High Praise

Jordan had to give best to fellow Yorkshireman Sonny Bradley in the scoring stakes as Sonny headed both goals in the 2-1 win.

However, his performance on the left side of the attack, especially in a second half when the Pilgrims escaped from Boro’s pressing game, drew admiration from the manager.

He said: “The first 45 minutes was about going in at half-time in the game, which we did – we were very good, physically, in the first half as we had to be. In the second half, we opened up the game a bit and got our quick players in the game – Jordan Slew was unplayable at times and he took us up the park.

“Jordan will be a very good player for us because he’s strong; he’s direct; and he can put defenders right into defending because of his pace.

“He could have scored a goal today but, overall, defensively and offensively, he was very good. We had a lot of top performers today because you have to when you come here.”

Derek also praised goalkeeper and captain Luke McCormick, who had a relatively quiet afternoon but had to be in his mettle to get behind an injury-time strike from Jack King.

“He has done really well for me since I’ve been at the football club,” said Derek. “I’ve only been here for just over a year now and it’s important to have players who know the history of the football club, and he knows that.

“He’s been a very good captain. This season, we have got a lot of new players who have come into the football club and it is important that we have players who are able to draw on their experience from being here before and help the new players come in.”

Next up for the Pilgrims, at Home Park, are old naval rivals Portsmouth, who they meet in the 100th Dockyard Derby only a few months after defeating them in the play-off semi-final.

“We played them four times last season and, on each occasion, they were very good matches,” said Derek. “The atmosphere will be electric and we’re looking forward to it.”