I was invited to the Argyle v Norwich game as a guest of match-ball sponsors Existem Affiliate Management and DGMaffiliates, and so abandoned my usual seat in the Lyndhurst for the comfort of the “Pyramid Suite”, the new name for the hospitality marquee – It’s a vast improvement, with the addition of decking, stud walls and a constant source of electricity meant it no longer feels like you’re sat in a tent.

Last season’s fry-up and frozen quiche has been replaced with a fantastic three course meal by one of the best chefs in Plymouth (apart from the Tanner brothers), David Morgan. Whether that’s a regular feature or just laid on because Delia Smith was on the next table to us, I’m not sure! There certainly was the obligatory photo opportunity after the meal as the two chefs chatted for the press.

We entered the game with a little bit of hope – Last season we’d beaten Norwich 3-0 in this game, we’d just signed three exciting new players (Gallagher, Mpenza and Marin), and there’s no way Argyle could be as bad as they were against Swansea two weeks previous – could they?

After a bright start from both teams, Argyle were hit by a double-whammy: First, a slip by Marcel Seip let in Arturo Lupoli to put Norwich one-up, then the beast was sent off – Krisztian Timar seeing red for two stupid yellow card challenges; something he really needs to eradicate from his game. It was all uphill from there, but amazingly it remained 1-0 at half time: Amazing after Norwich had a goal ruled out for offside, hit the bar, hit the post, and were denied a stonewall penalty after Seip (who was somehow voted MOTM??) hacked down Sibierski in the Argyle penalty area.

We were a little late returning to our seats for the second half, climbing the steps to the grandstand just as Norwich hit the crossbar for the second time – A sure sign of things to come.. A dismal second half in which Argyle created nothing followed before Norwich got the second goal they more than deserved midway through the half. Mpenza was brought on with twenty minutes to go and the greens two down – A big ask for a player who is nowhere near match fit. Argyle finally put a little respectability on the scoreline with a superb volley from Paul Gallagher (who we agreed was a more deserved motm) following some good work from Rory Fallon. Too little, too late though, and the final whistle blew not long after. 1-2 the final score, but it could easily have been 1-6 and we couldn’t have argued too much.

Worrying times ahead indeed for Argyle fans, as we currently sit bottom of the table with 2 points from a possible 15, and tough matches away at Watford and Crystal Palace this week. Paul Sturrock has promised to take the axe to his squad, and get rid of the deadwood primadonnas who think their place is a given, and reward those who have the desire and work ethic to play for Argyle. We’ll find out tonight who no longer has a future at the club, and hopefully rebuild a squad that is capable of staying up – either that or hope that three clubs enter administration in the Championship this year.

In summary, the company was fantastic, the hospitality brilliant, the food was excellent, the football was dire. Huge thanks though to Existem AM and DGMaffiliates for a great day out. This “Paper Performance” Industry we work in is brilliant isn’t it?

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