Plymouth Argyle secured their first goalless draw of the season against Reading at Home Park. The 0-0 result on Saturday keeps Tom Cleverley's side in fifth place in League One with 22 points from 13 games, three points behind leaders Huddersfield Town.
Manager Tom Cleverley made six changes to his starting lineup, handing a league debut to 20-year-old goalkeeper Jimmy Storer. The 36-year-old captain Joe Edwards almost marked his birthday with an early goal, creating a chance within two minutes. Harvey White and Tyreeq Bakinson formed the central midfield pairing, while Aribim Pepple led the attack with support from Xavier Amaechi and Will Evans.
Key moments
Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock. Plymouth defender Jack MacKenzie saw a 20-yard effort saved by Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira in the first half. At the other end, Reading's Kyreece Lisbie missed a clear chance after rounding debutant keeper Storer. Lewis Wing's curling effort for the visitors struck the outside of the post in the second half. Plymouth's best opening fell to Edwards, who hit a well-struck volley from a cleared corner, but it was kept out by the Reading defence.
The game grew spiky in the latter stages, with an altercation between Plymouth's Aribim Pepple and Reading defender Paudie O'Connor. Three Reading players, Jeriel Dorsett, Kyreece Lisbie and Andy Rinomhota, were booked in added time for fouls and dissent. Plymouth's Will Evans received his side's sole yellow card earlier in the match. The match statistics showed Reading edged possession with 56% and had 14 shots to Plymouth's 13, but neither side could find a decisive finish.
Cleverley introduced substitutes Oliver Irow and Malachi Boateng for Amaechi and Bakinson with ten minutes remaining, seeking a late winner that never arrived. The point extends Plymouth's recent form to two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five League One matches. Top scorer Aribim Pepple, who has five goals this season, was unable to add to his tally.
Plymouth now turn their attention to the Emirates FA Cup, where they host non-league side Alvechurch at Home Park next Saturday in the first round. Their next league fixture is a trip to face ninth-placed Sheffield Wednesday on 14 November, a match that could further shape their top-five ambitions.
Manager Tom Cleverley confirmed goalkeeper Murphy Cooper missed the 0-0 draw with Reading due to a 'personal family issue'. This handed a league debut to 20-year-old Jimmy Storer. The attendance at Home Park was 16,316, including 1,350 Reading supporters. Plymouth's league standing is 5th in League One with 23 points from 14 games. They have scored 21 goals and conceded 19 this season.
Manager Tom Cleverley described the 0-0 draw with Reading as 'a good game, an eventful 0-0' and 'a fair result'. He said his side, now 5th in League One with 23 points, did the basics well. Reading boss Leam Richardson believed his side should have had a penalty for a handball by Plymouth midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson. Plymouth's recent form is two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five matches.
