What You Play For

Argyle’s Sky Bet League 2 play-off semi-final first leg against Wycombe Wanderers promises to rival 2004, 1996 and 1986 for a hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck experience as the Pilgrims look to steal a march on their Buckinghamshire rivals for a place at Wembley.

“We are going to have a full house; the atmosphere will be brilliant,” said manager John Sheridan. “It’s great, if you are a player, to play in these sort of games; the more pressure, the better, for me. 

“Hopefully we will turn up on the day. It’s about the players, now, being brave and relaxed and enjoying the occasion. If we give a performance, I know the crowd will be there. 

“We’ve had good support all season and, most of the time, they’ve been right behind the team. It’s good for the supporters; they have had some difficult periods over the last four years, and, when you get a buzz and a belief that there’s a chance of getting out of the division, the most important thing is that we all unite, push forward, and get the result we want. 

“The result, at the end of the day, is getting out of the division and that’s what I am looking at.”

The Pilgrims have played twice before in front of the Sky cameras this season, and not failed either screen test. 

“We’ve done well in front of a big crowd this season, and when we’ve been on the television,” said John. “Hopefully, we can continue that.

“I’d love to be able to play again, and play in these type of games. The atmosphere is going to be electric; I’m looking forward to it; the players are looking forward to it. We have been relaxed all week and have been getting prepared to make sure we’re at our best.”