Nearly Perfect

JOHN Sheridan believes his Argyle side “did everything right” against York City before conceding a last-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

Whilst the majority of Sky Bet League 2 fixtures at Home Park this season have been straightforward and successful for the Greens, the Pilgrims were denied an eighth straight home victory in a row by a cruel blow from the Minstermen.

Jake Hyde bundled in a last-gasp leveller for his side from a free-kick in the final minute of added time after Argyle had put themselves in front after just three minutes when the returning Bobby Reid had his cross deflected over the helpless Alex Cisak and into the far corner.

“I am obviously disappointed not to take the three points, but I am very, very pleased with the way we played,” said John.

“We did everything right, other than the last second. They get a free-kick – which I think should have been our free kick; I am a long way away, but I think the referee has changed his mind – it is near enough the last kick of the game, and the ball is coming in your box, so there is always going to be a danger, and unfortunately it ends up in the back of the net.

“I cannot fault [the players] – I just said that to [them] after the game. They are all down, but I am chuffed with the way we went about how to win the game. It is just a shame we did not get the three points.

“I felt no danger whatsoever during the game. Even if we had lost the game and we played the way we did, I would still be talking the way I am.

“I think it is about standards – we are getting a bit of consistency. Even last week [at Mansfield], we lost the game but I felt we should have got something out of the game.
 
“We kept the ball; we switched the play; we did everything that I wanted us to do. We slowed it down; we kept it when we had to; and we created chances, but it is 1-1.

“It is just a shame that we did not get the goal, because when it is 1-0, everyone knows there is always a chance that you could get something out of the game, and unfortunately it has happened to us.

“I have been on the other end – I remember Mansfield last season [when Argyle won 1-0 through Neal Trotman’s injury-time goal] – so I will take it on the chin but, in terms of our performance, if we keep playing at that level, especially playing at home, a lot of teams are going to be frightened of us.”

Whilst results for the Pilgrims are what counts, John is sure that, if the team can carry on producing exemplary performances, those results will come – most immediately against Sheffield United in the FA Cup second round, and then against Northampton Town in the league.

He said: “We have got a point, and now you have got to work hard to win your away game – our next league game against Northampton.

“Obviously next week, with the FA Cup, is a change, and it is a big game for us; a game we want to win.

“We have just got to keep those standards. The league is very tight. We have got believe, and I am very pleased with the way we are playing, especially at home.”