Shine On

JOHN Sheridan was delighted to see his side’s confidence shine through during their 3-0 Sky Bet League 2 victory against Cheltenham Town.

Following a hard-fought goalless draw in midweek against AFC Wimbledon, the Greens not only managed to record a fifth victory from six games in all competitions, but also maintain their Football League-topping defensive record with a ninth clean sheet of the season.

After 23 minutes, a well-worked move down the right flank between Kelvin Mellor and Lewis Alessandra led to Reuben Reid firing home a strike from 18 yards to open the scoring. With half-time looming, Peter Hartley netted a towering header at the perfect time to double his side’s lead before the break.

“We got the first goal, then we get the second just before half-time and obviously we are in a lot more comfortable position,” said John.

“In the last couple of games, we have got the first goal, then pressed for the second, but we don’t get it. It makes life a little bit easier when you get the second goal.”

Argyle were able to express themselves in the second 45 minutes, and wrapped up the game with 15 minutes remaining as Alessandra coolly slotted home from close range after being put through by an excellent pass from Bobby Reid.

As well as notching up three excellent goals, Sheridan was equally pleased with his team’s ability to confidently see out the game and deny yet another opponent from getting on the scoresheet.

John said: “I notice more the little things five minutes from the end, like people trying to block things, keep that habit of keeping a clean sheet and that desire to keep it out. They are good signs of a confident team.

“It is a credit to the players – they have got a bit of desire. I have told them that I believe we can get out of the division and that is what I will carry on saying.

“I will not get carried away, not at all, but it is a good habit, keeping clean sheets. It gives you a good chance of winning the game.

“I thought some our play at times was quality. When we move the ball quickly, and people take one, two or three touches, we are hard to deal with.

“When we are moving the ball quickly, we look quicker as well, and that is what we did. Their back five really struggled with us.

“They [Cheltenham] had one or two moments, and they are a good team. They have had some really good results of late and are a handful.

“But full credit to our team in the way they went about the game. I would not say we made them look ordinary, but we dominated the game.”