Crown Football Round-Up (10/08/2018)

Ryan Edwards and Plymouth Argyle kicked their 2018/19 season campaign off at the weekend and what better way to return to football than with a goal. The centre-back opened the scoring in Argyle’s first League One match of the season and Ryan's first game since undergoing surgery for testicular cancer in January.

The result left Ryan with bitter-sweet feelings. “At the time, it was a good feeling, a great feeling, a sort of welcome back,” he said, “but it stands for nothing now. I don’t care about it. We’ve come away with nothing. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter. I’m hurting more than anyone. What’s on my mind is the loss, not the goal. I would very gladly have not scored and taken the points, of course I would.”

Last week Cole Stockton signed a new contract with Tranmere Rovers seeing him return to Prenton Park on a one-year deal.

Manager Micky Mellon said: "We're delighted to bring Cole back to the club. The fans know all about him, he's a powerful striker and he showed us that last time he was here"

And speaking ahead of his debut game against Stevenage last week, Cole said “It felt like I’ve never been away. Stepping through the door just felt right straight away. As soon as Tranmere wanted me back it was a no brainer"

The team secured a valuable point to start the season, with a 2-2 draw. It was a lively start to the game with Rovers having the majority of possession and Cole had an early chance at goal. It came in the 5th minute, when he glanced a header wide from a Jonny Smith corner.

Danny Fox got his season underway at Nottingham Forest with a 1-1 draw against Bristol City, followed by another 1-1 tie against West Brom on Tuesday. Danny captained the side for their away fixture and speaking on the clash he said "I felt we controlled the game; if you look at the possession and the stats. We are disappointed as we feel like it is two points dropped but we are still in good spirits as I felt we played so well.”

Ryan Kent has been playing in the Europa League for Rangers. Steven Gerrard made three changes to his side to take on Maribor on Thursday, including Ryan in the starting 11.

Scott Arfield had begun the game with some real intent, and as Maribor dallied at the back to clear the ball, he nipped it away from Blaz Vrhovec and sprayed it into the box for the in-rushing Ryan Kent. Ryan did extremely well to get the ball away from defender Sasa Ivkovic, and he curled an effort towards goal, which Handanovic did well to save, but Alfredo Morelos was first to react to send the ball into the back of the net to give Rangers the lead.

The game ended 3-1 to Rangers, giving them a 2-goal lead ahead of next week’s second leg in in Slovenia.

Christian Walton and Wigan Athletic played their first Championship game since being promoted towards the end of last season. Latics deservedly pick up three points after they defeated Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 at the DW Stadium last weekend.