Right on Cue

The on-loan Reading man came off the substitutes' bench at the right time in Argyle’s 1-0 win at Accrington Stanley. Argyle were under a bit of pressure from the home side, but from the time Tanner came on, the tide started to turn. 

His introduction was followed by a double sub – Arnie Garita and David Goodwillie came on – and a switch in shape, and before long Tanner and Goodwillie had combined to score what would ultimately be the winning goal. 

“Ozzie picked up the ball and cut in on his right foot,” said Craig, recalling the goal. “I saw the pocket in front of me and drifted in to that. I got on the half turn and thought about a shot, but I saw Goodie in a better position, played it to him and continued my run. 

“It was superb from Goodie; a brilliant ball, perfectly weighted with great disguise and a bit of composure. If it was on my left foot I probably would have missed. Luckily it was on my right and I scuffed it in!”

After a four game winless run, Argyle have turned the tide somewhat. Following a 0-0 draw against Newport, Argyle have beaten temporary Sky Bet League Two leaders Doncaster Rovers and now Accrington, without conceding a goal. 

The wins have propelled Argyle back to the summit of the division, and gives them some momentum heading in to an Emirates FA Cup replay against Newport County on Wednesday night, where the winner progresses to face Liverpool in the third round. 

“We’ve had a little blip, which every team will do,” said Craig. “You won’t go through the season undefeated – it shows the character, how we’ve bounced back. We go into Wednesday now with two wins and three clean sheets. 

“We know our quality. You’re going to lose; you don’t suddenly get down in the dumps. Everyone loses, but you keep your positive mentality and it’s how you then kick on and get the results back. 

“It’s nice [to be top], but it’s easier to look up than look down. When you’re at the top you are a scalp to take. We’ll ignore the table when in it comes to that sort of thing.”