Standard Bearers

JOHN Sheridan praised the work rate and standards of Argyle players old and new after their 2-0 success over Wycombe Wanderers.

After seven games without a win, the Pilgrims secured successive victories after defeating Accrington Stanley last weekend, with a rugged display at the home of one of Sky Bet League 2’s best sides.

Goals from Lewis Alessandra and Peter Hartley in the first half were then accompanied by an accomplished defensive showing in the second half, exemplified by the performances of goal-scorer Hartley and the ever-industrious Anthony O’Connor, and Sheridan made the point that showings like that do not happen by accident.

“You can see the difference in the team; you’ve just got that bit of aggression, with people who do the ugly things well,” said John. “I think it rubs off on the other players.

“Pete and Anthony are physical in the way they play, and the way they go about things. They give us more balance and they know what their jobs are, and it makes us a stronger team – a better outfit.

“The good thing about Pete is that he is vocal. He has standards, and Anthony is the same, with the way they both play.”

The boss is also buoyed by the work rate and desire of the club’s two newest faces, Drew Talbot and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis – the latter playing for the full 90 minutes on his debut, after joining the Greens on loan from Charlton Athletic.

“Drew Talbot’s come in and looked as if he’s been here for two or three years, and he’s another one that trains properly every day,” said Sheridan.

“Drew’s had a really good career at this level; he has won this league twice.”

On the subject of Holmes-Dennis, John said: “I thought he played really well. He has only been with us a short time but that position suits him.

“He’s calm in possession and he’s got great energy, and I thought he played really, really well.

“They have got something about them, they have standards, and what they do is they give you 7/10 most weeks. I’ve said before that I don’t want a nine one week and a four the following week. That’s no good to me. That’s inconsistency.”