Doing a Job

AN awkward, yet efficient, display from Stevenage played a part in Argyle’s underwhelming midweek 1-1 Sky Bet League 2 draw, according to John Sheridan.

Connor Calcutt’s 54th minute strike to open the scoring at Home Park came following a physical and direct approach from Graham Westley’s side which disrupted the Pilgrims’ own flow and
tempo.

Plenty of stoppage time was added on at the end of both halves, as Boro never let the Greens settle down and play an attractive style of football. It came back to haunt them, however, as
Deane Smalley netted an equaliser in the 98th minute.

Sheridan refused to be frustrated with his opponents’ approach to the game, and hopes his Greens can learn to combat other teams in the league who play in the same fashion.

“I just do not think the game really got going,” said John. “They came to do a job on us, and they did that job, to be fair, so full credit to them.

“They are a good, workmanlike side and they caused a threat. They get the ball forward early, in and around you.

“I have watched Stevenage on DVD and had reports on them, so I knew it would be a hard game – it always is against them. They get in your face and you have got to work hard to create space and make openings for yourself.

“Tonight was a bit of a learning curve. You have to do the ugly things very well – if we come up against another team who play like that, we know what to expect now.

“It was a difficult night for us; they made it difficult.”