Liverpool 0 Argyle 0: Match report

Derek Adams brought in Gary Miller, for Craig Tanner, as the only change from the line-up from six days previous, at Barnet. Miller returned to his right-back slot, meaning Oscar Threlkeld joined Graham Carey and David Fox in a three-man central midfield unit designed to keep the ball away from the hosts for as much time as possible.

Liverpool, as expected, played plenty of fringe players, but even the Reds' fringe includes seasoned, quality internationals like Lucas, Emre Can and Divock Origi. Highly promising youngsters such as Kevin Stewart, Sheyi Ojo and Ben Woodburn were also included, while on the bench came an eyecatching stat. The seven Liverpool substitutes, internationals all, totaled 250 caps between them.

As one might expect, the home side monopolised the ball in the early stages; if Argyle did not know, before the game, they were in for an afternoon of running, they soon did. Liverpool played the ball confidently, and early sighters from Ovie Ejaria and Stewart, which rolled either side of Luke McCormick's goal gave some warning signs.

The Reds began to get a little closer. A direct free-kick, 20 yards out and struck by Can, was well blocked by Sonny Bradley, but after being nodded back into the danger zone, Ojo really should have scored from close range.

Woodburn was next up, creating his own chance by dancing into the area, but McCormick did superbly to save at his feet, and maintain parity to that point.

At the half-hour point, there was an observation made that both teams looked a little frustrated. Liverpool, at having so much possession yet not being able to break down a very solid Argyle defensive line. The Pilgrims tactic seemed to be to force Liverpool to get the ball to their attacking full-backs, then stop the cross. For the most part, it very successful.

The game was basically attack v defence, but Argyle's frustration was their inability to keep the ball once they had it. Long balls forward to Arnold Garita did not stick; he had a valid claim that not enough people were forward to support him. Then again, Argyle needed the manpower to stay back and fend off the flow of attacks.

Argyle managed a small spell of possession, for a matter of 30 seconds, perhaps, which was met with cheers from the Green Army. It is a little difficult adjusting from watching -  generally very competitive - Sky Bet League Two football to understanding that you are going to get dominated, but it seemed Argyle's 8,600-strong contingent understood their lads' plight, and joined in the fun.

One appreciates that the famous Kop end gets regular visits from the Premier League's greats, and European giants, so little old Plymouth from down in the Westcountry might not get the spines tingled and the voice boxes purring, but there was only one set of fans to be heard, and they roared their heroes as a superb piece of defending from Ben Purrington was the catalyst for an attack down the left in the only minute of first half stoppage time. Slew was fouled neared the corner flag, and the award of a free-kick elicited a huge cheer.

The cross was cleared, and the half-time whistle sounded, ending any hopes of sneaking a lead at the interval. Still, the reception from the Anfield Road end, housing the Argyle fans, was one of appreciation. Others areas were not so chuffed at the prospect of another 45 minutes minutes of trying to break down a well-constructed wall.

Read the rest of the match report at http://www.pafc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx#5KPjT66Vq...