Up For The Cup – Magpies v Pilgrims

Argyle take a break from the hustle and bustle of League Two this weekend with an FA Cup First Round game against Dorchester Town on Sunday.

The potential banana skin for the Pilgrims will be broadcast live from the Avenue Stadium by ESPN with a 4.30pm kick-off.

The Magpies have an excellent home record with eight consecutive wins this season but were beaten 2-1 in last Saturday’s Conference South game against Tonbridge Angels.

Skipper Mark Jermyn suffered a head injury in that game but is expected to be fit for the cup clash on Sunday. Exeter City extended the loan deals of striker Jamie Reid and winger Jake Gosling to enable them to play in the game against Argyle.

Dorchester manager Phil Simkin is looking forward to the game, speaking to the BBC he said: ‘Preparations have been very good.
‘We got the draw we wanted and hopefully we’ll be prepared when kick off comes about.
‘It’s a massive game. It’s caught the imagination of everyone in the town. Dorchester is not what you would call a football town and everyone has been wishing us well in the street. I really think we’ll have a big crowd on Sunday’.

Argyle boss Carl Fletcher will be without loan signing Alex MacDonald after his parent club Burnley refused permission for him to play in a cup game, however, fellow loanees Scott Griffiths and Guy Madjo have been cleared to play.
It will be interesting to see what type of line-up and formation Fletcher will select for game; going for the win and a safe passage into the next round must be a priority.

The Green Army will have at least a 15 minute walk to the stadium with car parks close to the ground off limits. Dorchester have issued some advice on parking – ‘There will not be any parking for supporters of either team at the stadium in Dorchester on Sunday 4th November. Dorchester supporters are encouraged to walk.
‘Supporters of Plymouth Argyle are encouraged to park at the Fairfield (Market) Car Park, postcode DT1 1QW. This will be signposted from the A35. This car park is 15 minutes walk to the stadium.
‘There will be a limited number of disabled parking spaces at the stadium, please apply to the office (01305) 262451 for a disabled pass.

‘Plymouth Argyle coaches will be directed to the Top ‘O’ Town Car Park, postcode DT1 1XT. This a 20 minute walk to the stadium.
There will not be any bar facilities at the stadium for supporters of Plymouth Argyle. The Junction Hotel, (15 minutes walks) Postcode DT1 1UF or Weatherspoons (20 minutes walk) postcode DT1 1UW have been designated to host Plymouth supporters.’

Very welcoming – not!

Tickets are available on the day, all stand seats are £15, terrace tickets for adults £10, concessions £6.50 and juniors £5.
The draw for the Second Round will take place before kick-off at the Avenue Stadium; both clubs will be ball number 16 in the draw which will be screened live by ITV1 at 2.40pm on Sunday.

Come on you Greens!!