On the Bounce

The Hertfordshire side are currently 20th in Sky Bet League Two with 11 points, 14 behind the table-topping Pilgrims who suffered a rare way defeat at the Lamex Stadium last season. 

If that was not enough on its own to make Argyle wary, then the fact that Boro’s home form is top ten, rather than bottom five, and that they have beaten Hartlepool 6-1 at the Lamex this season should be.

Manager Derek Adams said: “They have won three games at home this season but they haven’t won away from home, so they have a good home form. 

“They have changed their manager towards the end of last season and changed the squad around. It’s a venue we will enjoy going to because it’s a very good playing surface.”

Argyle will match Stevenage’s decent home form with a defence that is without peer away from home in League Two this season. Central to that record has been Sonny Bradley, who was nominated for Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month for September.

Derek said: “Sonny has done really well for me since he came here; he’s settled in well; he’s very mature for his age; and his power in the air has helped us this season. 

“He’s been a calming influence in defence. He’s also helped [Nauris] Bulvitis since he’s come into the country and that can only help for the future. Sonny has very good influences; they are at a premium.” 

Sonny looks likely to come back into the Argyle side this weekend after being rested in midweek but there was less positive new about several Pilgrims, including left-back Gary Sawyer, who has already missed six games since picking up an injury at Blackpool.

“Sawyer took a set back and will be out for 12 weeks now,” said Derek. “He’s going in for an operation next week; it’s an abductor problem. We are very disappointed; he’s an experienced left-back and for him to be out for that period of time isn’t going to be easy.”

“Oscar Threlkeld took a knock to the knee on Tuesday night and we shall see how he is for Saturday’s game.

“Arnold Garita will be back with us on Monday; he is progressing well. He had a slight setback to his injury but will be back in full training on Monday.”