GOALKEEPER Jake Cole has pointed to centre-back Darren Purse as having a crucial part to play in Argyle's home game against Crawley.

Purse's experience and strength will be put to the test by the visitors' prolific strikeforce of Tyrone Barnett and Matt Tubbs.

Between them, Barnett (13) and Tubbs (17) have scored 30 goals in all competitions for the Reds this season.

The pair proved too hot to handle for Argyle when they lost 2-0 away to Crawley at Broadfield Stadium on October 1, when Tubbs netted twice.

But Cole believes Argyle's defence is much stronger now than it was then, especially after the addition of 34-year-old Purse.

The centre-back was signed from Championship club Millwall, initially on loan, in November, before completing a permanent move at the start of this month.

Crawley have already rejected one offer for Tubbs from Bournemouth since the opening of the January transfer window, and more bids are anticipated for the 27-year-old.

Together with Barnett, he has been a key component to their push for promotion from League Two.

So Purse and his French centre-back partner Maxime Blanchard, another recent recruit by manager Carl Fletcher, will have to be on top form against Crawley's strike duo tomorrow.

Cole (above right) said: "They (Barnett and Tubbs) are a threat, but with Pursey and Maxie being in there, I feel we have strength in the back four.

"Pursey is experienced at leading the line and, hopefully, we can take care of them."

Argyle will try to build on their 2-1 victory over Burton Albion at Home Park last Saturday – which was their first win of 2012.

Third-placed Crawley, meanwhile, will be aiming to complete the double over the Pilgrims.

Cole said: "We played them early in the season and they got a result at their place.

"We are coming off a good result last weekend and we are all confident we can get three points out of it.

"We have had a good week's training, preparing for the game, and, hopefully, we can take it out there and get what we need."

Crawley are chasing a second successive promotion, having been crowned champions of the Football Conference last season.

Cole said: "They have had success over the last few seasons and the manager (Steve Evans) has got a lot of players in and built it the way he wants it.

"They are a threat, but every game is the same for us, really – no matter who it's against. We need to pick points up, and that's the most important thing."

The visit of Crawley is the first of two successive home games for Argyle against title-contending teams.

Paul Sturrock's Southend United, who are currently top of the table, will be at Home Park on February 4.

Cole knows the Pilgrims must consistently pick up points from home matches for the rest of the season to boost their chances of escaping relegation.

He said: "Who we are playing doesn't really matter to me. It's just important we do get points out of our games, especially at home. If we can mainly pick up three points from home games, I'm sure we will be fine."