The journey to London was rather eventful, with frequent stops required to de-ice the car, as the -6°C temperatures defeated even BMW’s technical advances!  We had been invited for lunch at Steve & Clare’s in Barnet, from where we could catch a train direct to Finsbury Park, just a short walk from the Emirates stadium.  After a bite to eat, and a play for Sienna with Chloe, we headed off to get the train.  Unusually (well, in my experience anyway), the train was both on time and cheaper than we had been advised when we checked online!

Accompanied by plenty of Arsenal fans, the train deposited us at Finsbury Park, and we enjoyed the 20 minute walk to the Emirates, passing the site of the old Highbury stadium on the way, which is now being converted to luxury flats!  On arriving at Ashburton Grove, to give it the correct name, the stadium certainly impressed.  At a cost of more than £360 million, it is a fine home for one of the country’s top teams.  As the pictures (click an image to enter the slideshow) and short video here show, the view from our seats was great, if a little far from the action, and the atmosphere generated by the 9,000 Argyle fans who had made the trip must have been superb for the players.

The game itself was somehwat of an anti-climax, with Argyle being outplayed for long periods, but always resolute in their defense.  Goalkeeper Romain Larrieu was outstanding in the first 45 minutes, making a number of fine saves and as the second half started, there was a real belief among the travelling ‘Green Army’ that a draw might just be possible.  However, Arsene Wenger’s half-time teamtalk obviously worked wonders, with Arsenal coming out all guns blazing, scoring two goals inside the first 5 minutes after the break, effectively ending the game as a contest.  Argyle fought back with a goal from captain Carl Duguid, but it was not to be, as Arsenal broke forward late in the game as Argyle chased an equaliser and Van Persie struck at the second attempt to put the result beyond doubt. 

All in all, it was a super day out, if rather long, and Sienna enjoyed her first taste of being an Argyle away supporter.  The return trip home was somewhat eventful, as we were put on the wrong train back to Barnet, but we eventually got back to the car and arrived back in Tavistock at 10.30pm. 

Best thing about the day:    Probably the help from the Arsenal fans en-route back to Barnet after the game…..

Worst thing about the day:  The completely inadequate toilet facilities at the Emirates……… (from a male perspective anyway!)

It was a cold and slightly damp day, but in her new red waterproof all in one suit, Sienna looked the part as we headed through Central Park to the ‘Theatre of Greens’.  Heads turned, people looking on inquisitively as the Harding Family descended on the turnstiles of the Lyndhurst Stand.  Safely asleep in the carrier on the front of Dad (see picture), we took our seats ready to watch Argyle hopefully dismantle ‘The Hoops’.

Sadly, the game itself didn’t live up to expectations.  Having dominated but failing to win their previous home game on the Tuesday night against Birmingham, the crowd had been hoping for a first win in 4 games, but QPR had other ideas.  Despite Argyle playing some super football at times, the Green Army simply couldn’t break them down and it was QPR who took the lead after half an hour after some comical defending by Argyle.

The Greens didn’t give up however, and as the game moved into the second half, they went in search of an equaliser.  Numerous good chances were wasted, before, with 15 minutes left, substitute Steve Maclean finished a good move with a well taken goal.  Persistent pressure in the last 10 minutes, including a clear penalty which mysteriously wasn’t given, failed to bring a winner and the Pilgrims ultimately had to settle for a point.  With their recent form a worry, a lack of goals and their league position slipping rapidly, a win is now becoming vital.

Sienna’s view of the game will probably be somewhat different to her father’s however, as she slept through all but 5 minutes!  Still, there are years ahead when we’re sure she’ll see Argyle in the Premier League, not to mention the Home Park redevelopment finally finished………..

All the activity was obviously a bit much for Miss Harding, who slept through her first night last night – 10.30pm-7.00am, only then being woken up for food and promptly going back to sleep until nearly 10am! I’m hoping it sticks as 8.5hours was much appreciated!

As for today, Sienna will be getting her first taste of the Green Army as they take on Cardiff City, though only via Sky Sports, not in the flesh. We’re starting her young in the hopes that she’ll share her parents love of football, especially as Pete and I are unlikely ever to agree on which team in red she might support…

Starting with the same 11 players as at Ashton Gate in mid-week, Sturrock clearly wanted the team to play high up the pitch.  Hassling and chasing down every ball, it was only 14 minutes before Argyle took the lead, courtesy of an own goal from

 Wednesday centre back Beavers.  Shortly after that opener, a superbly worked move, started by the outstanding Clark was finished by Gallagher with a neat volley from 6 yards.

By the half hour, the Greens were 3-0 up after a beautiful back post scissor kick from Rory Fallon was saved by Wednesday keeper Lee Grant, only for Jamie Mackie to score from close range, his third goal in three games. 

After the interval, Sheffield Wednesday came out fighting and, on another day, could easily have pulled back 2 or 3 goals.  Francis Jeffers, once of Arsenal and Everton, missed the best of the visitor’s chances, shooting wide from 18 yards after being put through a square and static Argyle defence.

However, just as the crowd started to think the game was destined to finish 3-0, Marcel Seip popped up at a 90th minute corner and powered home an unstoppable header from 12 yards.

A great result for the Pilgrims, on a wet and very windy day that made good football very difficult  It lifts them into the top six, having taken 13 points from a possible 15 in the past 5 games.

The season is rapidly turning round from the gloom of being bottom after 5 games!