Plymouth Argyle fans gear up for Manchester City showdown

Plymouth Argyle supporters are eagerly preparing for a historic FA Cup fifth-round clash against Manchester City, scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at 5.45pm.

The match will take place at the Etihad Stadium and will be broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX. 

This fixture comes on the heels of Plymouth's remarkable 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool, a triumph that has ignited excitement among the Green Army. 

The win over Liverpool marked Plymouth's first since 1956 and has set the stage for another challenging encounter against a top-flight giant. 

For those unable to make the journey to Manchester, local venues in Plymouth are expected to host viewing events, allowing fans to gather and support their team collectively. 

Historically, Plymouth and Manchester City have faced each other in the FA Cup only once before, in 1988, when City emerged victorious with a 3-1 win. 

This upcoming match offers Plymouth a chance to rewrite history and continue their impressive cup run. 

Among those making the journey to the Etihad Stadium is Mike Davies, a former mayor of Okehampton and West Devon, who has been a devoted Argyle supporter since childhood.

Now 60, Mike first started attending matches at Home Park when he was around eight years old. 

A season ticket holder, he will be travelling to Manchester with his son Josh, 18, and brother-in-law Steve Hill. 

“The three of us are all season ticket holders,” he told The Moorlander.

Reflecting on his most memorable Argyle moments, Mike highlighted the recent FA Cup victory over Liverpool, as well as past experiences in the competition. 

“I remember attending Villa Park for the FA Cup semi-final in 1984. Sadly, we lost 1-0. In 1975, I squeezed into a packed Home Park, with a crowd of 38,000, to watch Plymouth lose 3-1 to Everton.”

Despite the challenge of facing reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, Mike remains hopeful.

“I thought we had no chance against Liverpool, but we’ve already beaten two Premier League teams so anything is possible. That’s the beauty of the FA Cup.”

A lifelong Argyle fan, he rarely misses a game.

“I go to the majority of home matches and usually pick up a few away games each season. Most are televised in some form or another.” 

Fortunately, his commitment to the team doesn’t interfere with his work as a part-time building surveyor and church minister.

“I always have the Argyle fixtures in my diary and try to avoid any work clashes.”

When asked about the best atmosphere at Home Park, Mike was full of praise for the club’s loyal fanbase. 

“Too many to mention. The Green Army is incredible. Our support at home and away is second to none.”

As for his all-time favourite player? 

“Paul Mariner. I once met him in a hotel lift. We ended up in rooms next to each other. It was exciting for me… I’m not sure he was as excited.”

Looking ahead to the FA Cup tie, Mike isn’t afraid to dream big. 

His prediction? “It has to be an Argyle win. 1-0.”

Buckfastleigh based Jack doesn't expect a win, but know's anything could happen!

Also heading to the Etihad on Saturday is Buckfastleigh local Jack Voisey. 

ABOVE: Jack with his dad and brother celebrating after Argyle's FA Cup victory over Liverpool at Home Park. Credit: Jack Voisey

Supporting Argyle since the age of four, the now 20-year-old has held a season ticket since he was five. 

Over the years, he has witnessed plenty of highs and lows, with some of the most emotional moments in the club’s history.

His best Argyle memory is the play-off semi-final win over Portsmouth in 2016, with a last-minute goal securing the victory. 

He was also at Port Vale when Argyle won the league, a moment he describes as unforgettable. 

Having seen all the club’s recent promotions and relegations, he knows the full spectrum of emotions that come with being an Argyle fan.

The FA Cup win over Liverpool left him stunned.

“After the Liverpool game, I just didn’t know how to react. It felt surreal.”

Looking ahead to Manchester City, he remains realistic but hopeful. 

He doesn’t expect a win but knows anything can happen. 

“Wigan won it in 2013, so maybe we can follow them whilst also staying up, which is the priority.”

Jack’s favourite Argyle player is Graham Carey, calling him “special” and believing the club was lucky to have him for four years. 

He admired Carey’s left foot, saying, “He always felt like he could score from anywhere.”

He’s backing Argyle for a 1-0 win and remains full of belief.

“I believe in us!”

Bovey Tracey’s Jonathan Phillips joins fellow supporters in hoping for an Argyle win

Jonathan Phillips, a lifelong Argyle fan from Bovey Tracey, is another Green Army member gearing up for the historic FA Cup fifth-round clash against Manchester City. 

ABOVE: Jonathan follows the Green Army no matter where he is in the world

However, he won’t be able to make the trip to the Etihad as he is currently travelling in Colombia and will have just finished an Amazon jungle trip.

His first taste of Argyle football came on March 17, 1973, at just seven years old when Argyle triumphed 1-0 against Bournemouth. 

He vividly remembers being given an Argyle rosette, which sparked a cheeky encounter with two Bournemouth supporters on the A38, leading to his mum’s concern as they swore at him!

Since then, Jonathan has shared countless Argyle memories, particularly with his daughter Alice and his three nephews Fergus, Calum, and Alex, who have now become Green Army members themselves. 

One of his most cherished moments was attending Argyle’s first-ever Wembley match in 1996 against Darlington, where Ronnie Mauge’s goal secured a 1-0 win.

A season ticket holder, Jonathan regularly attends home games with his friend Alan and two older Argyle fans, John (89) and Adrian (81) from Ashburton.

“Man City are the overwhelming favourites but we have a chance, slim but we have a chance,” he said.

Jonathan has travelled far and wide to support Argyle, even watching games on Argyle TV from abroad.

“I have watched games via Argyle TV when abroad and regularly have had to apologise to other people in cafes and restaurants for my reaction when Argyle score, I am very, very loud. I am learning Spanish and was recently watching Argyle against Millwall on my iPhone in a cafe in Jardin, Colombia and had to say ‘disculpe es mi equipo de fútbol, ellos acaban de marcar un gol’ (which means excuse me it’s my football team they have just scored a goal) on five occasions!”

A fan of Argyle legends like Billy Rafferty, Jonathan knows better than most that being an Argyle fan is about keeping the faith.

“It’s the hope that kills you,” he said.

“But there’s always hope!”