Argyle held to draw by Sturrock's Southend
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1 SOUTHEND UNITED 1
ARGYLE did not make the most of their chances as they had to settle for a draw against Paul Sturrock's Southend at Home Park this afternoon, writes Chris Errington.
The Pilgrims played some good football, especially in the first half, but could only convert one of their opportunities.
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That was when on-loan Burnley attacker Alex MacDonald netted in the 50th minute.
Southend equalised five minutes later with a superb solo goal from on-loan Watford striker Britt Assombalonga.
The visitors had substitute Barry Corr sent-off in the 82nd minute after his challenge on Argyle captain Darren Purse.
But the Pilgrims could not capitalise on their numerical advantage and it remained 1-1 until the final whistle.
Argyle had suffered a setback before the game when on-loan Watford midfielder Ross Jenkins was ruled out by injury.
The 21-year-old had put in an impressive goalscoring performance on his debut in the 3-2 win away to Morecambe last Saturday.
Luke Young was recalled as the central midfield partner to Conor Hourihane in the absence of Jenkins.
There was one other change to Argyle's starting line-up, with Onismor Bhasera returning from injury to play on the left of midfield instead of Andres Gurrieri.
The Pilgrims had plenty of attacking options on the substitutes' bench.
Nick Chadwick and Rhys Griffiths were both back from injury, and manager Carl Fletcher could also call upon Gurrieri and Matt Lecointe.
Southend were without first choice 'keeper Paul Smith for a second successive match so Daniel Bentley, 19, continued to deputise for him.
Bentley made an early save from Argyle striker Guy Madjo as the home side started confidently.
Bhasera headed wide after a left-wing cross from Robbie Williams before the Zimbabwe international had a low 20-yard shot saved by Bentley.
There was another chance for Bhasera when he was off target with a diving header following a cross from MacDonald.
Southend had a couple of chances, with Argyle 'keeper Jake Cole saving from strikers Elliot Benyon and Assombalonga.
But the Pilgrims finished the first half strongly, with Madjo shooting off target and his strike partner Warren Feeney heading narrowly wide from an inviting MacDonald cross.
Argyle had dominated possession and created several chances but had not been able to take any of them.
Southend were second best, but they always posed a threat at set pieces.
Argyle's good play was finally rewarded when they took the lead in the 50th minute as MacDonald fired past Bentley after a cut-back from Madjo.
It was MacDonald's first goal since starting a second loan spell with the Pilgrims at the start of September.
Southend drew level within five minutes, though, as Assombalonga scored a superb goal.
The Watford loanee cleverly turned away from Purse and raced into the box before slotting the ball between the legs of Cole.
Argyle made a double substitution in the 65th minute with Paris Cowan-Hall and Griffiths replacing Feeney and Madjo respectively.
Almost immediately, Griffiths headed wide from a corner taken by Hourihane.
Argyle found it hard to play with the same fluency as they had done in the first half as Southend started to get on top.
The Blues had more of the possession and Assombalonga was a constant attacking threat.
However, Southend had Corr sent-off in the 82nd minute after a challenge on Purse, with referee Steve Rushton immediately producing a red card.
Chadwick replaced MacDonald as a stoppage time substitute nut a winning goal proved elusive for either side.
ARGYLE: Jake Cole; Durrell Berry, Darren Purse, Maxime Blanchard, Robbie Williams; Alex MacDonald (Nick Chadwick 90 +1 mins), Luke Young, Conor Hourihane, Onismor Bhasera; Guy Madjo (Rhys Griffiths 65 mins), Warren Feeney (Paris Cowan-Hall 65 mins).
Substitutes (not used): Ollie Chenoweth (gk), Curtis Nelson, Matt Lecointe, Andres Gurrieri.
SOUTHEND: Daniel Bentley; Sean Clohessy, Ryan Cresswell, Luke Prosser, Chris Barker; Kevan Hurst, Michael Timlin, John Spicer (Barry Corr 68 mins), Dave Martin (Ryan Leonard h/t); Britt Assombalonga, Elliot Benyon (Freddy Eastwood 64 mins).
Substitutes (not used): Anthony Straker, Graham Coughlan, Alex Woodyard, Ted Smith (gk).
REFEREE: Steve Rushton (Staffordshire)
ATTENDANCE: 6,269 (237 away)
GOALS – Argyle: MacDonald 50 mins; Southend: Assombalonga 55 mins
Comments
by anglo_dutch
Monday, October 01 2012, 5:30PM
“Maybe because I was young but in comparison it sometimes feels like a dream team in those days. Dave maclaren, Bryce Fulton, George Robertson, Johnny Newman, Gordon Finch and Johnny Williams. Jimmy mac with Wilf and don't forget George Kirby .Before substitutes the reserves played regularly in the old combination. Many were good replacements if needed. Think of the other squad members, Reeves, Anderson, the enigma Bugsy Maloy ( Briliant one minute and then letting the ball roll under his foot in to touch. Happy days indeed. Good football entertainment. Newman was a leader, clapping his hand to focus everyone when defending set pieces. One of the Argyle greats.”
by alabar1
Monday, October 01 2012, 4:04PM
“Now Wilf stop kidding yourself,you are going to have to pen that cheque for a fiver and post it on to St Luke's come the turn of the year
Whilst reminiscing about the 50/60 era,do you remember the centre forward who played between WILF and JIMMY,yes GEORGE BAKER,he like one or two of our strikers today was constantly booed for not being a prolific scorer,but his assists to Carter and Gould were numerous,nothing changes at HOME PARK does it.
Have a good evening.”
by WILFWASTHEMAN
Monday, October 01 2012, 12:43PM
“Hi guys youre talking my language- Williams , Fincham , Newman - it was like a chant in the 6os - with of course THE MAN up front. I guess a point against Southend was reasonable given their recent good run but still feel bottom half of table is more likely this season. At least we are slowly pulling away from the relegation zone.”
by TheMercenary
Monday, October 01 2012, 10:28AM
“Hi alabar1. Us oldies have nothing better to do than play on here all day, except for in your case, the odd game of putting. Have to agree though, things are looking brighter. Just like the occasional moan. Age thing I guess.”
by alabar1
Monday, October 01 2012, 10:06AM
“@TheMercenary,nice to see you on the board again,as ever a nice ditty to lighten up the gloom on this miserable Monday (weather wise).
Yes a Johnny Newman or Reg Wyatt/Gordon Fincham flanked by Johnny Williams and J S Williams would be perfect,but sadly a halfback line up like that we just dont have,but when Purse is fully fit I (green shades bit) think we will have a defence strong enough for this league.
But to my mind its the midfield that falls away in the second half that causes the defence to come under constant pressure,Ross Jenkins may provide the answer,we shall have to wait and see.But without doubt the GREENS are looking more of a threat by passing the ball as opposed to hoofing it aimlessly in the air at every opportunity.
Keep the faith MERC,exciting times ahead.”
by TheMercenary
Sunday, September 30 2012, 11:45PM
“ALABAR1 SOUNDS HE'S OVER THE MOON,
WITH A DRAW, IT'S A POINT AND THAT'S FINE,
BUT THE TRUTH IS OLD MAN, YOU'RE A GREEN TINTED FAN,
THEY'RE NOT MOVING, THEY'RE JUST MARKING TIME.
THE FIRST HALF WAS BETTER THAN SOME I HAVE SEEN,
BUT THE SECOND WAS BOYS AGAINST MEN,
TRY SHOOTING ON SIGHT AND WE MIGHT, ONLY MIGHT,
END UP GETTING A GOAL NOW AND THEN.
IN DEFENCE WE NEED SOMEONE TO MARSHALL AND GUIDE,
JOHNNY NEWMAN'S THE FIRST ON MY MIND,
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, YOU DON'T SEE WHAT I SEE,
DO YOU THINK THAT I'M BEING UNKIND?
NOW ALABAR1 I ENJOY ALL YOUR POSTS,
BUT THERE'S SOMETHING I REALLY MUST TELL,
IT'S DRIVING ME MAD BUT I'M SURE YOU'LL BE GLAD,
TO KNOW 'UNTIL' HAS ONLY ONE 'L'.”
by greensensible
Sunday, September 30 2012, 7:37PM
“Two **** sides, end result two **** sides get a point.
Can't understand though how Southend the better **** side didn't win!!”
by xchurchbob
Sunday, September 30 2012, 11:20AM
“Thought we passed the ball well, big improvement on the Port Vale match. We scored a well-worked goal, thanks for doing it at the Devonport end lads. Things are definitely looking up.”
by alabar1
Sunday, September 30 2012, 9:35AM
“Agree Brian,Argyle were the better side and really should have taken all 3 points,pity that Ross Jenkins was injured and could not start,it was after we scored that the weakness in midfield surfaced again and allowed Southend to take control and dominate play for a while.
Would have liked to have seen Rhys on a bit earlier,alongside Guy Madjo,somehow I dont think Southend would have been able to handle that threat.
Feel Luggy must feel that his luck was in yesterday to escape with a point.
Keep it up Argyle,first half passing and movement was excellent,this type of football will bring its rewards.
Note Exeter beaten at home by next to the bottom club Bristol Rovers, its a funny old game ,
Keep the faith, GREEN ARMY,WE ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.”
by BrianG
Saturday, September 29 2012, 8:23PM
“I wouldn't call southend a lowly side?? and I would say Argyle were by far the better team, just couldn't put it away and started playing deep when they should have gone for southends throat.”