If anybody thought that this was going to be a pushover – Morecambe, Newport or Accrington anybody? Whilst it’s nice to still be in the cup (any cup?) the most important thing for this embryonic side was a win at almost all costs.
Lee Clark stuck with his currently preferred 3-5-2 formation but made one or two changes. The crowd for this stage of the competition was decent, illustrating some newfound enthusiasm and credit to Plymouth for bringing with them such great support even though it sounded like they had been all day on the scrumpy.
Early exchanges were fairly even although, as you would expect, Blues played the better football without looking majorly dangerous. One or two things were noticeable with Burke not comfortable in the system and also up against a decently quick and physical full back – the same player was eventually to become the pantomime ‘villain’ with his histrionics. Novak struggled as the lone striker and literally didn’t win an aerial duel all night. He also missed a penalty with a fairly tame effort. Not his day!
Undoubtedly the star of the show was Scott Allen , whose touches verged on magical as did one of his goals. Fitting him and Shinnie in a first XI is not going to be easy and probably will only work in a 3-5-2. Not far behind in a starring role was Dan Burn and there is no doubt about it that, after a slightly shaky start, he’s settling in superbly. Not the quickest, his footballing brain and long legs amply compensate and his distribution is best described as ‘Un Curtis Davies like’. Kyle Bartley played a more supporting role apart from his spectacular volleyed winner. It was also good to see impressive battling performances
from both Callum Reilly and Tom Adeymi, the latter starting to look the sort of physical presence that he should be showing and was signed to produce. On the subject of physicality, Koby Arthur was a bundle of tricks despite being occasionally hampered by his slight frame. Otherwise, the rest of the team chugged away without pulling up any trees.
A word for a well-disciplined Plymouth side who will win more than they lose and whose opening goal was nothing less than spectacular; their support deserves a successful season. For the Blues it’s onward and hopefully upward but another West Country challenge now awaits….
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
-Will Koby Arthur be the next Redmond?
– Is Lee Novak going to make the grade?