Defences hold firm in trapdoor tussle

This was a result that neither side wanted, but both would take. Defeat for either Plymouth Argyle or Dagenham and Redbridge would have put a sizable dent into their quest to avoid the fall off the Football League precipice, but nobody was about to relinquish any ground at Home Park.

It was a frustrating afternoon for everyone involved, the players who had been training in the hope of grasping a season changing win, and the fans, for whom the match had been billed as the biggest of the season. In hindsight, after Saturday's dour displays, it should simply have been the biggest of the season yet.

It was the home side, unbeaten in three and coming off the back of a morale boosting 4-0 win at Accrington, who edged an even first half, before running much of the second, striking the left-hand upright twice within a minute.

The game was low on quality and high on ball trajectory, containing all the hallmarks of a match between two teams fighting for their lives, a scenario that Pilgrims boss Carl Fletcher had predicted in the build up:

"We knew it was going to be scrappy," said the rookie manager. "We spoke all week that we were going to have to earn the right to play and scrap away, and that it was going to be an ugly game.

"We were well aware what was coming and that we had to be patient and, to be fair, the lads have done everything but score a goal. We had three great chances in the first half, hit the post in the twice in the second half and the keeper has pulled off a couple of saves."

But, above all, Fletcher defined the synopsis for his battling squad: "It was vital that we didn't lose; that was a big one for us."

Trepidation was the word of the day and fractured nerves were on show, Maxime Blanchard gave away an early free kick after fouling Jon Nurse 25 yards out; Matt Saunders shot from the resultant dead ball too weak to really trouble Argyle custodian Jake Cole

Nick Chadwick had the first notable effort from open play, blazing over with a sweeping shot following a low cross from the right, owing to a frustrating opening period for the bullish striker who, along with partner Alex MacDonald, found the assistant referee's flag the most challenging opponent.

The advertising hoardings behind either goal were seeing more of the ball than the keepers gloves, Greens captain Paul Wotton dragging a long range drive off target, Nurse failing to get enough purchase on his header, glancing Damien McCrory's left-wing cross wide of the goal for the Daggers.

With the break swiftly approaching, Conor Hourihane wasted the best opportunity of the lot for the Pilgrims. In a situation similar to Chadwick's early profligate strike, the Irish midfielder produced the same end result, skying the ball into the swathes of empty seats between the home and away fans, all the while under little defensive pressure.

When referee Dean Whitestone blew to resume the game, Argyle began to take the initiative. Within seconds of the restart Hourihane had another chance to put the Devon club into the lead, though his final shot was hit straight at debutant Jonathan Bond.

Brian Woodall's effort soared into his own fans at the other end, but it proved only seconds of respite as Ashley Hemmings and Robbie Williams both tried their luck for Plymouth, though their gambles did not pay off.

Each side made only two of their allotted substitutions, but it was Argyle's Luke Daley who had the biggest impact. He and Marcus Bignot attempted to work a move on the right-hand side of the penalty area, and though Dagenham broke it up, the ball squirmed into Daley's path, catching the visiting defence on the back foot and almost resulting in the lead, the wingers prod cannoning off the post.

Not 50 seconds had passed before the woodwork was rattling again. Williams, running on to a half cleared corner, could not have caught his left foot drive any sweeter, though neither could it have hit the post more emphatically.

Bond still had to be on hand to tip two further long range strikes round the post - MacDonald and Williams the players once again denied - the game finally petering out with a host of free kicks during the four minutes of stoppage time, leaving both teams frustrated, but Dagenham feeling slightly better of the two, even though they remain the team propping up the Football League.

John Still underlined Plymouth's recent results, while also sticking to his philosophy on playing the game.

"They've been on a decent run of form and they're a big club, regardless of their league position," said Still, "but we stuck at it and worked hard."

"They had two good efforts in the second half that hit the post without putting us under any sustained pressure. We never try to draw, the changes we made were to bring on attacking players. We want to remain positive."

Plymouth Down Rovers In Christmas Cracker

After 45 minutes of Bristol Rovers' Boxing Day clash with Plymouth Argyle, boss Paul Buckle was at the head of the table for Christmas dinner. By the time it was over, he was the proverbial turkey.

The air of positivity that had swept over the Memorial Stadium following a half of football that saw the home side deservedly lead 2-0 was refreshing for the beleaguered manager, whose side had not won in five league games. The two goals Argyle had scored after 79 minutes meant the green army finally had the Christmas cheer that has been such a long time coming, the stoppage-time winner wrapping up the relegation battler's perfect present.

The seasonal good will was not extended to the under-fire Rovers boss, who was jeered off the pitch by the frustrated locals growing increasingly weary of their supposed promotion push being thrown to the dogs in post-dinner scraps.

The bad feeling towards Buckle has been reinforced by his egotistical nature; club legend Stuart Campbell agreed to a contract termination last week, after the pair played out a war of words through the local press - striker Jo Kuffour has also been shown the door during the opening months of 41 year old's turbulent reign.

The result resurfaced uncomfortable memories for the Rovers faithful. In the opening week of 2011 the Pilgrims visited Bristol, finding themselves 2-0 down after just 11 minutes, but three second half goals sent the Greens home with the points. Only one of the Argyle players from that game took to the pitch on Monday, yet the end result was just the same.

With the first half an even affair, Rovers made the first great opening of the game, Andy Dorman's header forcing Jake Cole into an athletic save, pushing the ball onto the woodwork to keep the game level.

He had little chance to keep out the opener, however, the Pirates' top scorer Matt Harrold converting the penalty he won after a trip from Onismor Bhasera.

Harrold's second, his tenth of the season, completed a two minute double-salvo, Joe Anyinsah's tinsel-toes evading Bhasera's challenge before his cross found the well-travelled striker. Rovers were making it a blue and white Christmas.

As home supporters wandered off for a half-time pasty, they were looking upwards - towards seventeenth place, no less. Argyle, meanwhile, were left at the foot of the table; a quirk of the day's results leaving them in that position, thanks to Dagenham's 3-0 win over Barnet.

The full effects of the previous days Christmas lunches appeared to take it's toll on the Rovers' players as the second half commenced, Plymouth clawing a goal back through Warren Feeney. The Northern Irishman forced the ball past Scott Bevan after Nick Chadwick had knocked down Ashley Hemmings corner in the 52nd minute.

Andy Dorman's volley was thwarted by Cole at one end, before Chris Zebroski was forced to clear off the line at the other. Though before long, the Pilgrims got the equaliser their efforts, or Rovers' lack of, deserved.

Plymouth's momentum was pegging back the home team into their final third, the pressure only relenting when Chadwick shrugged off Eliot Richards and struck a fierce drive past Bevan to level the scores.

The Greens were carving Rovers apart and, with the home side wilting with fatigue, any joy was destined to head to Devon.

Bevan's sharp reactions kept a Chadwick header from flying under the crossbar but, soon enough, the former Torquay stopper's mark out of ten went down the chimney. A poor clearance found the grateful feet of Hemmings, whose pace allowed him to go one-on-one with the lanky goalkeeper, his cool finish defying the Wolves loanee's lack of senior experience.

The rapturous scenes in the away end continued right up until the final whistle; the Plymouth entourage driving home for Christmas with all three points. The Rovers faithful hoping the only trip Paul Buckle was taking went straight to the North Pole.

Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Hereford United: Chadwick Pen Earns Pilgrims A Point

Two late red cards marred a feisty relegation tussle between Plymouth Argyle and Hereford United, Nick Chadwick's late penalty rescuing a point for the Greens at Home Park.

The point keeps Argyle off the bottom of the table, though gaffer Carl Fletcher felt a more consistent performance could have resulted in three points.

"At times, in the first half, we were okay; at times we weren't. In the second half, we weren't and then we were. So it was up and down.

"Overall, I'm disappointed we didn't win at home because we want to win every home game we play but it's another big case that we didn't lose today.

"After going a goal behind, we came back well and possibly could have won, but, in terms of what we're looking at and what we want, it wasn't fully there."

The opening period was a largely drab affair, Chadwick forced Bulls stopper Adam Bartlett into a fine save early on, Yoann Arquin's spectacular scissor kick flashing inches wide for Hereford.

Durrell Berry looked on in horror after he sliced Delroy Facey's centre towards his own goal, the crossbar sparing the 19 year old's blushes.

67 minutes in, however, the travelling support did have something to cheer. Harry Pell found yards of space in the final third and burst into the penalty area, cutting the ball back for on loan Blackpool winger Tom Barkhuizen to give United the lead.

The Pilgrims were fighting hard for a way back into the game and were rewarded when Nicky Featherstone clattered substitute Warren Feeney in the area, former Bull Chadwick converting the 81st minute penalty.

Michael Townseend's crass fould ended Ashley Hemmings forthright run, earning the defender a second yellow card.

Feeney had two late opportunites to snatch the full quotient of points for the home side; initially forcing Adam Bartlett into an outstanding full-stretched save before sending a swivelling volley into the Green Army behind the goal.

Darren Purse still found the time to receive Argyle's ninth red card of the season after a dreadfully mistimed slide on Nathan Elder, though the 26 year old's breakdancing antics made the challenge look worse than it actually was.
Hereford boss Jamie Pitman left with his frustration increased following the low points return his side have garnered from their last few games, despite positive displays.

"We go into every game wanting to win it but obviously it was a big game given where both teams are in the league.

"Our last three performances previous to this one have not given us the rewards we have probably deserved.

"Today was another such case. To be fair to them, they have had a few chances but I think we were good value for the win."

Argyle Saved From FA Cup Upset

Onismor Bhasera's weaving run and finish earned Plymouth Argyle a replay, denying Stourbridge a place in the FA Cup second round for the first time in their history.

Warren Feeney opened the scoring with an early header, only for Aaron Drake to repeat the feat at the other end.

The game came alive in the second half as Ryan Rowe put the visitors ahead with a stunning lobbed half-volley. Argyle player/manager Carl Fletcher levelled with a deflected strike, but his side were soon behind again, Sean Gebbis firing home from the spot after Robbie Williams was dismissed.

Bhasera had the final word, however, netting with two minutes to go.

220 seconds was all it took for the home side to open the scoring, Paul Bignot and Will Atkinson working the ball around the right hand flank; the former eventually putting in a pinpoint cross that Feeney headed past Lewis Solly, despite the keeper getting two hands to the ball.

Stourbridge were struggling to get the ball down, but forced Romain Larrieu's hands into work when Rowe's effort struck his teammate Nathan Bennett and looped up for the French custodian to claim.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure, Feeney, Atkinson and Matt Lecointe all missing the target, only to get hit on the break by the plucky visitors. Larrieu failed to hold Rowe's initial effort, allowing a teammate to chip the ball up from the left-hand side of the area for Leon Broadhurst to head into the path of Drake, equalising with a bullet from his own cranium.

Broadhurst nearly put his side in the lead, though he could only nod into the side netting with Stourbridge starting to take the ascendancy.

The second half opened with Sam Rock hitting a shot at Larrieu, though a qute stunning finish lit the blue-touch paper for an enthralling forty-five minutes.

Drake cleared the ball long upfield, Rowe latching onto the end of it and clipping the ball over the on-coming Larrieu to send the sizable travelling support behind the goal into raptures.

A cleverly worked free kick resulted in Atkinson thudding an effort off the left-hand upright as Plymouth searched for an equaliser, while Rowe was prevented from doubling his tally at close range by Larrieu.

The pressure was growing on the Southern League team's defence, though it took a huge slice of luck for Argyle to level. Fletcher jinked past one man in midfield, left free to run into acres of space, his final shot taking a huge deflection over Solly and ricocheting in off the far post.

With both sides searching for the killer blow the final ten minutes proved a highlight, with two more goals and a pair of red cards. It was Stourbridge who broke into the lead first, Rowe dragged down by Williams when poised to shoot, leading to a straight red card for the ex-Preston defender; Gebbis taking the opportunity to score from 12 yards.

The game was vying for the tie of the round, and it gave the assembled crowd of 6,173 one final twist, Bhasera beating a handful of static red shirts before slamming home the final goal of the game, the stoppage time dismissal of Conor Hourihane proving insignificant in the grand scheme of what was a pulsating cup tie.

De Vita Breaks Pilgrims Resistance

Raffaele De Vita's 82nd minute strike lead his battling Swindon Town side to a 1-0 triumph away at Plymouth Argyle.

The Italian ended a flowing counter attack to leave the Pilgrims rock-bottom of the Football League, though it was not for a lack of trying on the hosts part, their eight shots on target finding determined Swindon bodies between them and the back of the net.

It was Plymouth, looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games, who started the brighter, a barrage of corners eventually leading to two efforts on goal. Curtis Nelson initially found the back of teammate Matt Lecointe, before the rebound looped up for Robbie Williams to volley into the arm's of Wes Foderingham.

Central defender Nelson was a constant threat when lurking in the Swindon penalty area, as two more of his strikes required blocks from visiting bodies, either side of Jake Jervis' header going narrowly wide at the other end.

With his side on the back foot Cristian Montano took it upon himself to take the game to the fragile Plymouth defence. The Colombian managed to skin two defenders before letting the moment slip, his final shot rolling comfortably into the grateful palms of Argyle custodian Jake Cole.

Robbie Williams late free kick, held by the strong hands of Foderingham, summed up the first half as the home side worked hard for no reward.

Paulo Di Canio's half time team-talk appeared to motivate Swindon for the second half as the visitors began to stroke the ball around more confidently, adding an extra yard of pace to the game.

Birmingham loanee Jake Jervis twice missed the target when well placed while two short-corner routines caught the Plymouth defence cold, though Jonothan Smith's header was the best chance to result from them.

Argyle were not done yet, however, as their best chance of the match came and went within the blink of an eye, Conor Hourihane's inswinging corner finding the forehead of Jamie Griffith. With the substitute's bullet header flying goalwards Foderingham instinctively threw a hand up, tipping the ball over the crossbar.

Five minutes later, with the home side pressing for the winner, Swindon broke downfield, the ball making it's way to Matt Ritchie on the right hand side, the ex-Portsmouth youth crossing for De Vita to beat Cole with a low angled drive.

With the game almost up Argyle fought valiantly for a route back in, but not even the presence of Cole in the Swindon area for a late corner could force the equaliser, leaving the Pilgrims five points adrift of safety, while the Robins move to just a point away from the League 2 play-off places.