Rely on Ryan

Brunt scored the second and third goals in a comfortable showing at Home Park, following up Gregg Wylde’s goal by firing in Argyle’s first penalty of the season after 36 minutes, before putting the game to bed with six minutes to play.

Ryan has appeared in every Argyle match, in all competitions, this season, starting 15 and coming off the bench 20 times. Seven of his nine goals this season have come in his last 11 appearances, of which he has started eight. Whether as a focal point from the start or as an impact substitute, Brunt always seems to repay manager Derek Adams' faith. 

 

“He’s an important player,” said Derek. "He’s got a good presence, and he’s scored two good goals today. He’s unfortunate not to score a hat-trick. He had an opportunity in the first half and had an opportunity in the second half, but he’ll be more than happy with two goals tonight.

 

“He’s been able to score a number of goals this season, and he’s improving in his game. He’s only a young boy and, with that, it’ll take time.”

 

As well as goals, Brunt continues to show excellent link-up play with his teammates, as well as an uncanny eye for a pass – something that his boss believes has come with confidence and practice.

 

“He’s a willing runner,” said Adams, “he’ll compete all over the park, and he’s given us options this season. Every time we’ve played him, he’s done well. I think that he’s taking the ball in and he’s improved his all-round game, but that comes with confidence as well.

 

“We work a lot on crossing and finishing, and taking the ball in and passing it. When you’re doing that all the time, then you become more confident. You can see our defenders are more confident on the ball; they’re striking the ball better, they’re passing it better, and if you work at it then you’ll got improvement.”