Pool Your Thoughts

ARGYLE showed they had learnt from past disappointment as they returned to winning ways against Oldham Athletic.

First-half goals from Antoni Sarcevic and Ruben Lameiras put the Pilgrims in control at SportsDirect.com Park before the home side came back into the match through a fortunate Yann Songo’o own goal. 

Argyle stood firm, though, and climbed to 13th in the table after showing a determination not to surrender a two-goal lead as they had done at Blackpool two away games previously.

“At Blackpool, it was a dagger in the heart,” said Ruben. 

“We learnt from the mistakes. We looked back on it and found the reason why we conceded, and we’ve corrected it. No matter how many minutes are on the clock, we need to keep concentrating until the ref blows his whistle. 

“We knew we had to be on our toes and make sure that we kept [Oldham] out. When their goal went in, we knew we had to regroup quickly, and the defence, goalkeeper, midfielders – everyone – managed to keep them out. It just goes to show, with the work we put in training and how we set up, we’re a difficult side to beat.

“It was important how we started the game and we started it really well.

“When they went behind, we knew were going to be difficult to beat. The boys, defensively, did really, really well; Remi pulled off some really, really good saves, as well. We’ll just take each game as it comes. On to the next one. 

“It was tough. Oldham are a good side and we just wanted to come out very aggressively, and we showed that when we scored the two goals. Maybe we should have scored a few more, but the main objective was to come out fast and we did that, we knew we could be successful.”

As well as scoring Argyle’s second goal in the 19th minute, Ruben had some words for team-mate Antoni Sarcevic, who opened the scoring in some style. 

Ruben said: “We are always telling him to shoot more often because he can put them away, and he showed his quality again today. Apart from his goal, his performance was really good – he covered every blade of grass, put in some really good tackles, and started us playing and getting us forward.

“He’s struggled sometimes with his injuries but he’s put that behind him and is cracking on, which is good to see.” 

The second goal came when Ruben freed Graham Carey on the left and followed in to make sure was on hand to put away the rebound when goalkeeper Johny Placide saved Graham’s hard low shot. 

“I managed to shank it in, but they all count, so I’m pleased,” he said. 

“The main thing was that we came here to get the three points. We’re just looking at the next game, then the next game, then the next game, just to keep pushing up the table. 

“I am trying to get as many goals and assists, and create as many chances as I can, for the team. The main things is that we got the three points and we can keep on pushing.”