Burton crashed to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle this afternoon: disappointing not just for the result but for the fact that the Brewers were largely outplayed by a team that hasn`t been able to buy a win this season, such has been their poor form.
Paul Peschisolido gave a start to Andres Gurrieri, but otherwise the side was much as expected and the main point of discussion as the teams were announced was the inclusion of McGrath and Bolder as the central midfield pairing. Surely the manager didn`t want to play deep against the side on the bottom of the League 2 table? Oh yes he did.
One surprise was the inclusion of Tom Parkes on the bench. The central defender, on loan from Leicester City, has recovered from his early season injury and was deemed fit enough to return to the first-team squad.
Plymouth had a side packed with experience, particularly in Darren Purse and Paul Wotton, the latter receiving rapturous applause as his name was read out. To balance the older players Carl Fletcher also selected youth, particularly in right-sided midfielder Luke Young, at 18 one of the players with the least experience out on the pitch. Boy, were we going to remember his name at the end of the game!
From the start it was Plymouth setting the pace, playing the ball around and belying their 24th place in the league. The Brewers did get possession and Calvin tested Argyle keeper Jake Cole with a shot that the Plymouth stopper took with ease, but the word “scrappy” certainly best described the opening encounters.
In return, Ashley Hemmings got free of his marker and put in a cross that Ross Atkins came for, seemed to have second thoughts about, went for it anyway and ended up fumbling the ball out for a corner that Burton dealt with. A lucky escape.
Wotton was narrowly wide with a shot from distance and Luke Young was giving Blanchett a torrid time down the Brewers left side, with his pace leaving our left back in trouble on several occasions. Up front for Argyle, Feeney was working hard against James and Rhino whilst at the other end Calvin was giving his usual 110%, ably supported by Justin and Chris Palmer.
Niggly fouls and a number of free kicks were the order of the day, and it took the referee until almost on 40 minutes before he produced a card, finally flashing yellow at Plymouth`s Simon Walton for a foul on McGrath.
Half-time came around, the players trooped off and the supporters went hunting for a drink. Zero goals and practically zero entertainment.
The second half kicked off and it took the hosts just a couple of minutes to edge into the lead. The boy Young picked up a loose ball and played it in to Plymouth number 8, Simon Walton. The former Leeds and QPR midfielder took the ball in his stride before unleashing a shot from distance that Atkins went in vain for.
1-0 to Plymouth and Home Park suddenly became noisy.
Given the form of Burton recently, Plymouth sensed they could be onto something here and pushed forward, keeping Burton on the back-foot for a spell. Young was seemingly instrumental in these attacks and the Brewers didn`t seem to have any way of dealing with the pressure.
With their tails up Plymouth had a couple of good opportunities, first of all Young took the ball from Hemmings and unleashed a curling shot beyond the grasp of Atkins that hit a post, then a Plymouth midfielder – possibly Wotton – hit a shot from distance towards the Albion goal. Thankfully this time our goalkeeper managed to parry it away for another corner.
Midway through the half and Burton were back on level terms thanks to a goal by Calvin. By this time an ineffectual Macca had given way to Cleveland and Chris Palmer had gone off for Jacques, and it was the latter who was fouled by Plymouth right-back Bignot. Cleveland took the free-kick and it appeared to have gone beyond the Plymouth goal, but Justin managed to get to the ball and nodded it back across goal, whereupon Calvin was perfectly placed to guide the ball in with his head from close range.
1-1, and maybe, just maybe a fightback was on the cards.
There was no doubt that Burton were up for the fight, typified by Gurrieri who was chasing down anything and everything. The only worry was that his tackling was often mistimed at best, resulting in several free-kicks going against him and possession being passed to an opposition in ascendency.
Into the final straight of the match and another free-kick was conceded that resulted in Purse heading narrowly over, and you were left wondering whether Burton could weather the storm and return home with a point safely tucked away.
Alas, no.
With the clock ticking down Plymouth played another short corner routine and Hemmings ran into the Burton box. Gurrieri put in a challenge that seemed weak but the referee had spotted something in it, blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. A penalty it was. Walton kept his composure, stepped up and moments later it was 2-1 to Plymouth and little time left for a second Burton recovery. Shortly afterwards the referee blew for time and Burton had slumped to a third consecutive defeat.
Cue depression amongst the Burton travelling faithful who had seen their side outperformed and tactically outclassed by their hosts. Not only that but there was also the prospect of the 240-mile drive home to contend with.
Sometimes being a football supporter is just no fun at all, although it has to be said that the Plymouth supporters encountered were a decent bunch and here`s hoping that they now begin their climb up the table. On today`s showing if they can maintain that form they should do well. And remember the name of Luke Young – that kid looks a real prospect.
PS. Please forgive me for any spelling mistakes on this report – I typed it out on my phone….
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