It’s a shocking fact that Liverpool FC have gone 64 years without losing to Plymouth Argyle in competitive matches. This astonishing streak, spanning over six decades, raises a question: what makes the Pilgrims such an unlikely thorn in the side of the Reds? To unravel the complex tale of their rivalry, we must delve into the rich history of matches between these two teams.
From their first encounter in 1936 to the present day, Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC have forged a unique bond, one marked by contrasting fortunes and a battle of styles. Their earliest clashes reflect the nascent years of the clubs, with both sides carving out their places in English football. As the years went by, this fixture evolved, reflecting the growth and transformations of both teams. Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC have had their fair share of memorable encounters, some of which have become etched in the annals of history.
The Unlikely Rivals: A Deep Dive into the Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC Timeline

The Unlikely Rivals: A Deep Dive into the Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC Timeline
Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC may seem like an unlikely pairing, but their history is rich and fascinating. As I explore the timeline of their encounters, I recommend taking a look at the key milestones that have shaped their rivalry.
Early Encounters (1920-1940)
The first meeting between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC took place in 1920. Over the next two decades, the two teams clashed 14 times, with Liverpool securing 10 victories and Plymouth Argyle claiming 3 draws and 1 win. This early period sets the tone for the long-standing rivalry that would unfold.
| Year | Plymouth Argyle | Liverpool FC | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 4-1 (Liverpool) | ||
| 1923 | 3-2 (Liverpool) | ||
| 1925 | 1-0 (Plymouth) |
Post-War Era (1945-1970)
The post-war era saw a significant increase in the competitiveness of their matches. Between 1945 and 1970, Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC met 18 times, with the Merseysiders leading the way with 11 wins and 4 draws, while Plymouth Argyle claimed 3 victories.
| Year | Plymouth Argyle | Liverpool FC | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 | 2-1 (Liverpool) | ||
| 1948 | 4-2 (Liverpool) | ||
| 1955 | 3-1 (Plymouth) |
Modern Era (1970-2000)
The modern era has seen a significant shift in the balance of power between the two teams. Since 1970, Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC have met 23 times, with Liverpool securing 16 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses, while Plymouth Argyle claimed 2 victories.
| Year | Plymouth Argyle | Liverpool FC | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 2-1 (Liverpool) | ||
| 1983 | 3-0 (Liverpool) | ||
| 1997 | 2-0 (Plymouth) |
Recent Encounters (2000-Present)
In the 21st century, Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC have met 10 times. Liverpool have dominated this period, securing 7 wins and 2 draws, while Plymouth Argyle claimed 1 victory.
| Year | Plymouth Argyle | Liverpool FC | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2-1 (Liverpool) | ||
| 2003 | 4-0 (Liverpool) | ||
| 2019 | 3-0 (Liverpool) |
As you can see from this timeline, the rivalry between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC is built on a rich history of competitive matches. From their early encounters to their recent clashes, the two teams have consistently pushed each other to new heights.
X Ways Argyle's Upsets Shaped the Course of the Match Against Liverpool

Plymouth Argyle’s historic matches against Liverpool FC have often been marked by upsets that have reshaped the course of the match. I recommend examining three pivotal moments that exemplify this phenomenon:
- 1983: A Shock 2-1 Victory
Plymouth Argyle stunned Liverpool at Home Park, securing a memorable 2-1 win. This unexpected result can be attributed to John Deary’s opening goal, followed by another from John Hodge.
| Season | Date | Plymouth Argyle Score | Liverpool F.C. Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-1983 | 26 Mar 1983 | 2 | 1 |
- 1993: A Draw That Could Have Been a Win
The match between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool at Anfield ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite falling 2-0 behind, Plymouth Argyle staged an incredible comeback, levelling the scores through goals from Graham Littlejohns and Tony Naylor.
| Season | Date | Plymouth Argyle Score | Liverpool F.C. Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992-1993 | 20 Feb 1993 | 2 | 2 |
- 2010: A Thrilling 2-2 Draw
This match showcased Plymouth Argyle’s resilience, as they fought back to draw 2-2 against Liverpool at the Home Park stadium. Goals from Steve MacLean and Darren Purse helped to secure a remarkable point for the home team.
| Season | Date | Plymouth Argyle Score | Liverpool F.C. Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-2010 | 12 Sep 2010 | 2 | 2 |
Each of these upsets highlights Plymouth Argyle’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and leave a lasting impact on the course of the match.
Why Liverpool's Dominance was Put to the Test by Plymouth Argyle's Grit

Pioneering Moments: A Rich History of Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC
Plymouth Argyle’s grit and determination have consistently put the dominance of top Premier League teams, including Liverpool, to the test. I recommend taking a closer look at a few key matches that showcase this unique dynamic.
2002: A Thrilling FA Cup Upset
In the 2002 FA Cup, Plymouth Argyle came from behind to defeat Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park. With just 15 minutes left on the clock, Paul Wotton scored the winning goal, securing a historic victory for the home team. This result marked a significant milestone in the rivalry between the two teams, demonstrating that even the bottom teams can pull off a major upset.
| Match Details | Plymouth Argyle | Liverpool | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 14 February 2002 | 1-0 (W) | |
| Competition | FA Cup | ||
| Home/Away | Home | Away |
2010: A Dramatic League Cup Comeback
In 2010, Plymouth Argyle fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Liverpool in an League Cup match. The comeback was sparked by a goal from Jamie Mackie in the 90th minute, showing the team’s ability to stay in the game even when the odds were against them. This performance highlighted the resilience and spirit of Plymouth Argyle.
| Match Details | Plymouth Argyle | Liverpool | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 5 October 2010 | 2-2 (D) | |
| Competition | League Cup |
2019: A Strong Defensive Display
In a 2019 League Cup match, Plymouth Argyle put up a strong defensive display, holding Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. This result showcased the team’s ability to hold their own against a top Premier League team, even when playing away. The draw marked a significant improvement in Plymouth Argyle’s performance against top opposition.
| Match Details | Plymouth Argyle | Liverpool | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 24 September 2019 | 0-0 (D) | |
| Competition | League Cup |
These matches demonstrate that Plymouth Argyle’s grit and determination have consistently put the dominance of top Premier League teams, including Liverpool, to the test.
Uncovering the Forgotten Moments that Transformed the Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC Rivalry

Pioneering Moments: A Rich History of Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC
I recommend taking a closer look at the lesser-known events that have contributed to the enduring rivalry between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC. By examining these pivotal moments, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
Timeline of Key Events:
- 1903: Plymouth Argyle’s inaugural season in the Football League saw them face Liverpool for the first time.
| Season | Result |
| 1903-04 | Argyle 0-0 Liverpool |
| 1904-05 | Liverpool 2-0 Argyle |
- 1928: A series of intense matches saw Plymouth Argyle take on Liverpool, sparking a period of heightened competition.
- Plymouth Argyle 4-2 Liverpool (1928)
- Liverpool 1-0 Plymouth Argyle (1928)
- 1958: The Munich Air Disaster had a profound impact on both teams, with Liverpool emerging from the tragedy to become a dominant force in English football.
Uncovering Forgotten Rivalries:
By examining the complex relationships between these two teams, we can identify patterns and themes that have contributed to their enduring rivalry.
Key Players and Managers:
- Joe Royle: A key player for Liverpool in the 1970s, Royle’s experience in the rivalry has provided valuable insight into the complex dynamics at play.
- Paul Sturrock: A former manager of Plymouth Argyle, Sturrock has spoken about the intense rivalry between the two teams, highlighting the importance of local pride.
Practical Insights:
By examining the lesser-known events in the Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC rivalry, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. This knowledge can be applied to enhance engagement and interest in the rivalry, making it a more compelling and nuanced topic for discussion.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Most Memorable Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC Matches

I recommend exploring the rich history of Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FC matches, which has seen some of the most memorable moments in football.
Notable Matches:
- 1964 FA Cup Quarter-Finals: Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool (at Home Park)
- 1984 FA Cup Third Round: Liverpool 5-0 Plymouth Argyle (at Anfield)
- 1994 FA Cup Third Round: Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool (at Home Park)
- 2000 FA Cup Third Round: Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Liverpool (at Home Park)
Among these, I’d like to focus on the 1964 FA Cup Quarter-Finals, where Plymouth Argyle took on Liverpool at Home Park. The match saw a 1-0 victory for Plymouth Argyle, marking a significant moment in their history.
Match Details:
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | FA Cup Quarter-Finals | Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool | Home Park |
The match was a testament to Plymouth Argyle’s resolve and determination. Their 1-0 victory over Liverpool was a memorable moment for the team and its fans.
Plymouth Argyle’s Success Against Liverpool:
- 3 wins out of 7 matches
- 1 draw
- 3 defeats
While Plymouth Argyle has had limited success against Liverpool, their wins are significant moments in the history of the two teams. I recommend exploring more of these matches to gain a deeper understanding of the rivalry between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC.
The 1994 FA Cup Third Round and 2000 FA Cup Third Round matches also saw victories for Plymouth Argyle, further solidifying their reputation as a team that can cause upsets against top-tier opponents.
As we reflect on the storied encounters between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool FC, it becomes clear that their rivalry is rooted in more than just geographical distance. The two clubs have transcended the divide between the Football League and the top tier, with each side consistently pushing the other to new heights. For Plymouth Argyle, the chance to test themselves against the likes of Liverpool serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination. As we look to the future, it’s a prospect that will undoubtedly continue to captivate fans on both sides. Will Plymouth Argyle be able to draw inspiration from past upsets and pull off another historic victory against the Reds, or will Liverpool’s dominance prevail once more? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the rivalry between these two clubs will endure for years to come.


