Rooney gets reaction in Cheltenham win

Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney asked for a reaction following his side’s 4-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday – and he got it, as Argyle reached the second round of the Carabao Cup.  

Progression did not come easy against Cheltenham Town, at Home Park. The Sky Bet League Two side, who had won their season-opening game the previous weekend, were resolute and took Argyle in goalless at half-time, but the Pilgrims upped it in the second half, and won 3-0 via goals from Ben Waine, a marvellous team goal finished off by Ryan Hardie and a clincher from Mustapha Bundu.   

“I’m pleased,” said Rooney. “I thought it was a good performance. These games can always be tricky when you're playing lower league opposition, but I wanted a reaction from the game on Sunday and I felt I got that.  

“I thought there was some really good interplay. I think the second goal was a great goal from back to front. Composure on the ball, moving the ball quickly, playing forward. It was a good cross into the box and good finish from Ryan. I thought that was an excellent goal.  

“I think the best moment in the match for me was Joe Edwards going in for a tackle in the second half, which he probably had no right to win, but he goes and wins it. That's what you want, the small little details like that, which help make you a very difficult team to beat.  

“After Sunday, it cheered me up a little bit. There's always things you can do better. In the first half, we had to be a little bit more patient at times. I think we were trying to force the ball forwards, which played into their hands, when they defend with a back five and they can make it difficult for you. You have to be patient and draw them out to create opportunities. 

“I thought second half, we were much more in control, moved the ball a lot quicker, created chances, could have scored more goals. I think that's one thing we need to improve on. We need to be more clinical.” 

After the game, Rooney was asked about two individuals, contributing in different ways. 18-year-old Freddie Issaka started the game on the right of midfield and was later voted the sponsors’ player-of-the-match for his performance.  

The game also saw a debut for Kornel Szucs, who looked poised in the centre of defence, as Argyle kept a clean sheet against the Robins.  

“I thought he was really good,” said Rooney, on Kornel. “Against the two forwards, it can be difficult. I thought he was really composed with the ball, won his duels, so I think he's done everything we expected of him tonight.  

“[Freddie is] a threat. He takes the ball; he drives at players. He's a defender's nightmare. He's a tricky player who can create chances. I think the next part of his game will come, the more games he plays, in terms of assists and goals. I wanted to keep him on for 90 minutes, but he felt his ankle a little bit, so that's the reason he came off. I was really pleased with his performance.” 

Over 12,000 fans were inside Home Park to watch the game, and the boss declared himself pleased with the attendance and the reaction.   

He said: “I was delighted with the turnout today. I think especially after Sunday, which was a difficult day for all of us: for myself, for the coaches, for players, for fans.  

“I thought the attendance today and the atmosphere was really good from the fans, giving me a nice welcome as well.  

“I’m delighted to leave tonight with a victory and to be in the next round. I'm sure they'll be out again Saturday to get right behind the team, for the first home game of the league campaign.”