Hardie frustrated as Pilgrims toil on his landmark occasion

IT didn’t go the way he wanted it to, but as the boos rang out across Home Park following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Preston North End last Saturday, Plymouth Argyle striker Ryan Hardie joined an elite band of players to have made 200 appearances for the club.

- HARRY ROBERTS

The 27-year-old frontman has been an integral part in the Pilgrims’ rise since joining on loan from Blackpool in January 2020. From day one, he has been a regular goalscorer – 62 in all competitions so far - and helped the club climb from the depths of League Two to the Championship. Now, the Scottosh goal poacher is determined to do everything he can to keep them there.

“It was a proud day for me and the family, I got to walk out with my little man, so that made it pretty special for me and probably at a club that I never thought I would after I initially came on a six-month loan,” the former Rangers youngster said, reflecting on his achievement. “It’s something I am immensely proud of and hopefully I can continue it for a little while. But (losing) the game takes all the emotions out of it.

“We go into it looking to win and wanting to win and to get beat 1-0 is a bit of a frustrating one as it takes away all the positives that could have been.”