Reasons to be Cheerful - Argyle v Newport

HADEN Tye takes a look at points of optimism ahead of this Saturday's home game with Newport County.

Home Advantage
Argyle have won 22 of their 31 fixtures at Home Park against Newport, losing just five and drawing four. Argyle's best ever victory against Newport came in 1952 at Home Park as Argyle came out 5-0 victors, with Gordon Astall and Maurice Tadman both scoring twice and George Dews also on the scoresheet.

We Want Six...
Argyle have won whilst scoring six goals on August 29 on two occasions. The first time was in 1925, as Argyle overcame Southend United 6-2. Jack Cock scored a hat-trick and Jack Leslie, Sammy Black and Patsy Corcoran were also on the scoresheet on that day. The next time Argyle scored six on August 29 was nine years later, in 1934. This time, Jack Vidler scored a hat-trick with Frank Sloan, Jimmy Cookson and Eugene Melaniphy making up Argyle's six at they beat Hull City 6-4.

...But Three Would Do
The Pilgrims have scored three and won on four occasions on August 29 also. The earliest of those occasions was in 1928 as Argyle beat Swindon Town 3-0 as Sammy Black scored twice and Jack Leslie scored once. The Pilgrims then beat Cardiff  3-1 in 1964 as Frank Lord, Duncan Neale and Mike Trebilcock scored Argyle's goals. The third time Argyle hit three on August 29 was in 1972 in a 3-1 victory against Grimsby Town, with Bobby Saxton and an Alan Welsh brace giving the Pilgrims victory. Finally, the last time was in 1988 at Hereford United, as Argyle won 3-0 thanks to goals from Kevin Summerfield, Nicky Marker and Sean McCarthy.

Different Ends
Newport County have had a very different start to the season to the Pilgrims and sit second bottom of Sky Bet League 2, with just a point to their name. In contrast, Argyle have won three out of their first four and will be tipped by many as favourites to win this game. Derek Adams will not let his team get carried away, but Argyle would be the form choice. 

Third Time Lucky
Argyle have faced Newport in the league for the past two seasons, and at home they drew both games 0-0. Out of the two draws, the October 2013 one was the more memorable, as the floodlights went out at Home Park in the 74th minute and play was delayed for ten minutes. Hopefully, Argyle's encounter with Newport County will provide some goals at the third time of asking.