Doooom.

We lost, dooooooooooom.

To our former boss, dooooooooooooooom.

Against 10 men for over 45 minutes, doooooooooooooooooooooooom.

Archie, Chris, Mark and Tom discuss a home defeat, at least it’s been a while.

Argyle started well in a game of noticeably improved quality compared to anything pre-Christmas. Bolton played with control, Argyle chasing like men possessed. Some good half-chances, some good saves, some good football from both sides and then, just before half-time, Bolton down to 10 men. Here we go, here we go, here we go.

Or here we don’t.

A crazy penalty conceded, five more minutes of chaos, but Argyle slowly clawed their way back into things, with a deserved equaliser on the hour mark. But from that point on, with substitutions and some rusty returnees, the momentum shifted and the performance slowly deteriorated. Another long ball, another goal against the run of play and, despite some huffing and puffing and some half-chances, a Schumacher tactical masterclass and defeat felt almost like a fair result. Bugger.

Part 2 starts with thoughts about a huge game for the women’s team on Sunday. First, second or third place all remain possible, with intriguing other fixtures and some real jeopardy on the cards. Get yourself down to Home Park if you’re local on Sunday. Then a quick review of the dark arts of a cancelled game due to international commitments - will we benefit or regret a game missed during what, in hindsight, was a purple patch. And finally the inevitable poring over upcoming games, for us and others, with the data fiends at Opta suggesting it’s a three horse race for the final play-off place.

On to Barnsley on Monday. Via an early preview of a huge local derby.

Resurgam.

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This episode is dedicated to the memory of Rachel Borthwick following her passing.

There’s early chat on the unfortunate cup final defeat for our women’s team against Bournemouth. A valiant display, and a fantastic achievement to reach the final. Now it’s about brushing ourselves off and pushing on for promotion to the second tier.

We also debate the season ticket pricing, which has been a major talking point this week. While there’s sympathy for Simon Hallett, both he and the club are arguably paying the price for a number of poor decisions over recent seasons.

Our three internationals didn’t get on the pitch, including Bim Pepple for Canada, though there’s still another friendly to come midweek. Let’s hope Bim, Conor and BG all return safe and sound.

And then onto the play-offs. While results didn’t go our way, even Tom Kirk now thinks we can make them. Given this is the man who said we’d win our last six games after losing the Pizza Trophy final to Bolton, the play-offs must be as good as certain now.

Happy listening.

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It’s still, still - STILL! - on. A comprehensive never in doubt (sort of) 3 points against play off rivals. A two week break to bring back some of the walking wounded. Authentic, endearing celebrations. What a time to be an Argyle fan.

Tom is joined by Chris and Dan to start with hot off the press news of a huge win for the Argyle women’s team. Only 1980s ‘watch on teletext’ vibes to go on but a huge win for an over performing team. Long may it continue.

Back to Saturday’s action, there is a sense of confidence on and off the field despite multiple missing players, a makeshift midfield and even after an against the run of play goal. A goal down approaching half time and an injury to the opposition keeper provides a catalyst for a huge second half.

There is praise for an Owen Dale tracer bullet, a dubious but we’ll take it penalty, and a goalkeeping error and the chance for many more. A fluid formation, competent performances across the field, goals, chances, heroic defending when needed all with the 95/96 team in attendance made for a wonderful afternoon in the sun.

With no game for two weeks, there is a focus on the ongoing rebirth of a squad - performance, culture and results - and huge sympathy for the returning Bali Mumba who seemed visibly upset by the reception he received on his return. Credit to the club and first team for seeing beyond the vitriol and providing comfort. Pantomime boos okay, but let’s try and remember the good times shall we?

Enjoy the break, see you again in April.

COYG

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