Argyle keep up their promotion charge with win

Argyle 3 Cambridge United 1

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

PLYMOUTH Argyle moved another step closer to securing automatic promotion to the Championship with a 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Cambridge United at a rain-soaked Home Park.

The Pilgrims stayed top of the table after their 18th win out of 21 home league games this season, and it was a result they had to work hard for.

Callum Wright gave Argyle a 15th minute lead but they could not build on that early advantage as Sam Smith equalised for Cambridge shortly after the half-hour mark.

It stayed level until the 56th minute when skipper Joe Edwards, who put in another leading by example performance, scored with a low shot from close range past goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov.

Argyle then gave themselves some breathing space when substitute Niall Ennis made it 3-1 in the 73rd minute and that was the way it stayed until full-time.

All of the top four in the table picked up maximum points, with Ipswich Town winning 3-0 at Peterborough United, Sheffield Wednesday coming from behind to defeat Exeter City 2-1 and Barnsley coming out on top 2-0 at home to Oxford United.

What that all means is Argyle need five points from their last three matches, beginning with the visit of Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, to guarantee a top two finish and automatic promotion.

Bali Mumba returned to Argyle's starting line-up after a three-match absence due to a knee injury he suffered near the end of the 3-1 Good Friday win away to Morecambe.

There was also a first start since mid-February for midfielder Adam Randell following his recent absence due to a high ankle sprain.

His only action for the Pilgrims since his enforced lay-off had been as a late substitute in the 1-0 Devon derby victory over Exeter City.

Mumba lined-up at left wing-back and Randell was in central midfield with Brendan Galloway and Matt Butcher respectively both injured.