MK Dons 0 Argyle 0
ARGYLE opened their Central League campaign with a solid 0-0 draw at MK Dons, a game behind closed doors at the impressive Stadium:MK.
In a match of few chances, Michael Cooper took the major plaudits after producing a superb penalty save to deny Dons’ striker Kieran Agard on just 10 minutes.
In a generally young Argyle side, Will Aimson continued his path to full fitness in defence and there was a added experience in the Pilgrim midfield, with Antoni Sarcevic bringing his knowledge to a young engine room.
The Dons included former Pilgrim Hiram Boateng in their side but the man who enjoyed a spell on loan at Home Park from Crystal Palace was in defensive mode in the early stages, as Argyle twice went close from long range.
Luke Jephcott, allowed to play in the Central League as part of his loan stint at Truro, had a shot charged down by Ryan Harley before Agard was thwarted by the brilliance of Cooper, picking the right corner to produce an expert save from the spot.
The Dons enjoyed decent periods of possession in the first half but Argyle remained compact in defence, and very nearly edged in front when Jephcott drove inches wide after a flowing move.
Sarcevic went close with a charged down effort immediately after the restart, with Adam Randell firing just over from the rebound, while Cooper was on form again, tipping over a header from Jordan Bowery.
Klaidi Lolos spun beautifully in the closing stages and came within inches of pinching the points for Argyle but the game ended in a pleasing draw.
MK Dons: Stuart Moore; Finn Brennan, Jamal Sule, Ollie Leach, Matty Sorinola, Ryan Harley, Hiram Boateng, Brennan Dickenson, Dylan Asongyani, Jordan Bowery, Kieran Agard. Substitutes: George Rose, John Freeman, Jamie Robinson, Rio Deall, Josh Bailey.
Argyle: Michael Cooper; Michael Peck, Will Aimson, Ollie Tomlinson, Tafari Moore, Antoni Sarcevic, Adam Randell, Cameron Sangster, Reuben Collum, Klaidi Lolos, Luke Jephcott. Substitutes: Harry Townsend, Jarvis Cleal, Rubin Wilson, Jude Boyd, Alfie Wotton.