Tom Cleverley criticised match officials following Plymouth Argyle's 3-2 away win at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. The victory, Argyle's second of the season, moved them to 14th in League One on 7 points after five games, just one point outside the play-off places in a congested early table.
According to a BBC Sport report, Cleverley was particularly aggrieved by a disallowed goal for Bim Pepple and a second-half penalty awarded against Matty Sorinola. "I think it could be time for a call with the referees," Cleverley said. "It's too many now. Too many game-affecting decisions that are just going against us." Despite his frustration, the head coach praised his players' mentality and work rate in securing the three points.
How did the match unfold?
Will Evans gave Plymouth an early lead, but Alfie May's penalty, conceded by Sorinola, brought Doncaster level. The game turned in the final 16 minutes as substitutes Bim Pepple and Caleb Watts both found the net to put Argyle 3-1 ahead. Doncaster managed a stoppage-time consolation, but Cleverley's side held on for a vital away win. The manager highlighted the excellent contributions from the bench as a key factor in the result.
Where does this leave Plymouth?
The three points lift Argyle to 7 points from their opening five matches. Their recent form reads WLWDL, with 7 goals scored and 8 conceded. They now sit just 5 points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday. The immediate focus shifts to a home fixture against Barnsley on September 12th, a match against the 15th-placed side that presents another opportunity to climb the standings.
What did Cleverley say about his team?
While clearly displeased with the officiating, the Plymouth boss was full of praise for his squad's character. He told BBC Sport he was impressed by the players' attitude and the way they supported each other on the pitch. Cleverley stated the collective mentality was excellent, especially in a tough away environment, and that this resilience was key to turning the game in their favour late on.
What's next for Argyle?
Attention now turns to preparing for the visit of Barnsley to Home Park this week. With the league table so tight, every point is valuable as Cleverley looks to build consistency. Fans can check the full schedule, including this key midweek clash, on the club's fixtures page. The squad, currently showing a -1 goal difference, will be aiming for a second consecutive win to improve their position further.
