Argyle finish pre-season with confidence despite goalless draw
On a warm August evening at Home Park, Plymouth Argyle closed their pre-season programme with a goalless draw against Championship side Bristol City — a result that did little to disguise a performance that left home fans encouraged ahead of the League One campaign.
The 0-0 scoreline, recorded in front of almost 7,000 supporters, failed to tell the full story. Tom Cleverley’s side dominated large spells of the first half, carrying the brighter attacking intent and fashioning the clearer openings against higher‑division opponents. Argyle looked organised, sharp and at times dangerous, building a foundation the manager will hope to take into the new season.
- Argyle began in a 4-4-2 formation with Wes Harding captaining the side at right‑back.
- Owen Oseni and Bim Pepple led the line, combining well and forcing a notable save and a post during the contest.
- Michael Baidoo’s first‑half appearance ended early with what appeared to be a hamstring problem; he was replaced by Xavier Amaechi.
The starting XI named by Cleverley reflected the blend of fitness concerns and competition for places that has characterised pre‑season. In goal was Murphy Cooper; the defence comprised Wes Harding, Mathias Ross, Alex Mitchell and Alex Hartridge. The wide areas were occupied by Ronan Curtis and Michael Baidoo, with Harvey White and Malachi Boateng in midfield. Up front, Owen Oseni partnered Bim Pepple.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Murphy Cooper |
| Defence | Wes Harding, Mathias Ross, Alex Mitchell, Alex Hartridge |
| Midfield | Ronan Curtis, Harvey White, Malachi Boateng, Michael Baidoo |
| Forwards | Owen Oseni, Bim Pepple |
"an encouraging display"
The first half was where Argyle most imposed themselves. Within three minutes Pepple fashioned an early chance, only to be shepherded wide by Rob Dickie. Baidoo and White both tested the visitors, and a flowing move involving Boateng, Baidoo and Oseni saw Curtis curl narrowly over the bar. Oseni then struck the post shortly before the interval, an omen that the Greens had been worth more than a single point.
Bristol City, for the most part, enjoyed possession but struggled to carve out clear openings against a resolute Pilgrims back line. The visitors’ most notable chance of the first 45 fell to Scott Twine in stoppage time when his volley drifted wide.
The second half initially continued in Argyle’s vein, with Oseni forcing a fine save from Sam Tickle after Hartridge’s long throw created a dangerous opening. As substitutions were made by both managers, the rhythm of the game dipped — a natural consequence of pre‑season rotations aimed at giving minutes across the squads — and the chance frequency abated.
The evening did, however, bring a concern. Michael Baidoo appeared to pick up a hamstring problem before half‑time and was withdrawn, visibly frustrated as he left the pitch. The club will provide a medical update, but the timing is unwelcome given Argyle’s search for sustained attacking options ahead of competitive fixtures.
There were also positive notes beyond the match itself. Wes Harding returned from an ankle sprain to captain the side after missing earlier friendlies, while players such as Julio Pleguezuelo and Brendan Wiredu were available on the bench having recovered from Achilles and knee problems respectively. Joe Edwards remains absent from pre‑season as he continues to recover from a summer knee procedure.
With nine days until the League One campaign kicks off, Cleverley will have been encouraged by the organisation and the evidence of goal‑threat. The opening competitive fixture for the Pilgrims is a Carabao Cup first‑round tie against Exeter City at Home Park, a local derby that will rapidly sharpen the focus from trial and preparation to results and progression.
For now, supporters can take some comfort from a display that underlined the squad’s shape and intent. The clean sheet is welcome, the attacking combinations promising, and while the loss of Baidoo is a potential setback, the broader impression was of a side ready to test itself when competitive matters begin in earnest.
