Cox On The Box

So is Boxing Day’s Newport County v Argyle an early six-pointer? Not according to Pilgrims’ central midfielder Lee Cox.

“We’re not thinking about that,” he said. “We’re thinking solely of getting a result. 

“It’s a tough place to go, so the lads have got to be 100 per cent focused for the game and continue what we’re doing.

“The lads are confident; the standards in training are improving each week; if we keep doing that and keep being consistent, we’ll be alright.”

They will certainly be alright for backing in Wales, with the Green Army having gobbled up the 1,200 tickets available to them.

“The fans are brilliant every game,” said Lee. “I have family that go to the away games and they cannot believe the support we have got. It helps us out on the pitch – at times, you can hear them more than the home supporters.”

There will be little time following the Pilgrims’ excursion to the Principality before they are back on Home Park soil for their big Christmas show at home to Oxford United on Sunday, December 28. It is the sort of schedule that sorts the men out from the boys.

“It’s important because we have so many games in a short space of time,” said Lee. “I enjoy that because you get the games over and done with and if you come out good in the Christmas period, it leaves in you good stead for the rest of the season.

“We take every game as it comes. We’ve got a tough test against Newport, then Oxford. We’ll be looking at them individually and trying to get three points from each.”

Argyle have scored three goals in three of their last four home matches, and netted three more on their last away trip. The goals are being shared around, too, with irregular notchers like Bobby Reid, Andy Kellett and Peter Hartley on the scoresheet in recent games.

But no Lee Cox so far this season. “I’m creating more chances,” he said. “It’s been a target to get more opportunities to shoot but, sometimes, my job is not getting up there and (is more about) looking after the back four. 

“If I get the opportunity, I’m certainly going to try to score.”