After witnessing the shift put in by Gary Sawyer last night I felt I had to say something. If ever there was a player who typified sheer grit and determination in an Argyle shirt over many years it is him. It will be argued, quite reasonably, that he may not be the most technically gifted - and certainly not the quickest - of players but his dedication to the cause can never be questioned. On the subject of pace, he was absolutely roasted by their No. 10 in the opening minute and a clear break on goal was very much on the cards. Using his years of nous and incredible timing, however, he threw himself into a slide at exactly the right moment and came away with the ball.
I am sure he will be the first to be self critical at not defending the far post better for Crawley's equaliser. That may or may not have had something to do with him originally coming back onto the field after yet another 'body on the line’ block. The resulting injury involved lengthy treatment and a change into a blood-free shirt.
What I found astonishing was the referee (I thought he had a good game) seemed to be so concerned at the severity of Sawyer's injury that he clearly signalled for a stretcher. At that point I don't think many of us expected Sawyer to be able to walk, let alone eventually leave the field and come back a few minutes later in a fresh shirt! It was a complete replay of the Stevenage incident on Saturday where, again, it was expected for him to be subbed after a head injury only to recover to such an extent that he had a storming game in defence.
Every player has limitations and weaknesses (and sell-by dates!) and there have been questions on here each time Gary Sawyer's contract is renewed but I for one applaud the wholehearted service he continues to give to Argyle. I would suggest that 'Captain Fantastic' is the very least epithet that could be applied to him. :scarf:
I am sure he will be the first to be self critical at not defending the far post better for Crawley's equaliser. That may or may not have had something to do with him originally coming back onto the field after yet another 'body on the line’ block. The resulting injury involved lengthy treatment and a change into a blood-free shirt.
What I found astonishing was the referee (I thought he had a good game) seemed to be so concerned at the severity of Sawyer's injury that he clearly signalled for a stretcher. At that point I don't think many of us expected Sawyer to be able to walk, let alone eventually leave the field and come back a few minutes later in a fresh shirt! It was a complete replay of the Stevenage incident on Saturday where, again, it was expected for him to be subbed after a head injury only to recover to such an extent that he had a storming game in defence.
Every player has limitations and weaknesses (and sell-by dates!) and there have been questions on here each time Gary Sawyer's contract is renewed but I for one applaud the wholehearted service he continues to give to Argyle. I would suggest that 'Captain Fantastic' is the very least epithet that could be applied to him. :scarf: