Plymouth Argyle’s new era under Tom Cleverley got off to a frustrating start as Barnsley capitalised on defensive errors to run out 3–1 winners on the south coast.
The Pilgrims showed flashes of attacking intent, particularly through Caleb Watts and Xavier Amaechi, but were left to rue a string of costly moments in both boxes.
Watts had the ball in the net inside five minutes after good work by Amaechi down the right, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Marc Roberts. Argyle’s disappointment was compounded when Brendan Wiredu inadvertently diverted a free-kick into his own net just minutes later.
The hosts were rattled, and although Watts forced Murphy Cooper into a fine save, it was Barnsley who struck next. An attempted clearance from Wiredu led to a loose ball that Victor Palsson failed to deal with, allowing Adam Phillips to crash home a powerful finish from the edge of the box.
Watts remained Argyle’s most persistent threat, twice testing Cooper with strikes before half-time, the second after a brave run that saw him clattered outside the area by the Barnsley keeper. Tempers flared soon after, with Wiredu, Jack Shepherd and Bradley Ibrahim all booked following a tangle on the floor and ensuing fracas.
Plymouth came out flying after the break and halved the deficit within five minutes. Amaechi delivered from the right, Galloway and Palsson combined aerially, and Watts swivelled to fire in from close range. It was the reward his performance had warranted.
Numerical Advantage Goes Unused as Barnsley Strike Late
The momentum appeared to swing further in Argyle’s favour when Shepherd was sent off for a deliberate handball on the edge of the area in the 65th minute, but Cleverley’s side struggled to make their dominance count. Watts saw another effort saved, Amaechi sent a free-kick wide, and substitute Jamie Paterson had a dangerous cross cut out.
Despite having the better of possession and territory in the second half, Argyle failed to create clear-cut chances. The game slipped further from their grasp when a hopeful ball forward was misjudged by Kornel Szucs, his header rebounding off Bali Mumba and falling kindly for Davis Keillor-Dunn, who swept home the decisive third.
Writer’s View
This result will sting, especially given the weight of expectation and the optimism that accompanied Cleverley’s appointment. There were clear positives, with Watts in particular showing why he will be central to any Argyle resurgence, but there are concerns to address.
A lack of composure in defence and missed chances in key moments allowed Barnsley to take full advantage. Cleverley will hope this is simply a teething issue, but with strong sides to face in the coming weeks, the learning curve may have to be quick. A positive reaction at the next opportunity is a must.
