Plymouth Argyle built on their shock FA Cup victory over Liverpool with a resounding 5-1 win over Millwall, lifting themselves off the foot of the Championship table in style.
It took the Pilgrims just 10 minutes to race into a two-goal lead, courtesy of an own goal from Joe Bryan and a Ryan Hardie penalty. Second-half strikes from Mustapha Bundu, Hardie again, and Nikola Katic sealed a memorable night at Home Park.
Flying Start Sets the Tone
Still riding the high from their historic cup triumph, Argyle wasted no time in asserting dominance. Callum Wright’s driven cross caused confusion in the Millwall box, leading to Bryan inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
Moments later, Casper De Norre’s reckless high boot caught Adam Randell in the face, resulting in a penalty. Hardie stepped up and thundered home from 12 yards, mirroring his spot-kick heroics against Liverpool.
Millwall had opportunities to respond, with Mihailo Ivanovic heading wide and record signing Camiel Neghli forcing a superb save from Conor Hazard. However, Alex Neil’s men struggled to replicate the form that had seen them win four on the bounce.
Hardie nearly extended the lead before the break but dragged his shot just past the post.
Argyle Run Riot in the Second Half
Seven minutes after the restart, the floodgates opened. Hazard’s deep free-kick found Victor Palsson on the right wing, whose flick-on was controlled brilliantly by Bundu before the forward rifled home.
Just minutes later, an underhit backpass from George Saville gifted Hardie his second goal. The striker latched onto the mistake and calmly dinked the ball past Lukas Jensen.
Millwall briefly hit back through Bryan, who atoned for his earlier error by converting Femi Azeez’s cross at the back post. However, Argyle were in no mood to let their lead slip.
Katic put the finishing touches on a dominant display, prodding the ball home from a goalmouth scramble following an inswinging corner.
“I knew it was going to be difficult because everything was so emotional on Sunday,” said Miron Muslic.
“I think we as staff found the right balance to support the lads to enjoy this great achievement, a historical moment, but also on the other side not to forget that the daily bread is this competition, and we have to collect points and we have to win games.
“That’s why I’m pleased and proud of the performance and the win.”
Writer’s View
Argyle showcased a ruthless edge that had been missing in previous weeks, using the momentum from their FA Cup heroics to devastating effect. Hardie led the line brilliantly, capitalising on Millwall’s errors, while Bundu and Katic added a clinical touch.
