Spice Boys

...and the best buds kicked off their New Year celebrations by chatting to the Press together - before heading out for some Portuguese chicken.

The cheeky Argyle duo further maintained their habit of seemingly doing everything together by scoring a goal each, as the Greens capped off a memorable year with another home win. After a stuttering opening 45 minutes, the Pilgrims shifted up a couple of gears and cruised past Crawley, with Threlkeld’s placed effort breaking the deadlock on 69 minutes.

 

“It was a game of two halves, really,” said Threlkeld.  “We didn’t get going in the first half. We needed to raise it five or ten per cent.

 

On his goal, Oscar said: “It was our throw-in on the right-hand side. I think I took it quick to Tanner’s feet and I don’t remember from then. I just saw it and passed it into the bottom corner.

 

"[It was a] beautiful feeling. I’ve doubled my tally from last season, so I’m happy. It boosted the fans which we needed to do, and it was a crucial time to score a goal."

 

Threlkeld believes the introduction of his partner in crime at the start of the second half, along with a change in shape, helped turn the match in Argyle’s favour.

 

“Second half, changing personnel and changing the shape of the game, they just couldn’t cope with us," said Oscar. "I think that benefitted us in the second half.

 

“Towards the end, we had to change into a back five, just to get another half in, with Bully [Nauris Bulvitis]. We didn’t look under pressure at all; we did our passing and raised it five or ten per cent, and I think we cruised it, to be honest.”

 

Tanner’s goal came in stoppage time, shortly after Luke McCormick made yet another vital stop, denying Jordan Roberts as Crawley piled forward. That left gaps at the back, though, and Tanner clinically put the game to bed after himself and Jake Jervis unlocked a stretched Crawley defence.

 

“That’s what Luke’s there for,” said Tanner on his goalkeeper’s save. “He didn’t have a massive amount to do all game, really, but he’s reliable. He’s probably the best goalkeeper in the league and he’s proven it with that save today.”

 

Moving onto his strike, Craig said: “I think Jake Jervis owed me one from Yeovil anyway! It’s just nice for him to return the favour and I managed to put it in the corner.

 

“It’s my fifth of the season. I’m one off my tally with half the amount of games so far. If I can keep adding to it, as well as the assists, we’ll just see where it takes the team and take me personally.”

 

The duo’s goals mean Argyle reach the half-way point of the Sky Bet League Two season leading the division. But, with another game against Barnet just 48 hours away and the small matter of an Emirates FA Cup tie next weekend, the lads will not be celebrating too heavily on New Year’s Eve.

 

“I think it’s something nice to give back to the fans,” said Craig on returning to the top. “I thought they were a credit in the second half; [they] really rallied around us. I think they made the difference.

 

“I think we’re going to have a wild night in Nandos tonight! In bed by eleven, train tomorrow, travel tomorrow, and just see what Barnet has in store for us.”