Argyle off the mark after Hull City draw

PLYMOUTH Argyle had to be content with a first Championship point of the season as they could not hold onto the lead in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Hull City at Home Park.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

Still, it was a much-improved performance from the Pilgrims in Wayne Rooney’s first home league game as head coach compared to their 4-0 drubbing at Sheffield Wednesday in their season opener. Argyle had the better of few clear cut chances in the first half and then took the lead in the 52nd minute with a fierce close range finish from Ibrahim Cissoko, the loan signing from French Ligue 1 club Toulouse.

However, Hull drew level shortly after the hour mark with a goal from right-back and captain Lewis Coyle and despite opportunities for both teams, notably when Argyle substitute Freddie Issaka had a shot well saved, it finished 1-1.

While there will have been disappointment for the Pilgrims they could not hold onto the advantage given to them by Cissoko it was a good all-round performance which gives them something to build on.

Argyle’s team against Hull showed four changes from the defeat by Sheffield Wednesday, with starts for full-backs Joe Edwards and Bali Mumba, as well as midfielder Adam Randell and striker Ryan Hardie.

Nathanael Ogbeta and Darko Gyabi dropped down to the substitutes’ bench while Muhamed Tijani and Victor Palsson were not in the squad at all.

Issaka, the exciting 18-year-old prospect who had starred in the midweek 3-0 Carabao Cup first round win against Cheltenham Town, was named among the substitutes, as was midfielder Jordan Houghton, who was involved for the first time this term after dealing with a slight knee issue.