Staying Grounded

Graham Carey’s fourth goal of the season was enough to see off Newport County 1-0 at Home Park, with each of his goals coming in one of the four wins out five with which Derek Adams’ men have started the campaign.

Pilgrims’ captain Curtis Nelson knows it is more important to keep feet on the ground than have heads in the clouds.

“You have got to enjoy winning because it’s that winning feeling that keeps you going again and again,” said the Argyle skipper. “At the same time, you can’t get too high on the highs or too low on the lows – you have got to make sure you stay grounded.

“The group of lads we have got here are quite grounded. We know exactly what we’ve got to do. If you get too complacent, it won’t be long before you get shot down.”

 

It was Carey who shot down Newport two minute before half-time, when he linked well with Ryan Brunt before unleashing a fierce shot past Exiles’ goalkeeper Joe Day.

“He’s on fire,” said Curtis. “Everything he touches turns to gold. He’s had a few goals and today’s was quite spectacular. He’s a good player – give credit where credit’s due. He’s doing well. He’s got make sure he stays consistent with his performances and tries to do everything he can.”

Despite 29 shots on their opponents’ goal, Argyle were unable to add to Graham’s strike and it was left to the Argyle defence to close things towards the end as Newport threw caution to the wind.

“It was tense,” he said. “Nowadays 1-0 isn’t really enough. You have to try to bury the game. We got the three points; we’ll take a 1-0 win. We’ve just got to learn from it; we do create chances that will help alleviate pressure we do come under.

“Clean sheets are always pleasing, whether you’re defender, manager, coach, midfielder or striker. It’s a team performance at the end of the day – the team keeps the ball out of the net.”