HOW quickly the tides can change in football. The last seven days are a perfect example. For a moment, Plymouth Argyle looked like they should be challenging for a mid-table position. Off the back of 3-0 wins against Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield United, Argyle looked like they should be focusing on teams above them in the Championship, rather than peering nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone. The 5-1 humbling of fellow-strugglers Brighton on Saturday further emphasised this. However, just three days later, the side that tore apart the South Coast outfit stuttered against a Sunderland team sitting comfortably in the top three. Many will question why Argyle were forced to endure their longest journey of the season, a 800-plus mile round trip to the North East, on a Tuesday night. However, it isn't all doom and gloom at Home Park. Argyle have recorded three wins in their last five games, with the only two defeats coming against teams challenging for promotion. A 1-0 defeat at Derby and a 5-1 reverse at Sunderland do not tell the complete story, as many Argyle fans will testify, and there are positive points to be drawn from the two defeats, not least the form of recent acquisition Scott Taylor. The striker is beginning to show the Green Army why Argyle boss Bobby Williamson splashed out £100,000 to bring him to Home Park from League One outfit Blackpool in January. Although Taylor got off to an indifferent start to his Argyle career, the 28 year old has started to produce some of the form that convinced Williamson to buy him. Taylor came off the subs bench to grab Plymouth's third against Sheffield, and the fifth against Brighton on Saturday, while Argyle's consolation against Sunderland on Tuesday night was arguably the goal of the night. The loyal Pilgrims fans have been further boosted by the fact that fellow striker Nick Chadwick has finally got off the mark. His first goal in a green shirt came against Brighton. An immense sense of relief reverberated around Home Park, feeling that the pressure was off the £250,000 signing from Everton. Wotton banished his penalty miss against Derby to the scrapbook of history with two perfectly-executed set-pieces against Brighton, while David Norris, a midfielder who has had a patchy season, also put in an exceptional performance. The key to the season now lies with the crunch match against Millwall. Why the away fixture has been switched to a 2pm kick off on a Sunday is something of a mystery, though few will argue that whatever the time and date of the match, Argyle have the perfect opportunity to show just how far they have come this season. The Greens were baptised into the Championship by last season's FA Cup finalists, Millwall on August 7, in a 0-0 draw at Home Park, and will be keen to put in a solid performance. Millwall currently lie in the top half of the table, with 52 points in tenth place. However, they haven't won at home in 2005, their last victory a 3-1 defeat of title-chasing Ipswich Town on Boxing Day. Argyle have only won away four times this season, the last a shock 2-0 victory at Wigan. Sunday's match could plunge Plymouth further into the relegation zone. They currently lie just three points above Gillingham, who are level on points with Cardiff City and Coventry City, both of whom the Pilgrims face in April. Boss Williamson has to decide whether to keep faith in the side that has performed so well over recent games, despite Tuesday's defeat. Hasney Aljofree has looked every inch as good as Graham Coughlin in central defence, while captain Wotton has slotted into midfield with ease. His presence undoubtedly lifts the crowd and gives the team extra attacking options – especially from set pieces, as Brighton learnt to their cost. Wide men Tony Capaldi and David Norris have provided creativity and power down the wings, so the only real question mark lies over the final midfield spot. Injury ruled fans favourite Akos Buzsaky out of the last two fixtures, with Bjarni Gudjonson coming into the team. Williamson may also chose to leave Blackstock on the bench, in preference to Scott Taylor, who has scored three in his last four outings. There is little doubting that there is a sense of optimism around Home Park. Yet inconsistencies are sure to affect the club's confidence. No matter how good Argyle played against tougher opposition in Derby and Sunderland, a 5-1 drubbing is hard to swallow. As the season enters the finishing straight, they are going to have to play every match like it is their proverbial cup final. Argyle Reserves are without a game this weekend, while the U18s face Yeovil Town at home. Argyle women's team are also without a game this weekend. Fixtures - Coca-Cola Championship: Sun Mar 20 Millwall (A) 2pm U18s Youth Alliance: Sat Mar 19 Yeovil Town (H) 11am.
