Plymouth Argyle’s pre-season campaign got off to a strong start with a 3-0 victory over Bath City on Saturday. Owen Oseni, Michael Baidoo and Xavier Amaechi all scored in a dominant display at Twerton Park.
What happened in the 3-0 win?
Argyle’s attacking trio struck in a 13-minute spell either side of half-time. Oseni opened the scoring in the 40th minute, slotting home after a quick break from the halfway line. Baidoo doubled the lead just after the break, finishing coolly after Harvey Wiles-Richards rushed out to narrow the angle. Amaechi wrapped up the scoring early in the second half, capping a clinical 13-minute burst.
Manager Tom Cleverley watched on as his side controlled large spells of the game. The first 15 minutes saw Argyle keep possession but fail to threaten. Cleverley admitted it frustrated him. “I would never want to be the team that has all the ball and is not threatening the opposition’s box,” he said.
Why Cleverley’s transition praise matters
Cleverley singled out the second goal as a prime example of Argyle’s newfound ruthlessness. The move began with Bim Pepple playing Oseni through on goal. Wiles-Richards came off his line, and Baidoo reacted fastest to slot home. “That was devastating on the transition,” Cleverley said.
The manager also praised the attacking trio’s off-the-ball work. Oseni, Baidoo and Amaechi combined for all three goals and two assists. Cleverley stressed their pressing and recovery efforts often go unnoticed. “People don’t realise the work our forwards and wide players do,” he added.
New signings make early impressions
The game also served as a debut for two new arrivals. Goalkeeper Murphy Cooper joined from Queens Park Rangers last week after loan spells at Barnsley and Sheffield United. Defender Alex Hartridge, signed from an unnamed club, made his first appearance too.
Cleverley highlighted Hartridge’s composure on the ball and leadership. “He’s very good on the ball, which is probably what people don’t give him credit for,” Cleverley said. Hartridge also chipped in with a long throw and guided youngsters through the game. Cooper, meanwhile, made few saves but impressed with his organisation.
What’s next for Argyle?
Cleverley’s side now turns its focus to the new season. The pre-season win provided a strong foundation, but the manager warned against overreacting. “We try and be at our maximum at all times,” he said. “It’s nice when it happens in chunks, but we don’t attack games in minutes.”
Argyle’s next steps include finalising Lorent Tolaj’s transfer and managing injuries to Caleb Watts. The squad’s depth and attacking options will be key as the Pilgrims push for a return to the Championship.
