Plymouth Argyle ended their main pre-season preparations with a 0-0 draw against Championship opposition Bristol City at Home Park on Saturday, a match that offered reasons for optimism ahead of the League One campaign.
Dominant phases but no finishing touch
In front of around 7,500 supporters, Tom Cleverley’s side controlled large portions of the first half and fashioned the clearer openings, though they were unable to turn pressure into goals. Argyle set out in a 4-4-2 that allowed the hosts to build from the back and probe down both flanks, creating a number of noteworthy chances without troubling the visitors’ keeper sufficiently to break the deadlock.
The game was competitive throughout and, while Bristol City enjoyed spells of possession, they rarely carved out clear-cut opportunities. Argyle’s finishing was the only real shortcoming on a day when overall shape and intent were encouraging for the manager and supporters alike.
Team selection and moments of note
Cleverley went with a settled back four and an attacking pairing up front. The match included a few injuries and a raft of second-half substitutions as both teams used the fixture to assess players before the season proper begins in nine days’ time.
| Argyle (starting XI) | Position |
|---|---|
| Murphy Cooper | Goalkeeper |
| Wes Harding | Right-back |
| Mathias Ross | Centre-back |
| Alex Mitchell | Centre-back |
| Alex Hartridge | Left-back |
| Ronan Curtis | Left wing |
| Michael Baidoo | Right wing |
| Harvey White | Midfield |
| Malachi Boateng | Midfield |
| Owen Oseni | Forward |
| Bim Pepple | Forward |
During the first half Argyle had several promising efforts: Pepple tested the defence early, Baidoo fired narrowly wide and Oseni struck the post. The only real concern came when Baidoo appeared to pick up a hamstring problem and was replaced by Xavier Amaechi.
Second half and substitutions
The second period began brightly for the Pilgrims, with Oseni forcing a good save from Sam Tickle after Alex Hartridge’s long throw created an opening. As is usual in pre-season fixtures, both managers made numerous changes and the flow of the game was affected by the substitutions. Argyle introduced Brendan Wiredu and Freddie Issaka in the 77th minute, and later brought on Matty Sorinola and Bradley Ibrahim as they continued to rotate the squad.
- Final score: Plymouth Argyle 0–0 Bristol City
- Attendance: about 7,500 at Home Park
- Key positives: organisation, attacking intent, defensive solidity
For supporters and the coaching staff the match offered a useful fitness and tactical test against higher-level opposition. With the League One season opening less than two weeks away, the goalless result will be weighed alongside the progress shown by individuals and the squad as a whole.
Selection decisions and any confirmed injury updates are likely to be clarified in the days ahead as the club finalises preparations for the opening fixtures.
