The Magic Word

JOHN Sheridan praised his side’s ability to find consistency, as Argyle once again picked up a 1-0 victory – this time over Carlisle United.

With both teams coming into the game with three wins under their belts, an exciting and evenly-matched fixture was expected at Home Park. However, after taking control of the game early on with plenty of possession and intent, the Greens made the breakthrough in the 15th minute.

An excellent piece of build-up play culminated in Reuben Reid finding room on the edge of the box. His shot found its way to the feet of Lewis Alessandra, who quickly adjusted his feet to turn home from close range.

The Pilgrims once again produced a resolute defensive display to see off any threat from Keith Curle’s visiting Cumbrians, and Sheridan was delighted to see his team continue their consistent run of good form.

“I thought we played well again," said John. "We passed the ball well and we had some opportunities and good set plays in and around the box.

"It is the magic word, especially at this level; it is about consistency, and if one or two of them could get consistency in their game, they could go and play higher.

“That is what it is all about; knowing what you are good at, and do not do the things that are going to make you an inferior player to what you can be.

“When you look at our goal today and the one last week against Tranmere, when we do the move the ball, we look a decent team, but you have got to move the ball with purpose. It was a great goal.

"When it is 1-0 it is always tight, but again we have seen the game through very well.”

Sheridan’s men will be able to try and further build upon their excellent run of results in midweek against AFC Wimbledon in the country’s capital, and the manager knows that the mentality of the entire squad must not change.

Said John: “We have won our last four games - we have to go into our next game trying to win it. They are a handful, with (Matt) Tubbs and (Adebayo) Akinfenwa up front, so it will be a tough game.

“I have got good players on the bench, and the main thing is keeping everyone fit. I said to the subs to be a part of things, and one or two of them might be involved on Tuesday.

“(Deane) Smalley’s come on, Marvin (Morgan) is biting at the bit, (Jason) Banton wants to be playing, young Andy (Kellett) has come in as well. There are a few of them who want to be playing, and that is a good thing.

“But again, it was a great team effort, and a great result.”