Obafemi strikes late to steal a massive victory for Pilgrims

PLYMOUTH Argyle ended a run of four Championship games without a win as they beat bottom-of-thetable Portsmouth 1-0 after a late goal from Michael Obafemi.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

It was especially sweet for Obafemi, who started his career at Portsmouth’s arch rivals Southampton, and was greeted with jeers from the away fans when he was sent on as a second half substitute

However, Obafemi had the last laugh when he fired home in the 82nd minute to clinch a fourth home league win of the campaign for Wayne Rooney’s Pilgrims.

It was also their first clean sheet in 14 league games this season as Portsmouth failed to capitalise on some good attacking play with the lack of a cutting edge up front.

Striker Andre Gray made his full debut for Argyle as one of five changes to the team from the 3-0 defeat at Championship high fliers Leeds United on Saturday.

It came after the 33-year-old had played as a substitute in the previous three matches, which included him scoring one of the goals in the Pilgrims’ incredible comeback to draw 3-3 at home to Preston North End on October 26.

Also coming into the side were Rami Al Hajj, Darko Gyabi - whose loan from Leeds prevented him from playing against his parent club, 18-year-old Freddie Issaka and Morgan Whittaker, the Pilgrims’ joint top scorer.

Dropping down to the substitutes’ bench were the quintet of Adam Forshaw, Ryan Hardie, Nathanael Ogbeta, Victor Palsson and Caleb Roberts.

Adam Randell was still not fit to play after Rooney had expressed a hope that he would be fit to be involved after being ruled out against Leeds by a thigh injury.

Argyle, who were captained by midfielder Jordan Houghton on his 29th birthday, were saved from falling behind in the opening minute of the match by an offside flag.