Skip to content

Sheridan seethes at defeat

Image: John Sheridan: Fumes at Plymouth display

Plymouth manager John Sheridan admitted his side's performance in losing 2-0 had left him "an angry man".

The hosts won the game with goals either side of half-time from Gary Dicker and Billy Paynter, two players who have been bit-part performers for much of the season. Sheridan's seventh-placed side are still very much in the play off mix, but he said: "I knew it would be a hard game against a team fighting relegation, but I felt it was like a testimonial the way we played. "It was a poor, poor result. I'm struggling to get answers out of the players. Why do we perform like that given the importance of the game and knowing what was at stake? "We were flat yet we prepared for the game the best way we can. That was probably our most lethargic performance of the season. There was no urgency yet the game was there for the taking. "We had one or two decent opportunities but we just can't play like that. We have a massive game next week against a struggling team (Tranmere) and I would like a response. "I've tried to wake them up and get some of them out of their comfort zone. As a footballer you focus to be a winner and you can't give a performance one week and not the next two weeks. I'm not satisfied one little bit. I'm an angry man at the moment." The Pilgrims' boss agreed that his side were "fortunate to keep getting chances" in the play-off race, and added: "We have to win next week." Carlisle manager Keith Curle believes his side have the potential to improve and, with the threat of relegation out of the way, he is setting his sights high for next season. Curle said: "The aim is to win this division next season. I want us to win our last two games. The season is finishing too early for me. "The building blocks are in place and the team is developing and growing. I know the ability is there in the changing room and the penny is starting to drop and players are making good decisions. "There was a massive improvement in the second half and Kyle Dempsey was exceptional. We had players slotting into unusual positions and they looked natural. "The level of performance pleased me. The players are showing better understanding of what they have to do. We matched Plymouth and nullified them then caused them problems." Curle also had words of praise for Paynter, who scored his first league goal of the season. "There were a lot of good things about Billy," he continued. "He is showing willingness and endeavour and is prepared to knuckle down and get on with the job."

Around Sky