PLYMOUTH Argyle left the Britannia Stadium on Saturday evening knowing there is room for improvement if they are to establish themselves as a serious Championship side. The 2-0 defeat at mid-table Stoke City was not a dreadful result – nor was it a particularly poor performance. But following the previous week's 3-0 victory at relegation candidates Nottingham Forest, the Pilgrims would have liked to come away from Stoke with at least a point. Manager Bobby Williamson again raised eyebrows with his team selection; and although the Scot opted for the same 11 men that took Forest to pieces seven days earlier, Williamson's decision to put a back-up goalkeeper on the bench was surprising to many. It was the first time in 43 league games this season that Williamson reduced the number of outfield options on his bench by including a reserve keeper. With first choice shot-stopper Luke McCormick feeling the effects of the flu virus that infiltrated Home Park, also laying low full-backs Peter Gilbert and Paul Connolly, Williamson named Romain Larrieu on the sub's bench. Stuttered However, Larrieu was not called into action. Nor, really, was McCormick, who wasn't particularly involved in the first goal, while the second came courtesy of a cruel deflection. Plymouth shouldn't feel too dispirited by the result, especially considering the teams below them also stuttered. Things are relatively unchanged at the wrong end of the Championship. Plymouth, on 51 points, lie five points ahead of the relegation zone in 15th place, three places and three points ahead of the penultimate visitors to Home Park, Coventry City. The Sky Blues have fallen from grace in the last few years. Their seasonal flirtation with the Premiership trapdoor ended in 2001 when a 34-year run in the top flight came to a close, and they go into tomorrow's game perilously close to making it two relegations in four seasons. Argyle, with home impetus, should be favourites for the three points. Williamson is troubled, though, by the leg injury sustained by captain and midfield lynchpin Paul Wotton during at Stoke. He remains doubtful, with Keith Lasley the obvious choice to replace him. The Scot has featured sparingly over recent weeks, but does provide an attacking option to feed the strikers. Lee Hodges would be the immediate replacement usually, but his back injury looks like keeping him out for the rest of the season. Another man whose season has virtually ended is Saltash teenager Ryan Dickson. Spurt After breaking through into the first team this term, the Cornish youngster looks to be one for the future. But, following a recent growth spurt, Dickson has been given strict medical advice to rest. Williamson's midfield options are further reduced by the news that Bjarni Gudjonsson is unlikely to be fit to face his former club this Saturday, despite responding well to treatment. Bad news also came during the reserves midweek game as Paul Connolly picked up an injury. He is another doubt for tomorrow's game, so David Worrell should continue at right back. It's farewell – for this season at least – to Jason Dodd after the Southampton skipper was recalled when his loan deal expired on Wednesday. Dodd played at left back in all four matches since his arrival, and it remains to be seen whether or not Dodd will return to Home Park next season. Enforced changes will result in a revised line-up, and perhaps with it revised tactics, as Argyle look to find some sort of consistency as the season draws to a close. Celebrated Inconsistencies, too, are plaguing the reserves. The 7-0 thumping by Cardiff City on Wednesday was their fourth in seven games. The women's team suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Forest Green Rovers on Sunday. A 2-1 victory at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night helped remedy the situation for the reserves. Williamson celebrated anniversary of his first year in charge at Home Park on Wednesday. Although he merely guided the ship into harbour to secure promotion last season, his efforts to keep the Pilgrims in the Championship this season should be commended. His shrewd signings and squad reconstruction should also be praised considering his limited budget. Here's hoping the next 12 months mark the same improvement. Fixtures - Championship: Sat April 23 Coventry City (H) 3pm Pontins Combination: Wed April 27 Swansea (A) 2pm. Youth Alliance: Sat April 23 Bristol Rovers (A) 11am. Women's South West Combination: Sun April 24 Cardiff (A) 2pm; Wed April 27 Newton Abbot (H).