Ronan's Alright

ON A vital afternoon for John Sheridan’s Pilgrims, it was a good time for a man to notch his first goal for his new club.

On-loan attacker Ronan Murray struck just after half time to give Argyle a 2-1 lead which they would hold onto to claim three precious points.

The Irishman, 21, prodded home after a fine Argyle move involving Guy Branston, Conor Hourihane and Onismor Bhasera, and drew compliments from his happy manager after the game.

“I’m pleased for Ronan. He’s a very intelligent footballer. I like him as a footballer.

“We’ve got to get to know each other’s strengths, and I think the formation suited him today. We passed it and played to his strengths because he’s a good footballer. He’s been in and out of the team but he’s trained 100%, his attitude has been spot on.

“I’ve thrown him back in and I’m really pleased he ended up scoring the winning goal.”

In recent weeks it has another loan player, Jason Banton, who has been Argyle’s leading light. In fact, his three goals had been the only ones registered by Argyle in the previous six games.

He was not, perhaps, at his sharpest on this good afternoon for his temporary club, but Sheridan was quick to point out the longer-term plusses of his Argyle stay. There will other games when his talent assists us now that he has extended his loan until the end of the season.

“I don’t think Jason was his normal self,” said John. “Maybe he was affected by the injury he’s had. But it’s good to have different goalscorers. Jason didn’t have his best game, but he can’t be our match-winner all the time.

“He’s a big player for us and I’m very pleased to get him until the end of the season. I wouldn’t like to play against him.

“Whoever does play against him knows they are in for a game.”