Derby Delights

FOR all of his wonderstrikes in 130 games as a Pilgrim, Graham Carey’s favourite strike was not an award-winning effort.

Carey beat off fierce competition from Mark Byrne of Gillingham and Shaun Whalley of Shrewsbury to win the Sky Bet League One Goal of the Month award for December. He was nominated for his stunning strike at Blackpool, which even by Carey’s high standards, was a beauty. 

That said, a more run-of-the-mill goal, scored in anything but a run-of-the-mill match, tops the Irishman’s list of his 35 goals scored for Argyle. 

“The one away to Exeter,” Graham said, identifying his favourite. “Obviously, scoring in a derby is a special thing. It was important, there have been some penalties as well that have been more important than some of the spectacular goals.” 

The Green Army came out in force to make sure Graham won his second award of the season following up his Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for October and he was delighted to add another award to his collection. 

Carey said: “I have one from League Two and one from League One now. I have won a player of the month which was chosen by fans too. It just goes to show how well the fans get behind the team, the squad and the players. It is always nice to get recognition especially when the fans are voting.

“I don’t tend to score a lot of volleys so it is up there with one of my favourites. I’ve seen Sonny, the ball dropped to him and the way we have been playing lately is turning teams and I knew he was going to do that and Tayls won a great header down the side. I looked up to see if there was anyone in the box and there wasn’t. So, I thought it was close to half time I might as well have a shot and I made a great connection and it’s looped over the keeper. 

“It was just a pity we couldn’t hold on and it wasn’t the winner. It was good to get the goal and get the recognition for it.”