Home Or Away?

PLYMOUTH Argyle have now played four games at their Home Park base in the 2013-14 Sky Bet League 2 season – with mixed results.

Wins by a single goal over Rochdale and Bristol Rovers have been sandwiched between disappointing displays against Fleetwood Town and now Wycombe Wanderers, in which Argyle lost 2-0 and 3-0 respectively.

Away from Home Park, fortunes have been arguably slightly better. Despite two league defeats, at Southend and Morecambe, Argyle have looked able to break teams down and threaten more often when on the road.

The best display of the season by some distance was the 3-1 win at Cheltenham Town, while another visit to Whaddon Road yielded a 3-3 draw in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Add to the above, the taking of Championship side Birmingham City to 120 minutes of football, and things look a little rosier.

Points aside, Argyle have scored nine goals in five games away from home. At HQ, it has been two in four.

“We might be a better away team,” said John Sheridan. “When you’re at home, the crowd expect you to dictate how the game’s going, and sometimes when it’s not going the way you want it to go some people don’t affect the game the way they should do.

“Maybe they can hear a shout from the supporters, but that’s part and parcel of football.  Grow up and be strong.”