ARGYLE will have to recover quickly after back-to-back defeats in the week at the hands of Devon rivals Torquay United and non-league Stourbridge.

Northampton Town travel to Home Park tomorrow for what is being billed as a relegation six pointer.

The Cobblers are in 20th place in League 2 after conceding seven goals in their last game to Shrewsbury – and also lost manager Gary Johnson last week.

The former Yeovil Town, Peterborough and Bristol City boss left his post at Northampton by mutual consent and ex-Blackburn and England goalkeeper Tim Flowers has taken on the role of caretaker manager.

The Greens conceded five goals in their two disappointing defeats last week and will be hugely relieved that experienced defender Darren Purse has joined the ranks on an emergency loan until January.

Purse has joined from Millwall and has recently played five matches for Yeovil Town on another loan spell.

The Pilgrims also signed versatile French midfielder Maxime Blanchard on a short-term contract.

Blanchard played 24 times for Tranmere Rovers last season and the 25-year-old can play in the middle of the park or in defence.

Recent loan signing Craig Sutherland looked impressive in attack against Torquay last Saturday but he was one of few positives as Argyle lost to their close rivals for the first time in the league since 1972. The Gulls ran out 3-1 winners with a brace from midfielder Eunan O'Kane and a third goal from Danny Stephens doing the damage before Will Atkinson scored a late consolation.

The first half at Plainmoor was a tense affair with limited chances. Argyle, however, had barely got out of the dressing room at half-time when they found themselves two down from some audacious striking by O'Kane.

The Irishman gave Torquay the lead on 47 minutes when his fierce drive from the edge of the box beat Larrieu.

And just two minutes later the same player struck a wonderful effort from all of 35 yards, which sailed over the French 'keeper and crashed into the net.Argyle struggled to contain Torquay after that and the third goal came for the home side on 69 minutes when Stephens rifled the ball past Larrieu when sent clear by Curtis Nelon's slip.

Will Atkinson scored his third goal of the season and a consolation for Argyle after excellent work from Sutherland on the left-hand by-line.

The Scot pulled the ball back to Atkinson, who rolled the ball home in front of the 1,050 travelling Green Army.

Fletcher was rapidly seeking a strong performance against Stourbridge in Tuesday night's FA Cup first-round replay.

However, he got exactly the opposite as his side was outplayed by a team three divisions below them.

Argyle fans would have been wary of the match-up after the West Midlands side's good performance at Home Park the previous week, which ended in an enthralling 3-3 draw.

Fletcher brought himself back into the starting line-up in place of Young and further changes saw Jake Cole replace Larrieu between the sticks and Houihane starting instead of Sutherland, who was cup-tied.

It was the part-timers who had the first effort on goal when Ryan Rowe broke away from Ben Gibson in the box only to see his effort on target smartly saved by Cole.

The match then turned on its head when Paul Bignot reacted after being fouled by Sean Evans by kicking out at him from the ground.

Referee Scott Mathieson sent Bignot off and then booked Curtis Nelson after a brief scuffle broke out between a crowd of players from both sides. Argyle managed to stay on level terms until half-time but found themselves behind on 52 minutes when Paul McCone evaded Simon Walton's marking to head in a corner at the near post.

Fletcher responded by taking himself off for Lecointe but the Pilgrims were struggling to create any forceful opportunities and it was the home side who doubled their lead with a 73rd minute strike. Evans finished from a tight angle after the tricky Ryan Rowe's shot could only be parried by Cole.

Argyle laboured to a disappointing defeat to end their cup participation for the season.