The Grind

JOHN Sheridan was pleased to see Argyle side “grind out” a 2-1 victory over Sky Bet League 2 strugglers Bury.

Caolan Lavery’s terrific individual effort in the 10th minute gave the Greens a deserved early advantage at Home Park – a strike which the manager knew was important not just for the match, but the scorer as well.

“It was a good goal from Caolan, and I’m pleased for him” said John.

“He was quick and direct, and it’s a great finish. When you score the first goal, you’ve got something to hang on to, and a better chance of going on to win the game.”

Bury replied early in the second half, with a long-range looping strike by Chris Sedgwick. But the visitors went down to ten men when Craig Jones came off with an injury shortly after their final substitution was made and Argyle took advantage with 12 minutes to go, when Reuben Reid tucked home his ninth goal of the season.

“Their goal was a good finish from the lad – but it was just too easy for him” Sheridan said. “It just gives them the incentive to push on, but I still think we deserved to win the game.”

Reid’s winner was provided by a cross by Lewis Alessandra, capping off a man-of-the-match performance by the supplier. His showing, and the determined nature of the victory, were highly praised by John.

“I thought Alessandra played very well,” said John. “He was a threat all the way through the game, with his work-rate and creativity.

“The most important thing at this stage is getting three points. These results are the real good wins – the ones you grind out – and we did that today.”