Plymouth Argyle start new season with defeat at Southend

SOUTHEND UNITED 1 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 0

PLYMOUTH Argyle started their new League Two campaign with a disappointing defeat by Southend United at Roots Hall.

Southend took the lead through striker Barry Corr in the 14th minute and that proved enough for the Essex hosts to secure maximum points.

The Pilgrims struggled to create any chances as they struggled to match the intensity of Southend.

There was also a blow for Argyle when Paul Wotton had to be substituted a half-time because of a rib injury.

The vastly experienced centre-back had to be replaced by 19-year-old Jamie Richards.

Argyle's starting line-up included five debutants – left-back Andre Blackman, midfield trio Lewis Alessandra, Dominic Blizzard and Rommy Boco, and striker Marvin Morgan.

Manager John Sheridan opted for Luke McCormick as the goalkeeper instead of Jake Cole.

McCormick, who re-signed for the Pilgrims in the summer, was making his first appearance for them since May 2008.

There were five teenage players on the bench for Argyle, including 16-year-old midfielder Ryan Lane.

Argyle, in their new sky blue away strip, had the support of an excellent following from the Green Army.

After an even start to the contest, Southend took the lead from the first chance of the game in the 14th minute.

Midfielder Marc Laird broke into the Pilgrims' penalty area and went past centre-back Curtis Nelson.

Laird then cut the ball back and Corr, who had not been picked up, slotted the ball into the net from close range.

Argyle could not come up with any scoring opportunities until the 31st minute.

Boco broke down the left and provided a good cross but striker Reuben Reid could not control his volley and the ball flew high and wide.

That was the best the Pilgrims could come up with before the interval as it remained 1-0 to Southend.

Argyle centre-back Paul Wotton struggled from the pain of a rib injury in the closing stages of the first half.

He was hurt in a collision with McCormick and needed treatment on the pitch from physio Paul Atkinson.

Wotton returned to the action but was clearly in a lot of discomfort, clutching the top of his chest with his right hand.

Despite this, Wotton did have one attempt at goal in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

It came from a free-kick which was awarded on the top of the 'D' outside the penalty area after a foul on Blackman.

The ball was rolled to Wotton who flicked it into the air and tried a dipping shot.

However, Wotton could not get enough power behind the ball and it was an easy save for 'keeper Daniel Bentley.

That was Wotton's last involvement in the match as he was substituted at half-time.

Richards took over at centre-back from Wotton as he made only his third appearance for the Pilgrims.

Richards got his chance because Maxime Blanchard was suspended and Guy Branston injured.

Southend continued to put Argyle under pressure whenever they were in possession, without creating many chances themselves.

Former Argyle loan signing Will Atkinson did have one long-range shot which was deflected away for a corner.

Southend striker Freddy Eastwood did go close to scoring from a free-kick in the 64st minute.

His shot from a tight angle had plenty of power behind it and McCormick had to be alert to push the ball wide of his near post for a corner.

Argyle were still not threatening to get an equaliser so 18-year-old striker Tyler Harvey was sent on for Reid in the 71st minute.

Soon afterwards, Luke young came off the bench to replace Blizzard in the centre of midfield.

Argyle captain Hourihane had a low 20-yard shot saved by Bentley as the home side started to concentrate on defending their lead.

They succeeded in that aim, making it a very frustrating afternoon for Argyle.

SOUTHEND: Daniel Bentley; John White, Mark Phillips, Luke Prosser, Ben Coker; Will Atkinson, Marc Laird, Ryan Leonard, Anthony Straker; Barry Corr (Conor Clifford 86 mins), Freddy Eastwood (Craig Reid 67 mins).

Substitutes (not used): Paul Smith (gk), Michael Timlin, Julian Bennett, Seedy Njie, Jack Payne.

ARGYLE: Luke McCormick; Durrell Berry, Paul Wotton (Jamie Richards h/t), Curtis Nelson, Andre Blackman; Lewis Alessandra, Dominic Blizzard (Luke Young 76 mins), Conor Hourihane, Rommy Boco; Reuben Reid (Tyler Harvey 71 mins), Marvin Morgan.

Substitutes (not used): Jake Cole, Isaac Vassell, Ben Purrington, Ryan Lane.

REFEREE: Rob Lewis (Shropshire)

ATTENDANCE: 7,055 (1,146 away)

GOALS – Southend: Corr 14 mins; Argyle: None