Devon Heaven

Sometimes there are things so beautiful they light up a whole county and the lives of many beyond it’s borders, an FA Cup upset is one such thing.

This weekend a team in Green from the sunny coasts of Devon and a city better known for it’s naval history than it’s footballing prowess provided that delicious upset against a team that has been conquering European and English football all season long.

Plymouth Argyle have been enduring disastrous league from all season with just 5 wins from 30 matches, scoring just 29 goals along the way, and pinned to the bottom of the Championship currently sitting 4 points from safety.

Sure they secured a comeback win against promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion but that was their first league win in 13 weeks so there would only be one winner when all-conquering Liverpool came to town.

That’s what the logic says anyway, but since when has that mattered when facing the magic of the cup.

Arne Slot decided to switch up his team for the tie and even though his second-string team commanded 75% of possession their seaside stroll fell apart when Harvey Elliot blocked a flick towards goal from the edge of the area to gift the Pilgrims a chance to answer all their prayers from 12 yards.

Ryan Hardie gave the Pilgrims the answer they wanted, sending Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way and sending the home fans into delirium.

With 37 minutes to hold out few would have backed a team that conceded 63 goals this season to last the distance, but with divine favour on their side they succeeded.

Sunday 9th February 2025 will be a date remembered forever in Plymouth and across Devon for this incredible victory.

Their league form may be abysmal, but in the cup Argyle have now conquered 2 Premier League teams and tomorrow they will find out who in next to feel their divine wrath.


UP THE GREENS