Plymouth Argyle 0 Sheffield United 1
James Harper’s late strike completed a smash-and-grab raid for Sheffield United as they plunged Plymouth further into trouble at the wrong end of the Championship.
The Blades lacked a cutting edge for most of the game at Home Park but were thankful for a piece of magic from Harper with time running out.
-
PAFC crest
With two minutes left the on-loan Reading man drilled into the corner to break the Pilgrims’ hearts as Kevin Blackwell’s side continued their recent upward momentum.
United came into the game as the form team following back-to-back wins over Bristol City and Peterborough, but it was Plymouth who made all the early running.
And had it not been for some early heroics from on-loan Carl Ikeme they would have gained reward for their industry as first Rory Fallon and then Ashley Barnes forced the goalkeeper into smart saves from 12 yards.
In between, Joe Mason drilled wide of the target as the Blades struggled to find their stride.
The absence of top scorer Darius Henderson, missing with a thigh complaint, clearly hampered the visitors, who looked woefully short of ideas going forward.
It was 41 minutes before they registered a shot on goal of any description, and even then Nick Montgomery’s distance effort was blocked by Gary Sawyer.
Montgomery’s frustration was compounded even further by a rash booking prior to the break as he was cautioned for a clumsy challenge on Alan Judge.
Whatever was said by Blades boss Blackwell at the interval, however, clearly did the trick and 10 minutes after the restart they came within the width of a post of taking the lead as Montgomery again took aim from distance, only to see his 25-yarder cannon back off the woodwork.
Fit again Kari Arnason should have done better for Plymouth as they also sought a breakthrough, but he scooped the ball over the crossbar when Judge’s corner dropped to him in the box.
Finally, United were starting to assert some pressure and in an effort to capitalise they sent on Ched Evans for Lee Williamson with 24 minutes left.
At the other end, Judge curled an effort over the crossbar while Fallon – fresh from his recent heroics in firing New Zealand to the World Cup – continued to cause problems with his willingness to put himself about.
It was Carl Fletcher, though, who was left cursing his luck as his 25-yarder smacked back off the post with seven minutes left.
And five minutes later struggling Plymouth’s plight was brought into sharp focus as Harper picked the ball up 25 yards out and drilled an angled shot past Romain Larrieu to snatch the points.
READ CHRIS ERRINGTON'S VERDICT IN MONDAY'S HERALD
26 Comments
View all
by Depressing times, for Argyle fans
Monday, December 07 2009, 8:09AM
“The fans have the power to decide. Just agree to boycott all matches until he has been given the boot. After all, it can't be too pleasing to brave the cold and wet only to go home depressed every Saturday afternoon!!”
by ian, woolwell
Sunday, December 06 2009, 6:30PM
“dr x i have one question, have you ever been to old trafford, st james park or the emirates. i have been to all three and love the greens. you are a sad little boy who would rather support a team miles away than your local team, supporting a team is about upos and downs, the good times and the bad and i for one will support argyle through all these times. if you feel such a pull towards these northen teams wh are ou on here polluting our forums. we or argyle don't need ou so why do you think your opinions matter. as for mr sturrock atleast he is no longer dilluding us with his normal spew after a game that he can get us out of this but seriously how long must we suffer in this way. a fresh start is required now before it is to late but what are the odds on this happening when he is ment to have such a large clause in his contract in the case of him getting sacked. come on argyle we can do it.”
by David, Plymouth
Sunday, December 06 2009, 6:18PM
“Looking at the cold facts, the last 46 league games (the last 28 of 08-09 and the first 18 of 09-10) have yielded the worrying number of 38 points.
9 wins, 11 draws and 26 yes 26 defeats.
To get to the 50 points so-called safety target for this season we need another 35 points from 28 games.
Still do-able yes but not with Sturrocks way of playing for a draw and ending up getting beaten.
To repeat the question asked by numerous people, why is Sturrock still at the club?
Can it be that we cannot afford to sack him?
Surely the loss of TV money etc from what is looking incresingly like certain relegation will cost even more?
PAFC seems to have become a property development company with the inconvenience of a football club tagged on the end.”
by T J TAPER, PLYMSTOCK
Sunday, December 06 2009, 3:00PM
“The gap is widening. The defence okay Saturday. We need forwards who can score goals. There was only one decent shot on Saturday. Bring back Easter, who at least has some idea of scoring goals. The goalkeeper has to be taught to throw the ball out to the backs to start a decent attack. His long kicks up the field are so negative and useless. Do something before it is too late. Not much time left. = TJT, Plymstock”
by John, Lipson
Sunday, December 06 2009, 2:34PM
“LOWEST ATTENDANCE FIGURE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP YESTERDAY
DOES THE BOARD NOT WONDER WHY, WHEN THAT IDIOT STURROCK IS STILL THERE and given Interviews from a Hot Tub when most supporters are struggling to pay the utility bills, Fiddle whilst H.P is Burning”
by Les, Plymouth
Sunday, December 06 2009, 11:48AM
“I loved it when we won promotion to this league but apart from the Holloway era it's been dire. I was much happier going to watch us in the lower leagues when we at least won matches. I used to come away from games feeling happy. That does not happen any more. Perhaps next season when we're back in league 1 we will win occasionally, allthough I think it will be tough.”
by A Realist, Hyde Park Rd
Sunday, December 06 2009, 11:24AM
“Todd OUT!
Synan OUT!
Gardner OUT!
Japanese Fella OUT!
Well, they will be when our World Cup bid fails.
The good times are over, things turn full circle. League 1 (and possibly worse) he we come again...”
by Tha Doggfather, BB2
Sunday, December 06 2009, 11:12AM
“18 games in and still as bad as the 1st game - We have had it !!!!
LUGGY GET OUT !!!!!!!!!
It pains me to still be refusing to go to home games with this clown in charge but I will continue to stay away until he's out.
I will however be at Swansea to abuse you Luggy !!!!”
by steve, weston mill
Sunday, December 06 2009, 8:54AM
“Another match,another defeat - there is nothing left other than sturrock to resign graciously. This would allow a new manager to install new belief,passion ,will to win etc. The manager has been the bad apple without him realising it.Argyle are nosediving rapidly to league 1 so obviously us supporters are allowed to express our concern”
by Even Sadder, Cornwall
Saturday, December 05 2009, 10:36PM
“Sad Wonderer - Couldn't agree more - a must win game so start Barnes and Mason instead of Gow and Noone. I didn't go today but have been several times this season.
Yes Argyle have enough good players to do the job but too many have been demotivated or cast aside by someone who has lost his judgement and tactical nous.”