Reserving Praise

The Argyle manager had a bench which oozed talent as the Pilgrims notched up a third successive Sky Bet League Two victory when they beat Blackpool 1-0 at Bloomfield Road.

In opting to go with an unchanged starting line-up, he was unable to find a starting place for experienced players like Gary Miller, Jordan Slew, David Goodwillie and David Fox, as well as youngsters Craig Tanner and Ben Purrington. 

Derek said: “I feel it is a bit difficult for some of them because the ones that are on the bench who didn’t get on today probably feel they should have got on today, because they have done well. 

“If I had more substitutes to make, I would have, and I probably needed them.

“It’s the nature of football. They are a good group, and if you look at the bench, the quality we have is very good. That is a pleasing aspect. I can now put on players as a straight swap; it’s good to have that. I didn’t have that last season.”

Oscar Threlkeld was retained at right-back in place of Gary Miller after impressing as the Pilgrims kept a clean sheet in their previous match against Mansfield.

“He did well last week; Gary Miller was outstanding against Notts County. Competition for places – that is the thing, to push each other on. 

“If somebody goes in and does well, then they have got a good opportunity of staying in for the next week. That will not always be the case because sometimes we will change formation, but I want to have a good dressing-room.”