It seems premature to be fretting about the fate of any potential play-off push midway through August, but with 2 defeats from two away from home it doesn’t bode well thus far.
I’m often hot-headed and reactionary but even with giving some extra thought to the ratings they’re still exceptionally low. I left Fleetwood feeling dejected but this tops it.
It’s one of the most abject performances I’ve seen from an Argyle side in a long while but can only thank that there’s 40-odd games left to leave his in the distant memory.
James Wilson’s red card compounded the defeat without doubt but a sending off shouldn’t enable a complete capitulation. Even before that we looked all at sea, no-one except Randell with his head above the ‘5’ mark parapet.
So without keeping you waiting here’s my scores on the doors after a shocking night at The Valley.
4 – Michael Cooper
Nobody can conceded 5 and expect a score higher than that they’ve shipped. Should have spanked Gillesphey’s back pass into row Z. Can’t expect him to get anywhere near their third. One to forget, go again Saturday.
2 – Macauley Gillesphey
I’ve a soft spot for the lad but even I can’t really excuse his performance on Tuesday; playing out from the back lead to both the first and second goals – aforementioned back pass to Cooper the worst of the lot – and failed to stop he fourth on the line. Worst singular performance I’ve seen in a green shirt for a while.
4 – Dan Scarr
After each attack broke down all three of our usually assured centre-backs were left scrambling out of position. Initially out jumped by Stockley for the first, sent to the shops by Man of the Match Jesurun Rak-Sakyi before Randell blocked. Poor in possession.
3 – James Wilson
Even before the penalty decision Wilson’s performance was questionable. Covering the space in-behind Edwards was non-existent and caught napping too often. Upon watching the ‘highlights’ it appears the red was justified, even if still feels bit harsh.
4 – Joe Edwards
Maybe more of a tactical choice but full-backs left huge gaps in which Charlton exploited, didn’t appear to want to beat his man and although normally a solid 8 he was only half the player he usually is.
5 – Bali Mumba
Defensively non-existent but he’s not here for that. Brilliant against sides when we dominate possession but tonight’s his worst game in an Argyle shirt. Nothing to hold against him, almost everyone looked lacklustre. Did produce some decent skill to retain possession and tee up Randell for his long range effort.
6 – Adam Randell: MOTM.
In truth he looked the only one who wanted to be there. Running stats must be high and looks like he’s beefed up over the summer. Currently, a nailed on starter in our best side. Tireless again tonight and although not completely without fault, his effort often found him on the edges of both boxes; throwing himself in front of one effort and forcing a save from 25 yards his main two contributions. Hooked at half-time to keep the legs fresh for Saturday.
3 – Jordan Houghton
After feeling he was underrated all of last season, I’m starting to question his desire. Since finishing up with his on-field antics against MK Dons it appears he’s given up the ghost. Lack lustre, lazy and half-arsed all night; compounded by his inability to close down Sean Clare ahead of his thunder-strike.
5 – Finn Azaz
Didn’t look the wonder we had already come accustomed to without Mayor but still swaggered with the usual pizzaz. Will have wondered why he ever came if travelling on the coach back to Plymouth. Not much else of note.
5 – Morgan Whittaker
Besides the mazy solo run and excellent finish to dirty Wollacott’s linen, Whittaker looked on course to battle Gillesphey’s rating. Didn’t look much in the game at all, one pot shot sailed high and wide, left for dead on one counter and most passes astray. Hoping the lad finds his feet in green soon.
5 – Ryan Hardie
Another to be hooked at half-time, can’t say we were any worse without him second half. Didn’t cause much of an issue for O’Connell and Lavelle with barely any of the ball. Not much else to note. Bounce-back-ability™️ to be tested for our trip to Nailsworth.
Subs:
4 – Luke Jephcott
Playing him in the 10? Seriously? Can’t see that lasting. Did manage some nice link up play with Ennis for one break over the top but lacked pace to break past the back-line from his slightly deeper position. For me, he was needed as a vocal point to make the ball stick and relieve pressure.
4 – Niall Ennis
Again, not much of note. In truth I’d all but switched off by the 4th which compounded the misery of the night.
5 – Brendan Galloway
Came on at half-time but what can you really do in that situation? Looked far more assured on the ball than most and shielded a few in behind for goal-kicks. When up and running fully I expect Galloway to take back his starting berth.
4 – Matt Butcher
On at half-time, can’t remember much from him except a few passes astray. Lucky to get a 4.
5 – Nigel Lonwijk
Late sub, not much of note. Looks to be back in the starting XI come Saturday with Wilson’s suspension after his starting debut against Posh went well enough; literally can not be any worse than anyone else.