The Plymouth Argyle striker scored on his return to action in the 2-1 defeat away to Southampton after missing the previous two Championship matches
After Southampton’s free kick signaled the restart of play, they launched an offensive and Carlos Alcarez gave them the lead.
“We were devastated because that put the game in a completely different mindset,” Hardie added. If nothing else, we would have been praying for a draw and would have had the lead.
“It was in our own net twenty seconds later, or something like that, and we were trailing the game at that point, down 1-0. It would be difficult no matter what.
“I believe we demonstrated our never-say-die mentality. We always aim to put the ball in the net, and we would like to thank the supporters for their persistent efforts to do so, especially after we scored. Although it was terrible, we gave it our all and tried our hardest.”
A few times this season, crucial decisions have gone against Argyle. One such instance is the 1-0 loss they suffered on the road at Coventry City at the end of November, when the game-winning goal was scored after the ball had obviously left the play before it passed into Haji Wright’s path.
“We feel that things have to change at some point, and there are decisions that are going against us, but we are man enough in the changing room to take it,” Hardie remarked. I hope we can begin moving up the table in the manner that pleases us.”
If Hardie, Argyle’s leading scorer the previous two seasons, can continue to play for the remainder of the 2023–24 season and continuing finding the back of the net, they will have a higher chance of accomplishing it.
Following a back pass from defender Jack Stephens, Hardie closed down goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to make his comeback against Southampton. Hardie was able to take the ball off the Republic of Ireland international and score.
“I like to bet on getting that pass, and if I have a chance to score, I’ll probably try to nick it if you plan to play it,” Hardie stated.
“I will take them all day long, but I never anticipated it to happen in the six-yard box. Although I was happy to see my name on the scoreboard, it was ultimately meaningless, which was disheartening.
With 28 points from 24 games, Argyle is ranked 18th in the Championship standings. On Monday, they will host 10th-place Watford at Home Park. On the second weekend of the season, the teams drew 0-0 at Vicarage Road.
“It’s a new year and a new challenge for us,” stated Hardie. We must push our way to the top of the table and begin to look upward. We’ll be buoyant after beating them in the first game.
“We had a good outcome—a 0-0 draw—after going to a difficult environment. We are at Home Park now, and hopefully we can start progressing and get the three points.”
This will be Argyle’s fourth and likely final game under Neil Dewsnip and Kevin Nancekivell’s temporary management until Steven Schumacher is replaced by a new manager.
Ryan Hardie shares some positive news for Plymouth Argyle supporters.
According to Hardie, not much has changed in that regard because Neil and Nance have been here for a long time and have stepped into their roles rather effectively.
“We are probably excited to get someone in and see what he brings but we have got an honest group of lads who will just work for each other more than anything.”
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