Plymouth Argyle have experienced a week of contrasting results across their men's and women's teams. The League One side claimed a vital home win but also suffered a heavy cup exit, while the women's team were comprehensively beaten.
How did the men's team fare in the league?
Tom Cleverley's side earned their first Sky Bet League One victory of the campaign this past weekend. According to Sky Sports, they beat Bradford City 2-0 at a windswept Home Park on Saturday, August 29th. The win ended Bradford's perfect start to the season and moved Argyle to 11th in the table with four points from three games.
Harvey White sealed the points with a superb long-range strike in the 50th minute, set up by Tyreeq Bakinson. Earlier, recalled Spanish defender Julio Pleguezuelo had broken the deadlock just before half-time, finding the net through a crowded goalmouth after Bradford failed to clear an Oli Irow cross. The result leaves Plymouth three points behind early leaders Blackpool, with a goal difference of zero after scoring and conceding four goals each.
What happened in the Carabao Cup?
Despite the positive league result, the Pilgrims were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Premier League side Coventry City. The BBC reported a 4-2 defeat at Home Park on Tuesday night, where Coventry scored two late goals to settle the tie. Frank Lampard's men raced into a two-goal lead inside five minutes through Taiwo Awoniyi and Jack Rudoni.
Plymouth showed resilience to fight back level. Oliver Irow, on loan from Tottenham, scored a debut goal in the 21st minute. Substitute Xavier Amaechi then capitalised on a defensive error to equalise in the 54th minute. Coventry regained control, however, with Ephron Mason-Clark coming off the bench to score in the 67th minute before Victor Torp converted a late penalty. You can see the full schedule for the season on our fixtures page.
What did Tom Cleverley say after the cup loss?
Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, head coach Tom Cleverley said his team was "in a better place" despite the defeat. He highlighted strong performances from several players, including new signings Bakinson, Irow, and goalkeeper James Storer, who all made their debuts. Cleverley also praised 17-year-old academy defender Joe Mwaro for an assured first appearance.
"Leading into this weekend I've got headaches because a lot of players have made it tough to pick the team, which is a healthy thing," Cleverley said. The manager now faces a selection dilemma ahead of the next league game, a trip to face 20th-placed Doncaster Rovers on September 5th. The current squad depth is detailed on our squad list.
How did the women's team perform?
Plymouth Argyle Women suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat away to Fulham in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division. According to the match report from Fulham FC, the hosts scored three times in the first half and added two more after the break. The result extended Fulham's remarkable unbeaten league run to 50 games.
Rianna Dean and Charlie Estcourt both scored their first goals for Fulham, with Estcourt netting twice. Anna Grey and Sophie Gillies also found the net for the dominant home side. The defeat is a setback for Argyle's women's team in their early-season campaign. The club's overall league position can be tracked via our standings page.
Plymouth Argyle's immediate focus returns to League One action as they prepare for their away fixture against Doncaster Rovers this coming Saturday.
