Pilgrim's Progress

Gomez Humbles Hollywood

Academy graduate Mikel Gomez (17) showed Hollywood-backed Wrexham a lesson in finishing in the third round of the FA Cup.  The youngster netted 5 times and only just missed, by the width of a goalpost, a chance to equalise George Best’s record 6-goal haul against Northampton Town in the FA Cup 5th round in February 1970.

Gomez celebrates his 5th

The young striker was simply on fire in an 8-0 victory against Deadpool’s side that saw three other academy graduates score one each.  It was, as expected, a match of total dominance by the Premier League champions, even though the team was comprised entirely of ex-academy players and other fringe squad members.

“Simply breathtaking,” was the verdict of manager Bobby Stones.  “Every time he plays, he gives me something to think about.”

Argyle Reach the Carabao Cup Final

The Pilgims will go to Wembley for the final of the Carabao Cup after beating Arsenal 7-3 on aggregate in the semi.  Argyle put the result of the tie almost beyond doubt in the first match at the Emirates, winning 0-5, before a second string side narrowly lost the return at Home Park, 3-2, as Manager Bobby Stones rested players.  It will be Argyle’s first final in this competition.

Argyle will once again face Aston Villa in the final; a repeat of last season's FA Cup final.

Plymouth Close the Gap to 1 Point

Argyle won both their Premier League matches in January, closing the gap behind Arsenal to just one point, as the Gunners lost 3-1 to Brentford in one of their two matches.

Plymouth into 5th Round of FA Cup

Facundo Farias inspired Argyle to a 4-2 FA Cup 4th round victory at Old Trafford, netting a hat-trick and assisting Roberto Alvarado’s opener.  Argyle slipped in concentration at the end of the match to allow the Reds to score twice, but it was simply too late for United to salvage the tie.

Quiet Window for Argyle.

Plymouth made no purchases in the transfer window, and sold just the one player, as right back Junior Tchamadeu moved to Luton Town in a £2.5 million sale.

“There was simply nobody available that we wanted to buy,” said manager Bobby Stones.  “We have a great squad anyway and it’s always hard to find value in January.”

Whether the Pilgrims will come to regret making no acquisitions is yet to be seen.