Tom Harris looks back on Argyle’s third consecutive home win in all competitions as the mood begins to lighten around Home Park.
Argyle made it back-to-back home wins in the league as they defeated Stockport County 4-2 at Home Park.
A bizarre own goal from Kyle Wootton, followed by a screamer from Caleb Watts had Argyle cruising until Stockport halved the deficit from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time.
Tom Cleverley’s Plymouth Argyle took control in the second half and deservedly added to their lead with well taken goals from Bradley Ibrahim and Lorent Tolaj to wrap up the three points, while Wootton did add a late goal in stoppage time… at the right end this time.
Here are the ratings from the game.
Luca Ashby Hammond GK – 7. A much better game from LAH who is showing that confidence is a massive thing in football. Looks so much more assured than he did at the start of the season and even got an assist when his accurate driven ball picked out Tolaj for Argyle’s fourth.
Joe Edwards – RB. 7 Back in from the start and it’s clear to see the leadership qualities he brings. An assured display from Argyle’s captain who kept tabs on Stockport’s Jack Diamond throughout.
Kornel Szucs – CB 7. Shuffled to the right side of the central defenders as Argyle moved from a back four to a back five. Dealt largely with Stockport’s physical attack well but beaten too easily for their second goal in stoppage time. Good display nonetheless.
Alec Mitchell – CB. 8. Does the simple things effortlessly. Wins every header. Commands the back line. Looked ever so comfortable in the back line and has made a great start to his Argyle career.
Brendan Wiredu – CB. 7. Featuring in the defence again on the left side of the three and showed his pace and composure on a couple of occasions to break out from his position and get Argyle moving. Subbed late on for Ross.
Matty Sorinola – LB. 7. Starting again at left back he looked a lot more threatening than in recent weeks, this time opting to drive at his man more often. His floated set pieces, perhaps aided by the strong winds, caused chaos in the area and led to Argyle’s opener.
Malachi Boateng – CM. 7 Turning into some player under Tom Cleverley. Boateng’s physique and eye to cut out play is excellent. He also then has the power to drive Argyle forward. Unlucky not to score in the second half, when Ibrahim fed him in late on but his first touch took it slightly too far away as he stretched to send a weak effort wide.
Bradley Ibrahim – CM. 9 MOTM. An excellent all round display, particularly in the second half from Ibrahim, as Argyle bossed the midfield. With the game poised narrowly at 2-1 he had the confidence to beat a man and strike from 25 yards out into the bottom corner in the 48th minute. Following this with numerous challenges, quick feet, and great passing, it was a performance well deserving of a man of the match… and no yellow card too!
Caleb Watts – RM. 8. Played in a slightly unusual role which ended up being more of a free roam position as he seemed to be everywhere. Watts’ drive and energy caused Stockport all sorts of issues. He capped off a fine display with a goal of the season contender as he walloped in a 25 yard strike into the top corner. Excellent.
Bali Mumba – LM. 7 A lot better from Mumba, particularly after the break, as Argyle took more chances going forward. He committed defenders with his running and helped out defensively too. Still looking for his first goal of the season, had one chance in this game to do so, but cut in and shot straight at the keeper.
Lorent Tolaj – ST 8. A textbook number nine’s performance from Tolaj who is living up to his expectations. Held the ball well all game, battled endlessly, and got the goal he deserved when he shook off a defender, brought a long ball down with ease before wrapping it into the far corner. Received a standing ovation when subbed and rightly so. A top talent.
Subs:
Owen Oseni – N/A. A like for like change for Tolaj as Argyle freshened up late on.
Ayman Benarous – N/A Replaced Mumba in the dying stages as Argyle aimed to see the game out.
Owen Dale – 6. A debut for Dale after signing on deadline day. The winger didn’t have too many opportunities to get into the game bar one when he scuffed a shot wide.
Mathias Ross. 6. Replaced Wiredu to get his EFL debut. Put himself about and made some big challenges as he stepped up his fitness.