Plymouth Argyle secured their first League One victory of the campaign this week with a 2-0 home win over Bradford City. The result provides a welcome boost for Tom Cleverley's side, who now sit 16th in the table with four points from their opening four matches.
How did Argyle perform against Bradford?
Plymouth Argyle produced a dominant display to beat early leaders Bradford City 2-0 at Home Park, as reported by the Plymouth Herald. Goals from defender Julio Pleguezuelo just before half-time and midfielder Harvey White early in the second period sealed the three points. The Pilgrims controlled the game throughout, repeatedly winning possession high up the pitch and limiting the visitors to few chances.
Bradford had started the season with two wins and no goals conceded, but Argyle's assertive performance ended that run. Pleguezuelo's 44th-minute opener was his first goal since January 2025, while White marked his first strike for the club with a celebration in front of the Devonport End. The team's current form is listed as LWDL, with four goals scored and six conceded so far this season.
Who were the standout players for Plymouth?
According to player ratings published by Plymouth Live's Chris Errington, loan midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson was the star man with a nine-out-of-ten performance. The outlet noted Bakinson produced a very assured and controlled display in the centre of the park, with manager Tom Cleverley praising the Leyton Orient loanee for not putting "one foot wrong today".
Other high performers included Ronan Curtis, who forced a fine save and delivered an attack-minded display, and Harvey White, who scored a deflected effort and showed his quality from set-pieces. Oli Irow, on loan from Tottenham, provided valuable width and pace on the left, earning roars of appreciation from the Green Army for his trickery. The defensive unit of Wes Harding, Alex Mitchell, Pleguezuelo, and Alex Hartridge was solid, contributing to a first league clean sheet.
What is Plymouth's current league position?
The win moves Plymouth Argyle up to 16th place in the League One standings. They have four points from a possible twelve, with one win, one draw, and two losses from their four games. Their goal difference stands at minus two, having scored four and conceded six.
They now sit six points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town. The immediate focus shifts to the next fixture, an away trip to face Doncaster Rovers on September 5th. Doncaster currently occupy 20th position in the table, making it an important opportunity for Argyle to build momentum. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings and fixtures pages.
What was the reaction to the Leicester defeat?
In a separate midweek match covered by Leicester Mercury, Plymouth Argyle fell to a 2-0 away defeat against Leicester City. The Foxes scored two quickfire goals just before half-time through Will Alves and Harry Howell to secure their first win of the season. Argyle struggled to create clear chances against their hosts, despite attacking in a 4-2-4 formation.
The loss forms part of a mixed start for Cleverley's squad, who will look to carry the positive aspects of their Bradford performance into the coming weeks. The team's injury situation is one factor they will monitor closely, with updates available on our injuries page. Plymouth Argyle's next match is against Doncaster Rovers on September 5th.
