Plymouth’s win on Tuesday Night in the Papa John’s Trophy means the club is only one win from Wembley. Argyle beat Bristol Rovers 0-2 in the quarter final of the competition, thanks to goals from New Zealand international and new signing Ben Waine and the club’s number 9 Ryan Hardie. Plymouth will be joined in the semi-final draw by fellow League one clubs, Accrington Stanley, Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers.
The semi final will take place live on Sky Sports on Saturday, with Plymouth argyle boss Steven Schumacher hoping for a home draw. “Let’s hope we get a home draw that would be nice, anyone at home would be perfect” says the 38-year-old. Schumacher also talked about how “we are one game away from Wembley and it will be a brilliant occasion for everybody involved with Argyle.”
Plymouth’s last time at Wembley
The last time Plymouth Argyle went to Wembley was in 2016 in the League Two play-off final versus AFC Wimbledon. In the 2015/2016 season, Plymouth finished 5th in the League Two table with 81 points. Plymouth beat Portsmouth 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off semi final to get into the final.
However, the final was disappointing for Argyle as they were beaten 2-0 by Wimbledon, who finished 7th in the league that season. Lyle Taylor, who now plays for Nottingham Forest, opened the scoring for Wimbledon his 23rd of that season. Adebayo Akinfewa then scored a penalty for Wimbledon in the 11th minute of added time breaking Argyle hearts.
Argyle fans views of Wembley
One Argyle when asked about his view of the match against Wimbledon said “Don’t remind me” Plymouth will look for a better turn in fortune if they progress into the final of the Papa Johns trophy.
Plymouth Argyle fan, James Brown, said it will be a “big occasion for the club'” If the Greens make it to the final. James also went on to mention ” to see the boys make it to Wembley and watch them you don’t get to do often.” This shows how much it will mean to the Argyle fans as it will be a day out and a chance at silverware and hopefully, for Argyle, a league and cup double. The Pilgrims last trophy came in 2004, when they won the Football League Second Division. The Green Army got promoted in 2020 from League Two but finished 3rd with Swindon Town winning the league.
It was announced on Saturday Plymouth would face Cheltenham Town in the semi final of the Papa John’s Trophy, on the 21st February at home . Plymouth face the robins, this coming Saturday in the league and a win in both competitions will put the club in a great positions for silverware this season.