Plymouth Argyle Secure First Win Of Rooney Era
Plymouth Argyle bounced back from a tough start to the EFL Championship season with a first win of the Wayne Rooney-era in round one of the EFL Cup.
The Vertu Motors-backed side had endured a disappointing trip to Sheffield Wednesday for the opening league match of the campaign, with a 4-0 defeat leaving the Pilgrims bottom of the table after the opening set of fixtures.
The EFL Cup provided an immediate chance to bounce back however, with Argyle welcoming Cheltenham Town to Home Park for the first round fixture.
Rooney rang the changes to his starting line-up as only Conor Hazard and Darko Gyabi retained their places and it was the home side who had the better of the early chances, with Freddie Issake heading wide within the opening five minutes and Ryan Hardie forcing visiting ‘keeper Joe Day into a number of saves.
Ben Waine had a goal chalked off for off-side, whilst Cheltenham’s best chance fell to Ethon Archer when he hit a shot against the post shortly before half-time.
Cheltenham had another chance to hit the front early in the second half but it was Argyle who then went up the other end and took the lead as a well-worked move ended with Waine tapping home from almost on the goal line.
Another fine team move saw Hardie add a second goal when he fired in a cross from substitute Ibrahim Cissoko with Mustapha Bundu – who had also stepped off the bench – then wrapping up the game three minutes later.
The 3-0 victory set up a tie with fellow Championship side Watford, which will take place at Vicarage Road on the week commencing 26 August.
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