Debutants Having A Ball

Optimism and excitement was rife as the minutes ticked down towards kick-off for the Greens opening game of the 2015-16 season, not least because of the summer signings on show – and two of them went above and beyond to make it a debut to remember.

After 39 minutes, Gregg Wylde watched a Jake Jervis float over everyone in the box but himself, and smashed a left-footed volley into the rook of the Dons’ net, opening his, and Argyle’s, account for the campaign in glorious fashion.

“The first goal was outstanding,” said Adams. “We had a good bit of play down the right-hand side, it was pushed out wide, and then it was an unbelievable volley from Wylde.

“The ball from Jake Jervis is great as well, but to hit it with his left foot with the power that he did was outstanding.”

The boss also described the Pilgrims’ second goal as “a great strike”, as Graham Carey let fly from 30 yards out and found the top corner to seal the opening-day victory. 

Hiram Boateng, Jake Jervis and Gary Sawyer also stood out at Kingsmeadow, whilst Craig Tanner applied himself well as a late substitute. It is an early statement of intent not just from the new playing additions to the Greens, but also for Derek – a new recruit at the club himself – as he makes the perfect start to writing his chapter in Argyle’s history.

“They’ve played really well today,” said Adams, “That’s helped by the lads that are here already, but to come here and score on your debut is pleasing. 

“The other players have performed well on their debut, along with the rest of the team. I think when you go into any job, you want to take in your own players, and you want to improve everyone at your squad. 

“We’ll continue to do that but, to a man today, I said to them I was very proud of their performance and their attitude in the game.

“I think you saw the style of football we’re capable of, with the amount of shots that we had in the game. I know that Wimbledon had shots in the game but they’re the home team. To come away from home and have that number was very impressive.

“I enjoyed it – it was a fantastic occasion. There was a supporters’ function in London last night and I enjoyed that. Today was the same.”