Reasons to be Cheerful - Accrington

HADEN Tye takes his weekly look at why we ought to be optimistic for our next game...

All the Signals
This campaign currently ranks as Argyle's fifth best ever start to a season. Excluding this season, Argyle's seven best starts to a season at this stage have seen the Pilgrims finish in the top two. Argyle have been promoted seven times without as many points at this stage, and have only five times conceded fewer goals at this stage of the season.

Four on the Trot
If Argyle beat Accrington Stanley on Saturday, it will be the Pilgrims' fourth home win on the bounce. Argyle have scored twice in all of the three victories. The run began when the Pilgrims came from behind to beat Barnet 2-1 at Home Park at the end of September. The next win at Home Park saw the Pilgrims win by the same margin, as a late Hiram Boateng winner resulted in another 2-1 victory. Argyle's last home win was the most memorable of the three, as they won the Devon Derby, beating Exeter City 2-0 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Seven Unbeaten
As well as three home wins, Argyle have traveled well, meaning the Pilgrims are currently unbeaten in seven. The latest game in Argyle's unbeaten run was a 2-0 victory at Notts County last Saturday, with Reuben Reid scoring twice. The last time the Pilgrims tasted defeat was on September 5, losing 2-1 away at Stevenage. When Argyle kick-off on Saturday, they will be trying to extend a run of 42 days unbeaten.

Home History
On October 17, the date of Accrington's visit to Home Park, Argyle have previously been in formidable form at home. Out of five fixtures on that date, Argyle have won all of them, with some impressive victories. In 1987, the Pilgrims beat Leeds United 6-3, in 1931, Argyle strolled past Nottingham Forest, winning 5-1. That wasn't the first time the Pilgrims had won by that score line on this date; in 1903 Argyle beat Kettering Town 5-1. Interestingly, Argyle have never won away from home on this date, despite twelve attempts.