Happy Hartley

PETER Hartley was pleased with Argyle’s defensive display in their goalless draw with Torquay United.

The 26 year-old started in a back four at Plainmoor that may well be John Sheridan’s preferred combination of players in defence once the 2014-15 campaign begins – alongside Kelvin Mellor, Curtis Nelson and Carl McHugh.

Following the game, Hartley had plenty of praise for his teammates, and stated his belief that the clean sheet they achieved will be the first of many for the Greens this season.

Said Peter: “It is great to get 90 minutes under my belt. I think you will see me and Nelson as a partnership. Our performances will grow the more and more we play together.

“I thought Nelse was different class tonight, along with Kelvin and Carl. I think we will all click the more we play together, and long may the clean sheets continue.

“Nelse is a big, athletic lad. I think we complement each other’s strengths.

“We do a lot of extra work on the training ground and we will continue to do that until we nail down the standard we want to have as a back four this season.”

The commanding centre back is now looking forward to the challenge that he and the rest of the team will face when they play Barclays Premier League side Swansea City at Home Park this Sunday.

“I think there is a lot of positives to be taken from the game, and we are looking forward to Sunday now,” said Hartley.

“Swansea are coming to our place, and we will probably put out a strong team, and obviously we will have to be on our game.

“I’m not sure me and Nelse will be heading so many balls on Sunday!

“We have got a very young team and it will be a good test for our young players, to see what type of standard what we are at.”