Never Mind The Gap

ARGYLE manager John Sheridan believes that the gulf in class between Sky Bet League 1 and League 2 is smaller than some people might think.

Argyle take on League 1 opposition for the fourth time this campaign this Saturday as they meet Sheffield United in the second round of the FA Cup. Sheridan believes that when his side have met bigger opposition, his side have done well.

The Pilgrims drew 3-3 after extra-time, before losing a penalty shoot-out, when meeting Leyton Orient in the first round of the Capital One Cup in the first week of the season. Swindon Town were beaten 3-2 in another thriller when they visited Home Park in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy; a competition the Greens exited after defeat at Coventry City in the following round.

“I wouldn’t say the gulf in standard is massive," said Sheridan.

“The way teams go about and play; it’s a passing game now, even in our division. I wouldn’t say the gap's massive.

“We’ve performed against sides who are in a bigger division, and I thought we coped and matched them, and hopefully we can do that on Saturday.

“We have got players in the team who have played in a higher division. I’ve got younger players who I think can play in a higher division.

“So I’ll go there and I’m sure Nigel [Clough] will be weary of us, and if he’s watched us, he’ll think we’re a decent team, and he’ll respect us.

“I expect a very tough game, they’re a good team.

"They did really well in the cup last year, so it’ll be a really good test for us. But we’ll go there, we’re confident that we can get something from the game, which is good.

“Hopefully we won’t let ourselves down.”