The Professionals

The Greens recorded their third straight victory over the Cobblers at Sixfields; an impressive record that rarely looked like being threatened after 39 minutes, once Graham Carey created the highlight of another excellent showing. Much like his goal against Carlisle United, the Irishman busted a gut to steal the ball high up the field, before advancing towards goal and calmly placing his effort into the far corner.

The much-fancied Northampton were reduced to only fleeting efforts at goal for the rest of the game, and Jake Jervis ensured the win with 19 minutes to play, turning home from a Carey corner.

An extremely impressive win for the Pilgrims was commended by the boss, as they once again showed discipline and composure away from home.

“It was a very good, professional performance from us,” said Adams. “We controlled the game for large spells, dealt with balls that were coming into us, and played on the counter-attack at times. 

“It was good to see Graham Carey getting another goal. He pressed high in midfield and won the ball, and then Jake Jervis, again. The back four have performed well and it’s good to get a clean sheet. 

“We could’ve scored more goals. We’ve hit the bar, we’ve probably had a penalty, and there were other incidents in the game where we could’ve scored goals, but just to come and win 2-0 is not easy to do – Exeter lost 3-0 here last week. We’ve got to take confidence from that. 

“It’s encouraging because it’s a team who have obviously spent a lot of money, and are one of the favourites for promotion. So to come here and perform as well as we can do; it’s a nice weekend for us.”

A worry for Argyle came in the first half, as Reuben Reid was forced to come off through injury, but his replacement Ryan Brunt certainly played his part in the Pilgrims’ second consecutive 2-0 win on their travels to start the 2015-16 season. 

"He did well - he ran about well and close the centre halves down,” said Adams. “He used his physical presence well, he kept the ball at times, got us up the park and was important for us. 

“He wasn’t the only one; there was a lot of players out there who controlled the game.

“I’m delighted – it’s not an easy game, coming here. It’s a long journey, and we’ve dealt with it well. You need to be taking points and winning games away from home, combined with your home form, to leave you in a good position.”