Just in case you were unaware, today is in fact national non-league day, where a bunch of football fan's in light of the international break focus on those lesser-known sides by way of attending a match outside of the football league. Unfortunately yours truly is on the footballing equivalent of the naughty step after shunning the opportunity to view the counties semi-professional and non league outfits and instead catch the league two encounter between Burton Albion and Plymouth Argyle.
Those who read this blog regularly will know that I have a slight affection towards the Brewers after attending matches last season including away trips to Hereford and Chesterfield and so far this season the Pirelli has been out of reach due to work commitments but thankfully everything fell into place for this fixture and a chance to check out the new look Albion squad in addition to a brand spanking new kit which looks strangely like Oxford United's home shirt from last season, well...money is a bit tight down this end of the football league pyramid.
Paul Peschisolido has been busy in the transfer market buying 'quality not quantity' having lost Adam Legzdins to Derby County in the summer along with Russell Penn heading to Cheltenham, so far through the doors at Brewers HQ have stepped Cleveland Taylor, Justin Richards, Adi Yussuf, Danny Blanchett, Calvin Zola, Billy Kee, Ross Atkins, Chris Palmer and a loan ranger from Leicester City in centre-back Tom Parkes who managed the quite brilliant feat of getting sent off in the opener at Torquay then breaking an ankle on his return from suspension, hope you kept hold of the receipt, gaffer.
Plymouth on the other hand have not had it quite the same way to say the least, major financial issues still surround the club with a squad without payment since December and now five games into the new season the Devonshire outfit sit plonked firmly at the foot of the table, bad times for Peter Reid and his men after free falling from the Championship to league two in the space of two seasons and with the players prior to this fixture threatening strike action things didn't look like getting any better off the field.
Onto the action and an impressive turn out from the Argyle faithful as over 1,000 packed into the terrace behind the goal having made the long trip from the south west. All in good voice the Plymouth supporters put the home fans to shame throughout with constant song,chants and encouragement to their beleaguered squad. However it was the home side who were to end the closely-fought first half in front after Justin Richards flicked the ball over the head of Argyle centre back Simon King to smash home the opener going on to perform a celebratory jig in front of the home support.
Albion continued to look a threat in the second period with Jimmy Phillips putting in an outstanding performance in the wide midfield positions along with Tony James and Ryan Austin commanding at centre back. A long throw in by Aaron Webster danced around the feet of the Plymouth defenders before striker Calvin Zola turned and lashed it into the bottom corner for 2-0.
At this point you couldn't help but feel sorry for Plymouth, although the supporters never gave up they were clearly shell shocked and their squad although not throwing in the towel looked resigned to another defeat. Reid then threw on two substitutes to try and stoke his sides fire yet it just would not go in for the Pilgrims, full back Durrell Berry smashing the crossbar when it appeared easier to score. Just as thoughts were turning to a long haul back to Devon for the green army a quick surge down the left hand side produced a flash across goal for Will Atkinson to give the away fans something to cheer about and with four minutes stoppage time, could it possibly happen?..........
.......No, in a word, Albion remained resilliant with James and Austin nutting every single aerial threat back to where it came from ensuring the points were staying in Staffordshire and Argyle were staying in deep trouble, still early days and all that with hopefully a resolution coming the way of Plymouth Argyle to secure the clubs future, you cannot help but feel sorry for both players and fans alike who clearly care a great deal for the future of their club. Hopefully come the next non-league day we will not be heading to home park...
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