Post by Macmoish on Apr 27, 2011 7:34:00 GMT
Good luck to him...
Plymouth Herald
Plymouth Argyle midfielder Simon Walton claims crucial winner
Walton claims crucial winner
MIDFIELDER Simon Walton has settled any debate over whether he or Rory Fallon had the final touch to the match-winner against Milton Keynes Dons at Home Park on Monday.
Walton has no doubts it was his 21st-minute strike that went in unaided and gave the Pilgrims their second 1-0 victory of the Easter weekend.
Some observers believed the ball had come off striker Fallon's head, before curling into the Dons' net from Walton's free-kick.
But a delighted Walton, whose expertise at dead-ball situation is becoming a potent weapon in Argyle's armoury, is adamant.
"I'm claiming it," he said. "It was a direct free-kick, given for a foul and I'm told there was no touch, so that will do for me.
"Whenever there's a striker anywhere near it, they normally try and claim the goal, but Rory told me there was no touch. It's my goal."
Walton's successful cross-cum-shot came after Argyle forward Yannick Bolasie, a constant thorn in the Dons' side throughout the tense encounter at Home Park, had been fouled.
The 23-year-old's free-kick eluded everyone in the penalty area and went into the net giving the Greens a 1-0 lead and sparked celebrations around the stadium.
Walton's debut goal for his club proved enough to give Argyle another priceless three points.
Like a number of team-mates, Walton is playing through the pain bidding to help Argyle avoid relegation.
Walton, fellow midfielder Kari Arnason, Fallon, midfielder Carl Fletcher and striker Joe Mason are all carrying knocks.
However, such is the spirit within the Pilgrims camp that Walton pleaded with manager Peter Reid to start against MK Dons.
Reid gambled and the enigma that is Walton not only survived until the 58th minute, but proved again what a fine player he is.
Walton said: "No, the ankle is not great and any other day I wouldn't have played, but it's all hands to the pump at the moment.
"There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to play, just so long as I wasn't a hindrance to the team.
"The final decision rested with the manager.
"I had to persuade him and I think he just wanted to make sure that I was alright.
"I've had my fair share of injuries, so I didn't want a little one to keep me out.
"It was my decision to play, and obviously I'm glad I did."
Walton, who was sidelined until March this season with a cruciate knee injury, added: "My season is only really just starting.
"For the other lads, physically, it's getting to that time when their bodies are feeling it.
"Credit to everyone who is putting their bodies on the line for the team.
"Everyone is pulling together and it seems to be paying off."
Walton's standing with the Green Army has never been higher and he was deservedly given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Anton Peterlin just before the hour mark on Monday.
Yorkshire-born Walton is equally appreciative of the fans and said: "They have been amazing. It's unfortunate it has taken what it has to do it, but we've pulled together.
"I think it's made the club a better place.
"We stand every chance and if we stay up, it's down to everyone, not just 11 players.
"It's the fans and the people who work for no money, who come in every day. If we stay up it'll be a massive achievement."
www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/football/Walton-claims-crucial-winner/article-3491091-detail/article.html
Plymouth Herald
Plymouth Argyle midfielder Simon Walton claims crucial winner
Walton claims crucial winner
MIDFIELDER Simon Walton has settled any debate over whether he or Rory Fallon had the final touch to the match-winner against Milton Keynes Dons at Home Park on Monday.
Walton has no doubts it was his 21st-minute strike that went in unaided and gave the Pilgrims their second 1-0 victory of the Easter weekend.
Some observers believed the ball had come off striker Fallon's head, before curling into the Dons' net from Walton's free-kick.
But a delighted Walton, whose expertise at dead-ball situation is becoming a potent weapon in Argyle's armoury, is adamant.
"I'm claiming it," he said. "It was a direct free-kick, given for a foul and I'm told there was no touch, so that will do for me.
"Whenever there's a striker anywhere near it, they normally try and claim the goal, but Rory told me there was no touch. It's my goal."
Walton's successful cross-cum-shot came after Argyle forward Yannick Bolasie, a constant thorn in the Dons' side throughout the tense encounter at Home Park, had been fouled.
The 23-year-old's free-kick eluded everyone in the penalty area and went into the net giving the Greens a 1-0 lead and sparked celebrations around the stadium.
Walton's debut goal for his club proved enough to give Argyle another priceless three points.
Like a number of team-mates, Walton is playing through the pain bidding to help Argyle avoid relegation.
Walton, fellow midfielder Kari Arnason, Fallon, midfielder Carl Fletcher and striker Joe Mason are all carrying knocks.
However, such is the spirit within the Pilgrims camp that Walton pleaded with manager Peter Reid to start against MK Dons.
Reid gambled and the enigma that is Walton not only survived until the 58th minute, but proved again what a fine player he is.
Walton said: "No, the ankle is not great and any other day I wouldn't have played, but it's all hands to the pump at the moment.
"There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to play, just so long as I wasn't a hindrance to the team.
"The final decision rested with the manager.
"I had to persuade him and I think he just wanted to make sure that I was alright.
"I've had my fair share of injuries, so I didn't want a little one to keep me out.
"It was my decision to play, and obviously I'm glad I did."
Walton, who was sidelined until March this season with a cruciate knee injury, added: "My season is only really just starting.
"For the other lads, physically, it's getting to that time when their bodies are feeling it.
"Credit to everyone who is putting their bodies on the line for the team.
"Everyone is pulling together and it seems to be paying off."
Walton's standing with the Green Army has never been higher and he was deservedly given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Anton Peterlin just before the hour mark on Monday.
Yorkshire-born Walton is equally appreciative of the fans and said: "They have been amazing. It's unfortunate it has taken what it has to do it, but we've pulled together.
"I think it's made the club a better place.
"We stand every chance and if we stay up, it's down to everyone, not just 11 players.
"It's the fans and the people who work for no money, who come in every day. If we stay up it'll be a massive achievement."
www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/football/Walton-claims-crucial-winner/article-3491091-detail/article.html