrell – at least – will be available for selection.

“It is good to climb up the table,” said Ben. “We worked really hard. Hopefully, we can keep it going over the Christmas period and then push on.

“I have got to keep training hard, try and get in the squad, try and get in the team.”