Currently at the halfway point of the season Plymouth Argyle can look back on their performances to date with some satisfaction writes Martin Deacon. After a poor start Argyle recovered and found a new resilience and have lost only once at home all season and that against Preston in the F.A cup, a quality team who could be in the first division next year. If the current squad continue in the same vein then there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to claim a play-off spot.

On the negative side Argyle are not able to finish off teams, they lack that killer instinct to put the game beyond their opponents reach and lapses of concentration has led to several sides giving Argyle fans late scares when they should be strolling through.

Argyle's away form might also let them down in the end of season shake-up, as Argyle seem vulnerable on their travels. And there has to be a question mark over some of the playing staff, second string goalkeeper Ken Veysey does not seem to have the confidence of his defenders. He also lacks the the ability to command his area and has cost the greens points in recent games. Striker Sean McCarthy also has much to prove, the big target man was signed a year and a half ago but has failed to produce the goods. Several lengthly absences from the first team have led to many fans suggesting he maybe past his best and injury prone. Paul McGregor is fast becoming the enigma of Home Park, at his best he can frighten any defence with his silky skills and quality finishing.

When he is on song there is no doubting that he looks a class above the third division but his inconsistency must frustrate manager Kevin Hodges. If he could maintain his form for a whole 90 minutes then he would probably become one of the most feared forwards in the lower divisions, if only he could curb his tendency to drift in and out of games. He is however a match winner and on the other hand it must be reassuring that however bad he is playing he can still produce a moment of magic.

Argyle's main asset is undoubtedly England u-18 striker Ian Stonebridge, there is no doubting his potential and his good performances have not gone unnoticed from clubs at a higher level. To get into double figures in his first full season is a great achievement and it is only a matter of time before Argyle receive an offer they can't refuse. 20 year old Adam Barret and 21 year old Jon Beswetherick have also impressed in defence, while 18 year old midfielder Darren Bastow is another star in the making. Argyle also have 19 year old Lee Philips, 18 year old Barrington Belgrave, 18 year old Steve Adams, 19 year old Jon Ashton and 21 year old Martin Gritton waiting in the wings.

There have been many highlights for Argyle fans, The F.A cup run and wins over Reading and Brentford, both good second division clubs, The derby win over Exeter, Paul McGregor's hat-trick against then leaders Barnet and Ian Stonebridge getting international recognition. The F.A cup run has also led to the Pilgrims having four gates over 10,000, proof that Argyle would receive superb support if the results come. As for the rest of the season Argyle need to concentrate on achieving at least a play-off spot.

Fans can look forward to derbies away to Exeter and Torquay and a first ever visit to Macclesfields Moss Road ground. Fans also await the return of Martin Barlow, Paul Gibbs and Jason Rowbottom, all having suffered from long term injuries. There is also a possibility of some transfer movement as scouts flock to Home Park to look at the clubs emerging young stars. Whatever the rest of the season may hold, the Pilgrims future looks promising.