Promotion-chasing Ipswich too strong for faltering Argyle

THIRD HOME DEFEAT ON THE TROT LEAVES PILGRIMS JUST TWO POINTS CLEAR OF DROP ZONE

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

PLYMOUTH Argyle slumped to a third consecutive Home Park defeat as they were beaten 2-0 by Ipswich Town on Saturday, the visitors moving up to second spot in the Championship as a result.

Ian Foster's side has failed to score in that trio of losses, which have all come against top six opposition.

Argyle were more than a match for Ipswich in the first half and had the best chance to open the scoring when left wing-back Mickel Miller had a shot cleared away from almost on the goal-line.

However, Ipswich were much the better side in the second period and after taking the lead in the 63rd minute when a shot from Conor Chaplin deflected into the net off Argyle defender Brendan Galloway they took firm control of the game.

On-loan Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore's low, close range finish put the visitors 0-2 up and there was no way back for the Pilgrims.

Argyle dropped only one position in the Championship table to 16th but are now just two points clear of the relegation zone after wins for the likes of Queens Park Rangers, who won 2-1 at leaders Leicester City, as well as Millwall and Steven Schumacher's Stoke City.

Argyle now face back-to-back away games against 23rd-placed Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night and Blackburn Rovers, who are 17th, next Saturday, where picking up points has now taken on added importance.

Argyle were unchanged against Ipswich from their 2-0 win away to Middlesbrough, with experienced midfielder Adam Forshaw back from injury among the substitutes.