Getting Ahead

WITH Argyle’s 2014-15 season nearing the halfway point, Argyle defender Peter Hartley believes the side have enjoyed a positive start - but are still pushing to improve.

After 20 Sky Bet League 2 fixtures, the Greens have earned 34 points and lie fifth in the table.

Combine the league form with strong showings in cup competitions – bowing out of all three trophies against League 1 opposition – and it becomes clear that Argyle are in the midst of their most prosperous campaign in recent years.

Hartley, who steps in as the club’s captain on Saturday against Dagenham & Redbridge in the absence of the injured Curtis Nelson, is satisfied with the club’s start, but is still eager to iron out any issues that the team have experienced so far.

“So far, so good,” said Peter. “At any level, you have got to strive for greatness, and you obviously want to be the best.

“From my point of view, I am looking at the points we dropped, but we are in a good position.

“We have dropped a lot of points we should have picked up – that is the way we are looking at it as a team. There are a lot points we have not got on the board, that we should have on the board.

“If we have a good Christmas, and hopefully the bad habits will get put out the window, and we keep building on the good things we do.

One of the most significant facets of the Pilgrims’ season so far has been their outstanding – and often Football League-leading - defensive record, and Hartley believes the entire team deserve credit for that achievement.

“Ultimately, we defend from the front and we attack from the back,” he said. “That is the way we have played this season, and it has been successful so far.
 
“The work that does not go accounted for – and what matters a lot – is the likes of Lewi (Alessandra) and Reuben (Reid) closing centre-halves down to make them not pick their pass or clear balls, which makes our job easier to deal with.

“I think we have defended very well as a team this season.”