Argyle 1
Donnelly 89
Southampton 1
Connolly 40
GEORGE Donnelly's first Argyle strike since returning from loan was enough to give the Pilgrims a totesport.com Combination point against League One Southampton at Home Park.
Despite Argyle's dominance, Saints new boy David Connolly gave his side the lead just before the break, but Donnelly, who had been a menace throughout, struck from inside the box late on to rescue a point for the Pilgrims.
Argyle's line-up was not quite as strong as when they met AFC Bournemouth with devastating effect three weeks ago, but still featured ten pros in the starting line-up.
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Watching On: Saints' boss Alan Pardew watches his second string in action |
Saints side was slightly weaker but featured the familiar names of Olly Lancashire, Lee Holmes and David Connolly, all of whom have senior appearances to their names.
Argyle's first meaningful chance came after 12 minutes when Alan Gow's neat pass set Ashley Barnes free beyond a static Saints back line. Barnes composed himself well but scuffed his shot into the relieved hands of Polish 'keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.
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Clever Flick: Alan Gow sends the ball into the box |
Joe Mason was next to test the Saints' defence, using his pace and trickery to fire a low shot towards goal that was deflected behind by Olly Lancashire.
But Southampton showed they could be just as dangerous soon after when a mazy run from winger Michail Antonio flashed just wide of Kyle Letheren's right hand post.
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On The Wing: Joe Mason shows his pedigree on the flank |
Alan Gow had a shot saved from inside the six yard box before George Donnelly had the ball in the net but was bemused to find it had been disallowed and pulled back for a foul on solid Liverpudlian during the build up.
But despite Argyle's dominance, it was Southampton who took the lead when the impressive Antonio's cross found David Connelly in the middle, who fired home from close range.
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On Your Back: Ashley Barnes holds up his man |
The second half started dully with both sides resorting to a hit and hope technique. Both Alan Gow and Ashley Barnes spurned opportunities to test the 'keeper before David Connolly went close for Saints.
The game seemed to sizzle out from there until the very last minute, when George Donnelly was the Pilgrims' hero, smashing home the goal that Argyle's dominance had deserved from an Alan Gow cross to give his side a share of the spoils.
Argyle (4-4-2): 23 Kyle Letheren (gk); 2 Ryan Leonard, 5 Krisztián Timár, 4 Ryan Brett, 3 David McNamee; 7 Alan Gow, 6 Yoann Folly, 8 Chris Clark (15 Sean Kinsella 81), 11 Joe Mason; 9 Ashley Barnes (14 Liam Head 81), 10 George Donnelly. Substitutes (not used): 21 Ollie Chenoweth (gk).
Southampton (4-4-2): 1 Bartosz Bialkowski; 2 Jack Boyle, 5 Olly Lancashire, 6 Aaron Martin, 3 Lee Holmes; 7 Michail Antonio, 4 Callum McNish, 8 David Connolly (16 Jordance Holder-Spooner 80), 11 Kayne McLaggon (15 Gary Preen 69); 9 Matthew Paterson, 10 Tom Dunford. Substitutes (not used): 12 Sam Argent, 13 Jack Dovey (gk), 14 Ben Reeves.
Referee: Kevin Johnson (Somerset)
Words by Chris Parsons, pictures by Dave 'Disco' Rowntree
