It's A Start

ARGYLE went on the offensive from the off at Accrington, with new signing Bobby Reid and birthday boy Nathan Thomas handed starts by Pilgrims’ manager John Sheridan.

Nathan, who was 20 on Saturday, began his first Sky Bet League 2 game of the season on the left-side of a three-man forward line after his first Argyle goal in the previous week’s win over Hartlepool.

He nearly scored before Stanley’s Kal Naismith’s 13th-minute match-winner and caught the eye several times before being substituted midway through the second half.

“He’s shown glimpses when he comes on,” said manager John Sheridan, “but it’s a totally different game when you start. He’s just got to get used to playing for the 90 minutes. It won’t do him any harm to get 70 minutes and I thought he did okay.

“I would have liked him to get at the full-back a little bit more. He had one or two chances and got in good positions, attacking-wise; he’s just got to get that defensive position in his game and help the full-back who’s playing behind him.”

Reid, 21, who has joined on a month’s loan from Bristol City, grew into a game dominated by the Pilgrims, from his offensive midfield role.

“I thought he played really well,” said John. “He looked confident on the ball, got around the pitch; he had energy; used the ball. I thought he did really well for his first game.”