Goals At Last

PAUL Wotton’s first goal of the season for his beloved Plymouth Argyle could hardly have been more apropos.

An opening goal, struck perfectly from the penalty spot in game number 469 for his hometown club. It was sorely needed – thanks Wottsy.

After Conor Hourihane was illegally bumped to the deck, it looked for a few moments that man of the moment Jason Banton was going to do the honours. Four goals from eight Argyle games before this 2-1 win over Fleetwood seemed like a good CV to claim the right to strike from 12 yards, but when you have a chap in your side who has played approximately 59 times more games in a Green shirt than you, sometimes you have to give way.

Wottsy took the ball, took the pen, took the lead. He nearly took the net, too.

“I’m not bothered who takes it,” said a stoic John Sheridan after the game, “Whoever’s confident can take it. Whoever takes it is obviously confident they are going to score.

“It doesn’t bother me if there are three of four who want to take it. I think Wottsy’s used to taking them here, and as long as it goes in the back of the net it doesn’t worry me.”

As for Banton, he enhanced his growing Argyle reputation with another fine goal to double the Pilgrims’ advantage five minutes before half-time.

He has been a vital commodity for Argyle since Sheridan’s arrival, but the gaffer thinks there is even more to come from the borrowed, gifted Crystal Palace man who now has five goals in nine appearances.

“It’s not a bad record is it?” said Sheridan, “When he’s in the final third, he’s a big threat. He’s got quick feet and is two footed – I wouldn’t like to play against him.

“I think I can get more out of him. I think he’s one of them that once he scores, he might think he’s done his job, but I’m going to keep on his case. If he wants to be a good player he’s got to be non-stop all game, not giving little things and silly balls away.

“If he gets that into his game he can play at a higher level.”