Set Piece Satisfaction

WHILE Reuben Reid will rightfully get the plaudits for the header that won the game for Plymouth Argyle against Bristol Rovers...

...manager John Sheridan was quick to point out some additional, deserving, credit elsewhere.

The 82-minute goal in the 1-0 victory came from a beautifully supplied dead-ball from the left flank by skipper Conor Hourihane, one of many he delivered on the afternoon. Reuben met it with a powerful header, and Argyle were on their way to three points.

It was Reuben’s third goal of the season, the previous two having come from the penalty spot.

“I’m pleased he got the goal,” said John. “The delivery was what made the goal. There were three or four deliveries from him today. I think we’ve been very good with deliveries this season, Conor especially.

“We’re working hard and it’s important that we score goals from corners and set-plays. The delivery was a great ball and [Reuben]’s there at the right place at the right time.
 
“At the end of the day, it’s about the delivery and who wants to score the goal and attack it. Sometimes there are too many people wanting the same ball. You’ve got to attack it in different areas. I think we’ve been a handful and a threat.

“We give [the players] four or five set plays before we go out, and we work on them in training. I like players to see the situation and do what feels right. When there’s a short corner on, do it. I thought it was on today a few times.

“We’ve got good people. Hamza [Bencherif] can attack it; [Neal] Trotman’s very good in the box; Marvin [Molrgan] and Reuben are there, too.

“I don’t just want to be the type of manager that relies on set plays,” said John, “but you can get goals from them and pick up points. There are teams that have got out of this league before, picking up 15-20 points from scoring goals from set-lays. It’s vitally important.”

John was also, as you would imagine, buoyed by the fact that the Pilgrims kept a clean sheet for the second home game running, having also won 1-0, against Rochdale, in the previous Home Park outing.

He said: “It’s always a good habit to keep clean sheets. It’s pleasing for the defenders and the ’keeper, they get the rewards and we win the game. You’ve got to guard and scrap for it, but you need clean sheets.

“I’ve said before, we will score goals.”