Three and In

JOHN Sheridan is looking to take the positives from from Argyle’s 1-1 draw against AFC Wimbledon into their final three games of a potentially historic season.

Despite putting in an excellent performance for much of their game against the Dons, an Adebayo Azeez goal in the 62nd minute cancelled out Anthony O’Connor’s strike eight minutes earlier to prevent the Greens taking a deserved three points from the game.

The point, however, still strengthened the Pilgrims’ seventh position in Sky Bet League 2, leaving them three points ahead of Luton Town and Newport County, whilst boasting a far greater goal difference than nearby teams.

“I am not really bothered about other results – I was just hoping we would win the game,” said John.

“The results haven’t affected things too much but three points would’ve put us five points clear. We’ve gained a point - we were two points clear at the beginning of the night and now we are three clear - and the goal difference comes into play.

“Most of us have said all along that [goal difference] could come into play. It’s still really tight and there are still teams who really feel there are games and points to play for.”

The Greens’ place in the play-off positions will surely be solidified even more if Bristol City loanee Bobby Reid continues to produce the sort of performance he did against the Dons, which brought plenty of praise from his boss.

“I thought Bobby Reid was outstanding – he ran the show,” said John. 

“I thought he was quality. He was up and down, creating things and really pushing us on to try and get the win.”

Bobby’s namesake Reuben, meanwhile, showed more signs of a full recovery from a foot injury before being substituted in the 71st minute, and the boss is working closely with his top scorer to ensure he plays an important in Argyle’s end-of-season push.

“I’ve had a chat with him; I wouldn’t say he’s playing through the pain barrier but he hasn’t got that same sharpness that he had at the start of the season, or leading up to when he got the injury against Exeter,” said John.

“He declares himself fit so that’s why I play him – he’s got 19 goals this season. He’s a big player for us, an important player for us.”

Bobby, Reuben and the rest of the squad will already be moving on from their Dons draw and focusing on their next two games that could ensure they have a shot at promotion from League 2: a trip to Carlisle United this weekend, followed by the visit of Tranmere Rovers to Home Park.

“It’s a tough game at Carlisle now,” said John. “This result makes it even more important now that we go and win the game.

“It’ll be a tough game Saturday, then I look a Tranmere and I can’t believe where they are when you look at their players. I know Micky Adams and he’ll be fighting for his life – he’s a really good manager.

“Tranmere are in a dogfight and Carlisle are still in danger of being caught up in it. It’s difficult to predict things in this league but we take care of ourselves and hopefully we can get enough points to get where we want to be at the end.”