Plymouth takes top spot after Orient bruising

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PLYMOUTH Argyle went to the top of League One with a muscular victory over Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.

The visitors were always that bit stronger, and the physical strength really bore fruit after half time with two decisive strikes.

The two teams were pretty even in the first half, with some nice combinations that promised much from Orient. But it was Plymouth who came out more strongly after the break.

In the first half, Argyle’s Will Evans got on the end of a cross from the right but the resulting header was easily fielded by Orient keeper, Nathan Baxter.

The two Plymouth strikers, Evans and Bim Pebble, caused problems all afternoon.

It was Pebble who broke the deadlock, shortly after half time prodding home after a melee in the home penalty area, from a corner.

Four minutes later, Evans got on the end of a Ronan Curtis cross to put the visitors two up.

Orient’s best effort was a shot from Fin Stevens that was parried by Plymouth keeper Murphy Cooper.

Orient head coach Richie Wellens felt his team needed to be more competitive. “We’ve got to be in there and win the physical battles,”said Wellens, who felt Plymouth did the basics well.

The head coach felt his side were too often second best. “You need to be tight on your man, not let him get a run on you,”said Wellens.

Plymouth head coach Tom Cleverley was pleased with the second half performance. We asked for more at half time and got it,” said Cleverley, who believes the two strikers give a good balance, working well together.

Will Evans was pleased with his goal and the overall performance. “This is a massive club and should be back in the Championship,”said Evans.