Luck And The Draw

ARGYLE FA Cup scorer Marvin Morgan believes the Pilgrims were “very lucky” to progress into the second round of the competition after being pushed all the way by AFC Fylde.

The Northern Conference side gave as good as they got after Peter Hartley headed Argyle ahead in the 28th minute, and finished on top even after Marvin nodded home the Pilgrims’ 69th-minute second.

“We were very lucky, but it’s all about getting in the next round,” said Marvin. “We could have played unbelievable and lost 1-0.

“They gave us a good game. I come from the non-league and we used to be buzzing [for] these games; with the stadium and everything, you are up for the game before you played the game. The gaffer warned us throughout the week ‘Listen, this is not going to be an easy game’.

“I think the fans expected us to beat them 10-0 but, as we all know, football doesn’t work like – look at what happened to Exeter. It’s the FA Cup; everyone loves the FA Cup – you just don’t know what it’s all about. It can make careers; there’s going to be a non-league team that a player could go on from and play professional football.

“It’s one of the greatest cups in the world, but it’s tough and they gave us a good game.

“They had a lot of the ball. Again, that comes down to playing at a nice stadium. They were passing the ball well and it’s a blessing in disguise they didn’t score. They had chances but we have to look at as another clean sheet.

“I’m glad we got the result and that’s what it comes down to.

“When the second-round draw comes on Monday, the result, or how we played, or who scored will not be brought up – we’re in the next round. I want a home tie because we are solid at home. You don’t want to go to a non-league ground, it’s not just about the pitch - it’s about the whole surroundings.

“The club had had money problems in the past and obviously it all helps if we were to get to the third round and a massive draw and get it on TV – we’d be absolutely loving it because it brings in money and it all helps.”