Jervis's Service

AN effective option for Derek Adams even before reuniting at Argyle, Jake Jervis was once again the pivotal figure in the Greens’ 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.

Netting both goals in the Pilgrims’ first victory of the 2017/18 campaign, Jervis once again edged ahead of Graham Carey as Argyle’s top scorer since Adams’ arrival at Home Park. With both strikes coming in the second half and showing different aspects of Jake’s skill-set, Derek is under no illusions as to the importance of the forward’s role at the club.

“A well-worked corner” was how Derek summed up the opening goal on 57 minutes. “Great ball in from Graham Carey; Ryan Edwards knocking it down and Jake finishing it off. 

“The second one is Jake Jervis epitomising how good a player he is. He takes the ball for a run and he finished very well.

“He’s done really well, scoring goals. He’s a threat because of his pace, but only that; his goal-scoring ability through the two years that I’ve been here has been excellent.” 

Jervis was far from the only Pilgrim to impress during the win. Gary Miller, continuing at right back in place of the injured Oscar Threlkeld, put in another strong performance, leaving Adams with a welcomed selection issue. 

“I thought he was excellent. He shouldn’t have been booked in the first half and I think his talking and organising was very good. Oscar’s now got a huge problem that he’s picked up that injury and the likelihood of him getting back in is going to be difficult. 

“He [Threlkeld], should’ve been back today, but I would hope that he is back fit for Tuesday. I’d be hugely disappointed if that wasn’t the case.” 

Ryan Edwards also looked strong at centre back alongside Sonny Bradley, and there was more encouraging news for the Argyle squad as Jamie Ness came on for the final moments, replacing Jervis. 

“I think that he tried to cover Sonny,” said Derek on Edwards, “and Sonny does likewise to him. They’ve been able to have a rapport between each other. They’re big strapping lads, but they’re good on the ball as well. 

“Jamie [Ness] is a top player. I just thought that we’d won the game and I’d try and get him on. Everybody else has been on Home Park and it gives him that opportunity to get that feeling. He’s part of it now. 

“He played 45 minutes in a game last night, which was good for him, and we’ll continue his progress over the coming weeks. Jake deserved that [the ovation when he was substituted]. I could’ve taken any of them off to get that ovation, but Jake has been able to win the match with his two goals.” 

All in all, then, there were plenty of positives for the bumper crowd of over 11,000 at the Theatre of Greens to take from the afternoon. 

“It was excellent. It’s always important that we get supporters through the gate – new supporters at that,” said Adams. “Probably a lot of younger kids as well, with the school holidays, and we’ve put them home happy tonight. 

“I think it’s important for the city that you have a football club doing well, and the supporters realise that as well.”