Hello, welcome back to Season 8 of our World According to Warnock blog. I promised a bumper episode of twenty league games and cup competations – so let’s get to it!

I left Niall’s Argyle side four points adrift of Stoke at the end of the last episode, and our hero of Season 7 George Ndah without a goal yet this season.

We start with a 1-1 draw against Blackpool, a team in the promotion mixer and one point behind us. George Weah’s regen misses a penalty in the 72nd minute, but makes amends 2 mins later. The ten men of Blackpool equalize late to keep pressure on.

New boy Cascarino gets the lads going early against Leeds, who are also in the promotion mix. Nagbe finishes off the win in front of a buoyant Elland Road crowd.

A late double from the sulky Nicolas Anelka saves our blushes in the league cup after falling 2-0 behind. Tony Cascarino again getting the Argyle troops marching with his opener. It’s into the third round.

After the game I sign the game’s most effective goalkeeper who has been struggling for matches at Manchester United. It’s a coup for us, as this man will bring experience and stabilty to the side.

Nagbe and Cascarino keep their form going as Watford are put to the sword in a 3-0 win at Home Park. The lads are flying.

The regen of ‘Choccy’ McClair, Wikins, nets two vital goals as the struggling Toffees find themselves in a sticky situation being outside the playoff mix. No sugar for Everton at Home Park this week!

The lads have a three day break and head to The Midlands in good sprits. Nagbe’s 22nd minute goal is immediately cancelled by Derek Lilley. In the second half we rally and Wilkins, nets a quickfire double to give us four wins on the bounce.

Quite remarkably, Stoke match us blow for blow… and remain four points clear.

An inflated mid-week crowd watch on as local rival Bristol Rovers hold on at Home Park. Rovers were bottom of the league, and leap one place up to 23rd. Good for them! Stoke are held 1-1 at Coventry, so it’s not all bad.

Stoked at this result. No idea how they managed to get Spice Boy Jamie Redknapp to the Potteries. Mean we slip 8 points behind.

The lads are in pottery-sized hole and can’t crawl out. Fulham are near the bottom too. Mate.

Sometimes the game makes no sense. Premier League challengers Arsenal are beaten at Home Park thanks to an extra time Nagbe winner. Could this kick-start a revival in form?

You’d better believe it! Former club Kidderminster go ahead and we go on the offensive, scoring four. Anelka with a hattrick to ease worries.

I make a statement signing, lurring transfer listed Croat Dario Simic to Home Park. The influential Simic can play in CB or RB and will take the captains armband from Wilkins.

An early red card for young defensive midfielder Westley is not enough to shake the tree. the lads battle away to beat Gillingham 1-0.

That brings up our 20th league game. We’ve clawed Stoke back to four points.

The Dockyard Derby produces a damp squib in front of a raucous crowd.

A week later 250 more people turn up as we host Carlisle – got to the be longest away trip in the football league calendar?

Back in the League Cup and we are forced into an extra time battle with Everton. Left back Daryl Reinelt (regen of unknown) scores the vital winner as this unlikely cup run goes on. *I went keeperless when Valentine was sent off. Don’t judge me.

Coventry are proving to be a tough side to break down. This time central midfielder Paul Lynch (an Irish regen), is sent for an early shower.

GEORGE NDAH INTERMISSION

“CALLING GEORGE NDAH, HAS ANYONE SEEN GEORGE NDAH?”

Ndah has started most of the games up front with Nagbe. Last season’s hero really struggling to find form in Division 1. Anelka has now stepped into the support role, and Ndah will have to wait on the bench.

INTERMISSION ENDS

I forgot that Darren Caskey is good on this game. What a time to remember.

I sign Neil Pallister – an attacking midfielder with a * for the england U21s. No idea who he is, but he’ll provide competition for Cascarino, Wilkins, and Lynch.

Hallelujah. A Ndah goal.

Took him 30 games….

What’s this? Rewarded with a recall to the staring XI, Ndah scores again?! New boy Pallister also scores in a 2-2 draw with Spurs.

Andrew @kingoftherooks will be proud of the ex-Gateshead lad, Pallister.

A new cup competition to bring in the new year- the FA Cup. We march on against Pre,ier League side Sheffield Wednesday.

The Division three sides Tranmere, Altrincham and Millwall all had a great time in the Third Round.

What a game against Port Vale. Ndah nets early then Lord Page see’s red. I go keeperless again and all hell breaks loose. Vale sulk as Anelka nets a late winner.

Carlisle are dragged back to Home Park for the League Cup Quarters. After a nervy first half, Nagbe settles nerves and we comfortably see out the game. Semi Finals await!

Back in the league I rotate my tiring midfielders and we come good against Sheffield United. A late Nagbe goal keeping up pace with Stoke, who drop points.

I may have missed a screenshot somewhere, but we bring up our 30th match and have managed to haul Stoke to within one point! We’re all set for a 16-game finale, including FA Cup to navigate and a League Cup Semi Final against Middlesboro. Tune in next week!

Until next time,