PAUL Mariner, a mean centre-forward in his time, doffed his cap towards Rory Fallon after the big Argyle forward led his team-mates to a 1-0 victory at Cardiff on Boxing Day.

The former Swansea player was roughed up by the Bluebirds defence, abused by the City fans, and booked by referee Peter Gibbs, but had the last laugh when Gary Sawyer netted an 84th-minute decider.

"I think he is actually playing classic centre-forward football," said the Pilgrims' Head Coach.

"If you cast your mind back towards the ways that centre-halves and centre-forwards used to go at it, it was a joy to see and everybody shook hands afterwards.

"Rory's as honest as the day is long. There's no way is this kid a dirty player. He's a very honest player.

"His team and his mates are struggling and he wanted to do his level-best to keep the team moving and I thought his game was terrific today."

New Zealand international Rory was the centre of attention from the Cardiff defence, and was on the end of some first-half verbals and gamesmanship that some felt might see him withdrawn at half-time.

"It never crossed my mind," said Paul. "Purely and simply because of the player. He knew what he was doing.

"There were a couple of words exchanged, but that's fine - if he's not upsetting the opposition, I want to know why not.

"I spoke to him at half-time, and said we needed him on the field. He's a very intelligent person and a very intelligent footballer, and I felt he played his role beautifully today.

"I thought the officials did a great job. We asked the referee to be strong and I thought he was strong."