Argyle keeping a close eye on their loanees’ progress
PLYMOUTH Argyle are closely monitoring the progress of Luke Jephcott and Ryan Law during their season-long loans to League Two sides Swindon Town and Gillingham respectively.
Jephcott, 22, joined Swindon on transfer deadline day and has gone on to score five goals in a total of 10 starts and three substitute appearances.
The striker had netted in three successive games until the Robins lost 4-0 away to Stockport County in the FA Cup first round on November 5.
He also did not hit the target in the 1-1 draw at home to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, a result which left the Robins in sixth position in League Two, four points away from an automatic promotion place.
Jephcott found his first team chances at the start of this season limited to just one start and two substitute appearances after manager Steven Schumacher switched to a new 3-4-2-1 formation.
Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell has the task of following the fortunes of Jephcott and 23-year-old Law, who has been playing regularly for Gillingham.
Law has made a total of 23 appearances, including 17 starts, for the Gills, who have not won any of their last six League Two games and are in 22nd position after a 2-0 home defeat by Northampton Town on Saturday.
That result came after Gillingham caused a Carabao Cup third round upset by winning on penalties away to Premier League club Brentford last Tuesday following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Law has never had a run of games over an extended period for Argyle which was why Schumacher decided a season-long loan would be best for his development this term.
Schumacher said: “We monitor him all the time - and Luke Jephcott the same. Once we look through the League One results, we look to see how the lads got on - did they play, how did they do?
“That’s part of Nance’s job to keep on top of the loan players. He’s in contact with them, and they are doing well.
“The reason for Lawsy to go out on loan in the first place was to get regular first team experience and be able to perform week in week out.
“Whenever Ryan has stepped in and played for us he has always done well, but it’s different doing it every now and again to every single week.
“I’m pleased he has got the appearances that he has got so far and hopefully Gillingham move up the table and get going.”
Gillingham won their FA Cup first round replay against AFC Fylde on Tuesday night, and will tnow be away to Dagenham and Redbridge in round two.
Meanwhile, Argyle have reached the knockout stage of the Papa Johns Trophy for the first time since the current format of the competition was introduced in 2016.
They did so by finishing top of Southern Group E after a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers (picking up a bonus point by winning a penalty shoot-out) and beating Swindon Town (3-1) and Crystal Palace Under-21s (1-0).
That guaranteed them a home tie in the last 32 draw and the Pilgrims were paired with League One rivals Charlton Athletic.
The date for that fixture has now been confirmed as Tuesday, November 22 with a 7pm kick-off. Blocks 10-14 of the Lyndhurst Road Stand will be open for Argyle supporters, and block 22 of the Barn Park end for the visitors.
In addition, blocks B and C of the Lower Mayflower will be open for Club Argyle packages.
Tickets are on sale for the Charlton fixture now. For the Lyndhurst Road Stand it is priced at £10 for adults, £8 for over-65s, £7 for under-23s, £5 for under-18s and £2 for under-12s.