On Points and Pens

DEREK Adams stressed the importance of the point that Argyle earned in their opening home Sky Bet League One game against Southend United.

Graham Carey and Jason Demetriou swapped first-half penalties in a 1-1 draw that saw precious few clear-cut chances at either end as both sides improved on an opening-day defeat. 

“We have taken a point; we’re off the mark and put ourselves in a good position,” said Derek, who watched the second half from the grandstand after being sent off, along with United counterpart Chris Powell, towards the end of the first half. 

“We want obviously to be further up the league but it’s a home point and we’re off and running. It’s always important; it’s never easy, because there’s a lot of good clubs in the league.” 

Argyle went ahead, after a sluggish start, when Pilgrims debutant Tafari Moore was fouled by Stephen McLaughlin, only for the scores to be levelled after Ryan Taylor’s foul on Timothee Dieng at a corner.

“We didn’t start quickly enough,” said Derek. “It’s not like us at home; we usually start on the front foot, but, today, we didn’t. 

“We got a penalty kick – good play from Tafari Moore to get in front of his defender, and a well-taken penalty by Graham Carey. 

“Ryan Taylor gave away the [Southend] penalty – it was a stonewall penalty; he’s pulled his opponent to the ground – and they get the goal.” 

Both goals conceded by Argyle at Walsall seven days previously were from set-pieces, which means that, although they are yet to win this season, they have not conceded from open play. 

Derek said: “We have given away a penalty kick today; we shouldn’t have. We gave away a free-kick last week – a player ducks in the wall and goes over him – and we gave away a penalty, as well. Two penalties in two games is not something you want to do. 

“We did have chances, that’s the way it goes. We tried to pass the ball; we tried to get forward; and we tried our best.”