Finally, a league win. Tom Harris reviews the players from the game.
Argyle secured their first three points of the season as they defeated Blackpool 1-0 at Home Park.
It was a deserved victory for the Pilgrims who earned the win thanks to a moment of brilliance from Malachi Boateng just minutes into the second half.
The midfielder drove into the box, evaded the defence, and curled a strike into the top corner to take the roof off the Devonport end.
Here are the ratings from the game:
Luca Ashby Hammond GK – 7. Made three or four really good saves to keep Blackpool at bay, and dominated his box when coming for crosses. His best game of the season so far by a distance. Well deserving of his clean sheet.
Kornel Szucs RB – 6. A steady display at full back where it seems Cleverley feels he’s at his best. Seems Argyle have moved away from long throws as he wasn’t used as much as in previous games.
Alex Mitchell CB – 8 MOTM. Won absolutely every header at the back. Kept Dale Taylor quiet throughout the game, looks a brilliant acquisition.
Brendan Galloway CB – 7. Shame he had to go off what looks like a reoccurrence of his calf injury. That aside Galloway has played some solid football over the last two games and has struck up a good partnership with Mitchell.
Ayman Benarous LB – 6. Not comfortable at left back compared how he was against QPR. But came up with the assist for Boateng’s winner with a neat pass between the lines. Subbed off for the more defensive minded Sorinola.
Malachi Boateng CM – 8. The goal his consistent performances deserved. He’s been a rock in centre midfield for Argyle over the last few games and was again and broke up play well. Scored a fantastic goal, when he burst into the box, switched onto his right then curled into the top corner. What a goal.
Bradley Ibrahim CM – 6. Death, taxes and Ibrahim yellow cards. It’s his fourth already! Needs to keep a lid on that moving forward. Nonetheless a solid display in midfield.
Xavier Amaechi RM – 6. Needs to work on his final ball a lot. Spent way too long on the ball on the day and slowed exciting moves down. Had a big opportunity to double the lead in the second half but skied over after Mumba’s shot was well saved.
Caleb Watts CAM – 6. Forever willing to run with the ball, Watts’ energy is essential for Argyle. Still needs to work on his link up going forward as he and others stalled what looked like promising moves at times. Nonetheless a good display.
Bali Mumba LM – 6. Ought to have scored when Ibrahim slotted him through in the first half but saw his low shot saved. Was more direct with his runs which caused the defence problems.
Lorent Tolaj ST – 7. Straight into the firing line and he didn’t look out of place despite not training with the side. Ought to have scored early on after Mumba’s shot was saved and he fired the rebound wide of the open goal. His all round work rate was fantastic and he showed some neat touches and link up play. Exciting teaser of what’s to come.
Subs:
Matty Sorinola – 6. Replaced Benarous to tighten things up at the back and did just that against the lively Blackpool right wingers.
Brendan Wiredu – 6. Came on for the injured Galloway and won every battle. Excellent display.
Bim Pepple – N/A. Held up the ball well in the final stages. Less said about his runs in behind the better.