A first win in four games and then a home FA Cup draw against Premiership high flyers Everton, what can be better news for Argyle fans. But for Argyle manager Bobby Williamson, the next match at Crewe is the most important of the season to him. Crewe have the same points as Argyle with identical playing records. The pair have only met 11 times, with Argyle having the advantage of five victories to Crewe's three, although Dario Gradi's team beat Argyle 3-1 at Home Park last year, when Ian Stonebridge was Argyle's scorer. Crewe have nominated the Argyle fixture as a Junior Day. Argyle boss Williamson will have the problem of what to do with his central defensive pairing. Matt Doumbe would be expected to regain his place as central defender, which could leave captain Paul Wotton taking up his recent role in front of the back four. Lee Makel (stomach) and Steven Milne (leg) may not make the squad as both are out injured. Doumbe returned to training on Monday and should be fit. Makel looks to have recovered, leaving Milne a possible long term absentee. Williamson could also risk putting central defender Hasney Aljofree on the substitutes bench, with his shoulder problem seemingly healed. The match won't be an easy one as Crewe have won five of their last seven and carved out a good 2-2 draw against league leaders Ipswich Town last week. Striker Dean Ashton, with 18 goals in all competitions this season, will be Crewe's main threat in a team that has scored 39 league goals. Unfortunately, their defence is the worst in the league having conceded a massive 42 goals, leaving manager Gradi looking for a new central defender. A strong Argyle team overcame Western League champions Bideford 4-1 to reach the next stage of the Devon St Lukes Bowl, with John Rutledge, Chris Zebrowski, Keith Lasley and Hasney Aljofree the scorers.
Argyle are teaming up with Pirate FM to stage a Carol concert at Home Park on Monday December 20 at 7pm, (gates open at 6pm). The concert will feature the City of Plymouth Concert Band and various personalities, including Santa. Entry is free, but donations will got to the Pirate Trust and Argyle's Football in the Community.
Argyle will not be increasing the prices for the third round FA Cup tie against Everton on Saturday January 9. Prices are £20, or £13 for students and pensioners, and £5 for U16s. Tickets for Green members are already on sale at the ticket office, and they have until December 28 to claim their tickets. White and Pilgrim members can apply for tickets on December 20. Tickets are limited to one per person and go on general sale on December 29.
Former Everton chief executive Michael Dunford has joined Plymouth Argyle as chief executive. Dunford left Everton in the summer after nine years as secretary and then chief executive, after joining them from Derby County. Dunford takes up his position on January 3, five days before Argyle meet Everton in the Cup.
Cornish youngsters Ryan Dickson, Brinton Nute, Chris Reski, Jon Hoyles and keeper Daniel Stevenson are all in the Argyle youth squad for Tuesday's FA Youth Cup third-round tie against Darlington at Home Park (7pm). Darlington progressed to this stage with a 3-2 win at Milton Keynes.
Argyle U18s drew 1-1 at home to Swindon Town, but not without cost with Liam Drew and Luke Summerfield both injured. Par youngster Chris Reski scored their goal. A very young U16s team lost 2-0 at Swindon Town.
Argyle ladies crashed out of the Women's FA Cup 6-1 at Cardiff City Bluebirds. Fixtures - Coca-Cola Championship: Sat Dec 11 Crewe Alexandra (A) 3pm. U18s: Sat Dec 11 Bournemouth (A) 11am. U16s: Sat Dec 11 Bournemouth (H) 11am. Argyle Ladies: Sun Dec 12 Chesham United (A) 2pm.