Whittaker's Cheltenham Reaction

Morgan Whittaker’s eighth goal of this season was as least as important as any of the seven that preceded it.

Who knows how crucial it may prove come the end of the season, but in the moment, it gave Argyle a 1-0 lead at Cheltenham Town. It was a lead the Pilgrims retained, and in turn a victory that kept Argyle on top of Sky Bet League One, moving the season’s tally to 50 points.

Speaking to Argyle TV after the game, Morgan said: “We knew how important today was, to get to the 50-point mark, and with a lot of fans traveling on Boxing Day. We got the job done, that’s the main thing.

“Today was massive. We knew that three points would set us up in this run of three games, into the New Year.”

In a competitive game, Steven Schumacher made a triple substitution around the hour mark, at 0-0, bringing on Sam Cosgrove, Jordan Houghton and Ryan Hardie for Niall Ennis, Matt Butcher and Adam Randell. This meant a switch so that Morgan played from a midfield role, but the tweak worked, and it was from a deep position that Whittaker won the ball then drove into the danger zone.

“I remember getting a block in, and my touch was good enough to take me inside,” he recalled. “I had a couple of options, to play Ryan or Sam in, but I hit it early, hoping the keeper would not be ready – and it went in.

“Teams know what we are about and what we want to do, so it’s hard sometimes to get on the ball. Playing a bit deeper allows you to have some freedom to come and get it, to create. I can give it to Danny [Mayor] – and vice versa – and we can get up the pitch.

“The Gaffer says I need to score more tap-ins! But I’ll take any kind of goal. I’d not scored in seven before today, so I put some pressure on myself, and I’m thankful to score today. Hopefully it is the start of a new run.”

Whittaker’s halfway tally of eight is an amount he is content with, but perhaps more encouraging for the club as a whole is the fact that his fellow attacking players are weighing in with good tallies too.

Sam Cosgrove and Ryan Hardie have ten goals each, while Niall Ennis is on nine for the season. Add in Morgan’s haul plus six goals from Finn Azaz, and it means Argyle’s attacking force are certainly playing their part as an ensemble.

“I wanted to get into double figures this season,” said Morgan. “I’m on eight now, so I’m more than happy. I’ve just got to keep going.

“The goals are coming from everyone, which is good. We’re not just relying on one person. If I’m not having a good day, Cozzie or Ryan can score; if they’re not having a good day, me or Niall or Danny can score. We’ve got a good team.”