James Storer made a confident EFL debut for Plymouth Argyle, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Reading at Home Park. The 21-year-old goalkeeper was praised for his handling and composure against a side that had scored 25 goals in their previous 12 league games. This result from Saturday 31 October means Plymouth have taken two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five matches, a run that began with a 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon on 10 October, followed by a 0-2 loss to Huddersfield on 17 October, a 3-0 defeat at Stevenage on 20 October, and a 3-2 victory at Cambridge United on 24 October.

Manager Tom Cleverley highlighted the significance of the performance. "I thought Jimmy did really well after maybe a nervy first 10 minutes," Cleverley said.

The point keeps Plymouth fifth in League One, with 23 points from 14 matches, comprising seven wins, two draws and five losses. They are five points behind the league leaders, Huddersfield Town. Their goal difference stands at plus two, having scored 21 goals and conceded 19 this season. The result extends their recent form to two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 3-2 win at Cambridge United and a 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon. In that 3-2 win at Cambridge, Plymouth's goals came from a Louis Appere own goal in the 41st minute, a Xavier Amaechi strike in the 50th minute, and an Aribim Pepple penalty in the 74th minute.

Storer, who joined from Greenock Morton in the summer, had previously featured in three cup ties this campaign. His league debut came as Murphy Cooper was absent for personal reasons, with second-year apprentice Leo McCormick on loan at Malvern Town and Thomas Armytage away with England at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup. Mathias Ross was the designated substitute goalkeeper on the bench.

Defender Alex Mitchell was among those to congratulate Storer on his performance, which included controlling his box well under pressure. The young keeper showed resilience, continuing after appearing to roll an ankle during the match.

Plymouth now turn their attention to an away fixture against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 14 November. The Owls sit ninth in the table, and Argyle will aim to build on the defensive solidity shown against Reading. The team's next match is away at Sheffield Wednesday on 14 November.

Plymouth striker Will Evans is one booking away from a suspension. The 29-year-old received his fourth yellow card of the season in the 0-0 draw with Reading on October 31, the club confirmed. Referee Stephen Martin cautioned Evans for pulling back Josh Stokes. Players face a one-match ban after five cautions before the 19th league game. Evans, who has started all 14 league games and scored three goals, must avoid a yellow in the next five fixtures. Plymouth, fifth with 23 points, face Sheffield Wednesday on November 14.