Out of Reach

JOHN Sheridan was disappointed with Argyle’s 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United, and believed his side should have won the game.

The Pilgrims’ final Sky Bet League 2 home game of the season was on its way to being a winning one, as Jason Banton opened the scoring with a brilliant individual with half an hour gone.

Whilst in control of proceedings, the Greens were unable to extend the lead their lead, and were punished when Jack Barmby capitalised on a defensive error from Durrell Berry in the 67th minute.

Despite promotion now being out of reach, the manager put out a strong, attacking side, and following the game, a despondent Shez felt his side should have come away with all three points.

Said John: “Obviously, I would have liked to win the game, for everyone but especially the supporters – and I thought we were going to win the game.

“I thought we played well in patches, and tried to pass the ball around on a beautiful pitch, in lovely conditions to play football in. Then – again – we did what we have done so many times this season: getting on the back foot for no reason, and then everything just went flat.

“I would have liked to win. Everyone is down and pretty flat. I put a team out to try and win the game, but unfortunately we did not, so it’s a shame.”

Sheridan was, however, very pleased with the quality on display when Banton curled home his first goal of the season, and believes the forward can once again become an integral part of his squad.

“It was a good goal, and hopefully he can keep doing that,” said John. “Once he gets settled in the team, we know he can do that, and that’s the type of goal he was scoring when he was here last season.”

“Next season he has got to build, get stronger, get a better work-ethic to his game, and he will be a really good player for us.”

With one game left of their Sky Bet League 2 campaign, Argyle now sit ninth in the table. The draw ends a run of three straight home defeats, and whilst the gaffer could take positives from his side’s performance, improvements still need to be made.

He said: “I look at us when we have got the ball but I am looking around to see who is prepared for when we have not got the ball and make mistakes, and we do switch off.

John continued: “We have got possession of the ball in their half, then 20 seconds later you give the ball away - we are putting ourselves on the back foot.

“You have got to get those people who see the pictures before the event.”