Consistently Inconsistent

...and the manager believes that Argyle’s inability to maintain good performances proved to be their downfall this season.

Despite the unpredictable, whirlwind nature of the Greens’ two-legged adventure in the Sky Bet League 2 play-offs this season, ended by a 2-1 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers to send the Chairboys through 5-3 on aggregate, it became something of a microcosm of their entire 2014-15 campaign.

Spells of dominance and quality were often interspersed with less assured displays, exemplified by how Argyle fell behind at Adams Park thanks to strikes from Paul Hayes and Alfie Mawson, meaning their late surge and a goal from Ryan Brunt was not enough to overcome Wanderers and earn a spot in a Wembley final.

“We’re inconsistent. We’ve been really good on occasions and poor on others,” said John. “I’ll hold my hands up and say it’s got to be a lot better.

“I’m not going to pick things out and blame anyone; I’ll look at myself as well. We’re all together; we lose together and we win together. I really fancied us this season to get promoted, because on our day we were as good as anyone.

“It’s just about the inconsistency in our game. It was a great opportunity of getting in the play-offs, to get to Wembley and get out the division. Everyone tells you that’s the best way to do it, if you can do it, if you can predict it. It wasn’t to be. 

“It’s hard to take when you lose and you’re close to getting out the division. We haven’t performed well enough to get out of the division because we’re still in it.”

One of the constants for the Pilgrims was, as ever, the outstanding support offered up by the Green Army up and down the county, which Sheridan was eager to commend and sympathise with.

“The support was unbelievable for us," said John, "but we didn’t really give them anything to be excited about in the first half. That’s the biggest downer for me.

“The support we’ve had over these two games and throughout the season is superb, but the first half performance is just a shame. They must have been so frustrated in the first half. It’s a crying shame that they didn’t get their day at Wembley.

“The support they’ve given us over the two games has been remarkable, to tell you the truth. They didn’t have a whole lot to shout about. When we’re 3-0 down they’re supporting us like mad, and when we were 2-0 down tonight they were supporting us like mad. 

“I know how good our supporters are. I totally understand their frustrations and the things that are going to be said - I accept that.”