Why Not?

CONOR Hourihane opened his Home Park scoring account with a spectacular strike, but later revealed that the goal had not always been in his sights.

Argyle’s Ireland Under-21 international midfielder opened the scoring in the Pilgrims’ 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers, hitting home Luke Young’s pass after 35 minutes

“It was a nice strike,” said Conor, 21.

“It was a good ball. We’re told to get in those positions and he picked me out well. It all went good from there.

“To be honest with you, I thought I might lay it off, but there was no-one on to give it to, so I said ‘Why not?’ and, as they say, if you don’t buy a ticket, you don’t win the lottery.

“I’ve been getting in good positions and haven’t been putting them away so it’s nice to get the monkey off my back.

“Hopefully, a few more will come.”

Conor’s goal was his first of the season and first at Home Park, with his two efforts last season coming in away games, and won praise from manager Carl Fletcher.

“It was a good goal,” Fletch said.

 “I think he could’ve scored in every game we’ve played in this season. It was nice for him to get his goal. He’s been desperate to try and get more goals from midfield, so I’m pleased for him.”

Despite coming up short in previous games, Conor has maintained his appetite for goals throughout.

“You just have to keep going, keep pursuing it, and surely one will go in for you,” he said. “This time it did and I was delighted.”

More delight would have followed had the Pilgrims been able to hold on to the lead, which theye surrendered to Tom Parkes’ equaliser in the second half.

“At the moment, we’re a one-half team,” said Conor.

“A game is not 45 minutes, unfortunately – it’s a 90-minute game. So we need to put our finger on what’s happening there.

“It is disappointing, but we got a point out of it and on to Morecambe on Saturday. Hopefully, we can get another result.”