Standard Set

The Pilgrims came into their third Sky Bet League 2 fixture desperate to make amends for their loss to Portsmouth three days previous, and overcame a tricky opening spell to take the lead at Home Park, thanks to a sensational strike from Jake Jervis. The forward, returning from injury, cut in from the left wing and smashed a right-footed strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.

“Jake is capable of doing that,” said Adams. “We’ve seen that before. He came into a very good ball, a good area, and it’s a fantastic goal to start any game. 

“It was a very good win for us tonight. Carlisle had come off a 4-4 game on Saturday and they were going to be difficult opponents. Take nothing away from Carlisle: I think that they played well in the first period, but that’s the nature of football: if you don’t take your chances, you don’t score. 

“We obviously created chances before them as well, but in the second half it was a very good performance. 

Quite. Graham Carey then took centre stage at the Theatre of Greens after the break, as Argyle blitzed the visitors with three goals in the space of twelve minutes. Carey delivered a corner that allowed Reuben Reid to pick up his first goal of the season, then busted a gut to steal the ball from a defender and place his effort home, and finally had the presence of mind to lay off Jervis, who clinically doubled his own tally. 

“Graham picks up good areas in the park, he sees passes, he’s creative, and he likes to score goals as well, which he’s done tonight. 

“We’re delighted he’s set that one up, and then Reuben Reid gets a goal as well. It’s important that all these players are scoring goals.” 

“It was free-flowing, it was good football, and it’s what we want to see. It’s not going to be easy at the start of a game, but as the game goes on, I think the game opens up.” 

Derek’s side were denied a clean sheet in stoppage time as Joe Thompson netted from close range, but the boss was extremely pleased with his team’s ability to up their game and put on a show for the Green Army. 

“Overall, I’m delighted with a 4-1 win,” said Adams, “although I would’ve been even more delighted with a 4-0 win!” 

“Especially in the second half, we turned it up a notch and played really well. The players have got to take the credit for the way they got back into the match. 

“I’m delighted, and I think the fans were happy – they’ve gone home happy.  I could hear that in the terraces.”