Argyle fans make their mark in Manchester despite FA Cup defeat to City

Plymouth Argyle's remarkable FA Cup journey concluded with a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on March 1.

Despite the loss, the 7,800 traveling Argyle fans showcased unwavering support throughout the match.

Among them was Mike Davies, who drove up on Friday evening and returned on Sunday morning.

ABOVE: Mike Davies outside of the Etihad. Credit: Mike Davies

On Saturday morning, many Argyle fans visited the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre. 

Mike said: “Quite funny really as all the interactive parts of the displays were all set to ‘Argyle’ left by previous supporters who had gone around the museum earlier.”

Manchester city centre was filled with Argyle supporters, who gathered in bars and coffee shops ahead of the match.

“The game itself was electric. The 7,800 Argyle fans sang their hearts out from start to finish. The team did us all proud. I couldn’t believe it when we scored and took the lead. It was beyond all of our wildest dreams. Sadly, it wasn’t to be,” Mike said.

ABOVE: The Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, just before kick off. 

Buckfastleigh local Jack Voisey also made the journey. 

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

“It was an absolutely amazing day, scoring first against the current champions of England was brilliant. Wasn’t really sure what to do with myself, just remember hugging my brothers and my dad.

“We went up and back in the day, got home about 1.30am so wasn’t too bad. Think it was a massive compliment to us considering they had to bring on their best players to beat us. Atmosphere was brilliant the whole 90, didn’t even hear the City fans,” Jack said.

At the final whistle, the singing from Argyle fans continued as they made their way back towards the city centre, filling pubs, hotels, coaches, and trains. 

“I’m sure every Argyle fan will have a sore throat from all that singing!” Mike added.

Many fans, including Mike, spent the evening in Manchester, where they were met with praise from Manchester City supporters.

“They all congratulated our team for progressing so far in the competition and commented on the amount of Argyle fans in attendance and the amount of singing.”

“A great weekend away and now we have to focus all of our attention on avoiding relegation,” he said.

ABOVE: Argyle fans bump into the team walking around Manchester before the game.

With the FA Cup run now over, attention turns back to the league and the battle to avoid relegation.