Will the misery ever end? Tom Harris reviews another disappointing night at Home Park.
Argyle’s miserable start to life back in league one continued as they were defeated 1-0 by Leyton Orient at Home Park.
In a game of few chances the closest Argyle came to scoring was when Caleb Watts’ first half volley was well parried by the Orient gloveman.
The visitors defended strongly, grew into the game, and took the lead midway through the second half when Josh Koroma stayed onside and finished calmly to earn the London side a valuable three points.
Argyle tried but ultimately failed to get back into the game much to the dismay of the home crowd who voiced their frustrations in final stages of the second half and after the full time whistle.
Here are the ratings from the game:
Luca Ashby Hammond GK – 5. Not at fault for the goal but his distribution was poor throughout sending way too many balls astray and into touch. Lack of urgency, especially after going a goal down, was frustrating.
Kornel Szucs RB – 5. Had one snapshot at right back but that aside had very little attacking threat. Once again his long throws were to no joy. Moved to centre back when Sorinola was introduced late on
Alex Mitchell CB – 6. Debut for the Charlton centre back loanee who did okay considering he’d been in the door for just over 24 hours. Did play Koroma onside for Orient’s winner unfortunately before coming off due to a tight hamstring.
Brendan Galloway CB – 6. Arguably his best game of the season, he showed his tenacity at the back and pace at times giving Orient’s forwards little going forward. Ended the game up top as Argyle chased a leveller.
Ayman Benarous LB – 7 POTM. Feels wasted at left back with his good footwork. Intervened on a number of occasions to snuff out attacks but failed to link up with Mumba moving forward. Would like to see him tried out in the midfield or the 10 role but unsure Argyle have the depth at left back to accommodate for that currently.
Malachi Boateng CM – 6. Again a shining light in a torrid team display was Boateng who consistently won the ball back and got Argyle moving. Does the simple things well and deserves more for his efforts.
Caleb Watts CM – 5. Started at CM where he didn’t see lots of the ball. Ended up at 10 where he also failed to influence the game before being subbed for Joe Hatch. Couldn’t fault his efforts but wasn’t his night. Had Argyle’s best chance with a first half volley which was well saved.
Tegan Finn RM – 5. Handed a start after a glowing display against QPR in the cup last Tuesday. Failed to impact this game however, with Orient’s full back dominating that side of the pitch. Subbed off 5 minutes into the second half after looking like he took a knock from a heavy challenge.
Xavier Amaechi CAM – 5. Started in the 10 role but despite some neat touches he failed to influence the game as hoped. Moved out wide later on and tried on a couple occasions to cut in and shoot to no avail. Summed up the woeful evening when he dribbled out of play in stoppage time.
Bali Mumba LM – 5. Another unconvincing display from Mumba. Bar an easily gathered shot in the first half and a deflected effort which was held in the second, there wasn’t much else to his game. Poor decision making, like much of the Argyle’sfront line, let him and the team down.
Owen Oseni ST – 5. Started after notching three in two games but barely threatened the Orient defence. Struggled to hold the ball up and provided nothing in behind in what was a poor 50 minutes for the striker. Might be a player who benefits more when a backline is stretched rather than as compact as Leyton Orient were on this occasion.
Subs:
Bim Pepple – 5. An early second half sub for Oseni, Pepple held the ball up better but failed to provide any real threat for the visiting defence. Had one half chance from a corner but prodded wide of the target.
Bradley Ibrahim – 5. Will have been keen to make an impact after being dropped to the bench and wanted to get Argyle moving by getting the ball on the floor. However failed to provide the spark needed to get the equaliser. Was sloppy in possession on a couple of occasions.
Joe Hatch – 5. Ended up playing as the 10 as he replaced Watts but couldn’t get into the game at all in what was a big ask for the youngster.
Matty Sorinola – N/A. A late burst of energy as Sorinola was introduced but couldn’t put his pace or crossing ability to good use.