Team Talk

The Irish midfielder scored the first goal of a slick 2-0 victory in the 39th-minute, set up the second for former Ross County team-mate Jake Jervis midway through the second, and generally bossed proceedings at Sixfields.

Graham has been directly involved in six of Argyle’s nine goals this season as they have risen to third place in the table, but he knows the Pilgrims are much more than a one-man team.

He said: “All in, I thought it was a great team performance: we were hard to break down; we defended really well; and counter-attacked well. It was a great performance by the team and I was happy with mine as well.”

Graham’s goal came after he robbed Ryan Watson of possession in the centre circle as Northampton attempted to launch an attack. Ryan Brunt, on as an early substitute for Reuben Reid, pulled one of the already committed defenders wide, which helped open the way for his team-mate.

Graham said: “I saw the play build up; they tried to play out from the back a bit in the first half, and I kind of read what he was going to do. 

“Luckily enough, the two centre-halves split up to try to get on the ball so there was a big gap and I finished it well. That’s the thing when you want to play football – you are going to have to take chances. Sometimes you are going to get caught out and that’s what they did.”

With three goals in four matches, Graham is well on the way to surpassing his previous season’s best tallies.

“I’ve started well in front of goal this season,” he said, “and it was my goal to get a lot more goals and assists than I have in previous seasons. My confidence is high and I am always confident that I am going to score.

“It helps where the gaffer is playing me, as well, more central, in behind the striker or attacking midfield. I think it suits my game more than being isolated out on the wing – but I’ll play wherever the gaffer wants me to.”