Perspectives

DEPENDING on how you approach things, you could argue that Argyle have failed to score in more than two full games now...

...on the other hand, you can also point out that they are unbeaten since John Sheridan arrived.

Another 0-0 draw, the second at Home Park in consecutive Saturdays, against Dagenham & Redbridge, meant another frustrating afternoon, but the positives underlie the negatives.

“We played better today than the previous two [matches],” said John. “I was pleased with the way we played – I’d like us to play better – but I think we should have won the game with the chances we had.

“It got a bit scrappy towards the end, but I was happy. It’s another clean sheet. Two on the spin. I didn’t feel in danger. I didn’t think we were going to lose the game.

 “[Dagenham & Redbridge] are an organised side. I know [Dagenham & Redbridge manager] John [Still] – his set-plays are strong; they’ve got some big lads. But I thought we defended well again. I don’t think our ’keeper had much to do.

“We all want to win – we were all getting stressed on the sidelines. You can see the lads, towards the end, get edgy because we’re trying hard to win the game.

“I can’t ask for much more, just the quality. Our pass-appreciation and keeping the ball in the opposition’s half for longer periods and taking care of it, was our downfall today.

“If we can do that and get the other team on the back foot a bit more, we can create space.

“We know what the problem has been – it’s been scoring goals hasn’t it? We had great chances – there’s no blame on anyone – but if one of them goes in, it’s a totally different game and [Dagenham & Redbridge] have got to come at us.

“But it didn’t happen. When you’re top of the league, those things go for you. I still think we can play better. We just didn’t get the breaks.”

Next Saturday, Argyle travel to Aldershot, who currently sit just one point and one position above the Pilgrims. While Argyle and Dagenham were failing to beat each other, the Shots were in East Devon forcing a stalemate of their own at Exeter.

There cannot be anyone involved with Argyle, at any level, that does not understand the value of a win next week in Hampshire.

“It feels like a defeat,” said John, of the Daggers draw, “because we know the importance of winning football matches.  But I said to the lads that we’re three unbeaten and next week’s a massive game.

“Away from home, we might be a bit more relaxed. I’m hoping that’s the case.

“The fans were right behind the team. Brilliant. It’s a shame we’re just not giving them the results they deserve for their support.

“We’re not in the bottom two. We’ll keeping working, we’re improving and hopefully we’ll start winning as few games.”