Bizarre circumstances and a rotated opposition, but a win’s a win! Tom Harris reviews a confidence boosting victory vs the Rs.
Plymouth Argyle progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup as they came from two goals down to defeat a youthful QPR side 3-2 at Home Park.
Despite dominating the opening exchanges Argyle fell behind in the 21st minute after Daniel Bennie tapped in after Luca Ashby-Hammond could only parry Rumarn Burrel’s header.
Argyle thought they were about to level the match when Tegan Finn was felled in the box just five minutes later, but the experienced Jamie Paterson saw his low penalty well saved by the outstretched glove of Paul Nardi.
The home onslaught continued but it was the visitors who’d score next when Rayan Kolli was allowed the freedom of the six yard box to head home following a short corner routine on the stroke of half time.
After the break Argyle rallied as they searched for Tom Cleverley’s first win as head coach. They got off to the perfect start when Brendan Wiredu nodded in Victor Palsson’s flick on just three minutes into the half.
Minutes later, Palsson nearly notched his own goal with a header which was hooked off the line, but Argyle did level shortly after when Owen Oseni improvised to convert a deep cross from Ayman Benarous.
Oseni rounded off the scoring and sealed Argyle’s place in the next round 12 minutes short of the final whistle when he prodded home a cross from substitute Caleb Watts.
Here are the ratings from the match.
Luca Ashby-Hammond GK – 4. I really don’t want to give out poor ratings in a win but on another day, and certainly against better opposition, the two goals Argyle conceded could have cost them and Ashby-Hammond was questionably at fault for both. The goalkeeper opted to push away a header but palmed it straight into the path of Daniel Bennie for the opener. For the second he should have commanded his six yard box to claim a fairly stagnant, looping cross. However he stood on his line and the header beat him at his near post. He didn’t make a good low save late on from a long range strike to keep Argyle in front.
Kornel Szucs RB – 7. The Hungarian looks more comfortable at full back the does at centre back. His driving runs and link up with Finn in the first half should have put Argyle at least on the scoresheet but for some good saves by the visiting keeper and some wayward shooting – r eplaced early in the second half.
Victor Palsson CB – 7. Palsson recorded his second assist of the season when he found Wiredu for Argyle’s first strike of the match early in the second half. That being said, there were question marks over his defending when he lost Burrell whose header led to the opener. Had a chance of his own hooked off the line in the second half.
Brendan Wiredu CB – 7. Similarly to Szucs, it’s another case of a player looking more comfortable in a different position to where they started the campaign. He commanded the backline from centre back and got the goal he deserved when he nodded in following Palsson’s flick on to get Argyle back in the game…intrigued as to where he fits in going forward.
Ayman Benarous LB – 8. Ayman has gone up a point simply because of that frankly filthy flip flap skill in the second half. You can tell he’s not a natural full back, and he was barely tested by QPR’s youngsters in this game, but he played with confidence and showcased a great delivery when he found Oseni for Argyle’s equaliser.
Bradley Ibrahim CM – 6. It was fairly solid hour for Ibrahim and his first game without a yellow card this season! Has the energy and the willing to get Argyle moving and could have had his first goal in Green but swiped an effort wide in the first half.
Malachi Boateng CM – 8. Fans saw a classy display from Boateng who made it look effortless at times, albeit against a young opposition. He was dominant on the ball and won countless 50/50s and played a selfless role which allowed Argyle’s attackers to stay on the front foot: great display.
Joe Hatch LM – 6. The youngster was handed a start but didn’t look particularly comfortable in that position compared to down the middle and was replaced by Mumba after 50 minutes. Beaten to the ball too easily by Kolli for QPR’s second although really it was a ball the keeper could have claimed. Could have got his frist goal but flicked a Szucs cross over early on.
Jamie Paterson CAM – 6. Overall, it was a slightly disappointing display for Paterson. He showed his experience with some great game management to keep attacks flowing, but saw a first half penalty well denied by the keeper. The midfielder then pulled up late in the game, let’s hope it’s not serious.
Owen Oseni ST – 8. You can’t complain at two well taken goals (particularly the first) for Oseni which were deserved following a hard working display. Held the ball better in the second half and should have had a hat trick but for a header over the bar. Subbed immediately after scoring his second. – ST
Tegan Finn RM RM – 8. POTM. Finally, a proper chance to see what all the fuss is about with Tegan Finn. A really good display from the youngster who had Harvey Vale chasing shadows throughout the game. His great footwork won Argyle the penalty and gave QPR countless problems throughout. Received a standing ovation when he left the pitch and rightly so. Just pipped Boateng for POTM for me but only due to the fact this was only his second start for Argyle. Very impressed and should feature more this season.
Subs:
Caleb Watts: 7. After being introduced in the midfield, it was a good 30 minute cameo from Watts who came up with the assist for the winner as his dinked cross found the feet of Oseni who managed to stay onside to prod home.
Bali Mumba: 5. I was slightly disappointed with Mumba’s display. With inexperienced opposition, I thought it was a great opportunity to see Mumba drive at players but that was rarely the case. Had a clash of heads late on but fortunately was okay to carry on.
Xavier Amaechi: 6. The winger bamboozled the defence with his tricky feet however the final ball was lacking at times which will need to be improved on. Nevertheless, a good run out for Argyle’s number 10.
Matty Sorinola 6: A straight swap for Szucs, Sorinola linked up well with Amaechi and gets into the inverted right back positions well in the midfield.
Bim Pepple N/A. Ten minutes or so for Pepple who held the ball up well in his brief display. Unfortunately, he had to do more defending from the front than attacking due to Paterson’s injury.