Pleased with the New Lads

...completed 90 minutes for their new club in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game at Cheltenham Town, just hours after joining the club. 

The duo was thrust into the spotlight as Argyle drew 3-3 with the Robins, eventually besting their hosts after a penalty shoot-out. Bencherif notched the Pilgrims’ third goal in regular time, while Reckord scored one of Argyle’s five penalties. 

Their new manager John Sheridan declared himself pleased not only with his signings, but how quickly they appeared to have settled in. 

“I thought the two lads came in and did really well,” he said. “Jamie did really well; Hamza’s a bit short of match fitness but I thought he did well. He’s a threat in the box. He got a great goal from a great ball from Conor. We scored some good goals. 

“Jamie met up with us at the hotel and he settled in really well. I’ve seen him a few times and I tried to get him previously, at Chesterfield. I know what he’s all about. He’s a good lad and I like the way he plays. He’s always on the front foot, he’s a good athlete, and takes care of the ball. 

“Hamza’s good in both boxes, but he’s definitely a threat when we’re trying to score from set plays. He seems to know where to attack the ball. He’s just joined the lads, he doesn’t know many of them really, but he’s a good lad. We’ll get his fitness up and he’ll play lots of games. I thought he did some good things. 

“I’m not bringing in players and thinking they’ll be starting all the time. I want people vying for places. I think it’s important we have competition for places. I think that’s what the teams at the top of the table have got.”