Derby 4 Argyle 0
ARGYLE went down to a 4-0 defeat at Derby County in the Premier League Cup on Monday evening.
The Pilgrims were hit by four first-half goals from the Rams, with Cameron Cresswell grabbing a brace and further strikes from Timi Max Elsnik and Josh Shonibare effectively ending the contest before half-time.
After an even start to the game, Elsnik broke the deadlock with a fine strike from distance and it was 2-0 on 13 minutes, when Cresswell glanced a clever header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Michael Cooper.
Despite the uphill task, Argyle remained dangerous on the break but could find no way past a solid Derby defence and Cresswell added his second on 35 minutes. Cresswell then created the room for Shonibare to fire home a decisive fourth.
The Pilgrims never shirked their task after the break and made life a lot tougher for Derby’s impressive attacking unit, but were unable to find a consolation to bring back home.
Argyle: Michael Cooper; Tafari Moore, Jordan Bentley, Peter Grant, Ryan Law; Tom Purrington, Rio Garside (Michael Peck 65); Alex Fletcher, Alex Battle (Harry Hodges 74), Aaron Goulty (Adam Randell 46); Calum Dyson. Substitutes (not used): Harry Townsend, Klaidi Lolos.