Nigel's Carabao Reaction

It was perhaps a bittersweet Argyle debut for Nigel Lonwijk.

The central defender, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, played all 90 minutes as Argyle played Peterborough United in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Home Park.

The Pilgrims lost 2-0, exiting the competition, but an assured performance at the heart of the Argyle defence meant Nigel was the sponsors' choice for man of the match – and probably the selection of plenty more besides.

“It’s always nice to be make your debut,” he told Argyle TV. “It’s my first 90 minutes in a long time. I’m happy to have made my debut and hopefully I will play a lot more.

“It was a difficult start. In the first 30 we just didn’t get it right.

“In the second half we started really brightly, we had a great chance straight away. We created a lot of chances, and were more positive playing forward. If we had finished our chances it would have been a different game.

“After that chance, the crowd got behind us, and everyone felt there was a chance that we could turn the game around. It didn’t happen, but it does give a good feeling going into Saturday because we know we can do it, we just need to focus on finishing our chances."

To Nigel’s right was experienced defender James Wilson, while he was flanked to his left by Brendan Galloway, playing his first competitive game since November, because of a long-term injury.

Lonwijk gave praise to those around him for helping him through his impressive debut.

“The defence were good,” said Nigel. “Brendan did really well. He was out with an injury for a long time, so it was really good from him. Willo is a good leader; talking and helping me a lot."