Plymouth Argyle Unlucky Against League Leading Blades
A tough run of results for Plymouth Argyle continued with defeat against Sheffield United, although there was cause for optimism thanks to a battling performance against the EFL Championship leaders.
Having shipped ten goals in the previous two away games, the Vertu-backed Pilgrims headed for Yorkshire to face a tough challenge against a side that has only been beaten twice in 20 games this season, having been relegated from the Premier League in the summer.
To add to the challenge, the home side hadn’t conceded a goal at home in the league in nine games, whilst Argyle have picked up just two points – and scored three goals – in eleven away matches this season.
Sheffield United hit the front just before the 20 minute mark when Gus Hamer fired in an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box but Argyle responded well to carve out chances at the other end.
Darko Gyabi fired wide when well placed inside the box, with former Argyle keeper Michael Cooper also called upon to make a number of saves to prevent the visitors from equalising.
Cooper continued to be the busier keeping after the break but even when he was beaten by Lewis Gibson, the ball struck the post before going behind.
A header from Ryan Hardie forced Cooper into one a number of second half saves as Sheffield United struggled to get the ball but a late sting in the tail saw the home team awarded a penalty when Tom Davies was fouled in the box.
Kieffer Moore converted to double the advantage for the leaders and condemn Wayne Rooney and his side to defeat despite a vastly improved performance – even with a number of first team players still being sidelined by injury.
Argyle’s final pre-Christmas game is a return to Home Park for the visit of Middlesbrough this weekend.