Whittaker strike earns Argyle long-awaited first away

STRIKER SCORES 17TH GOAL OF THE SEASON TO HAUNT FORMER CLUB

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

MORGAN Whittaker marked his return to former club Swansea City by scoring the only goal to secure Plymouth Argyle's first away win of the Championship campaign at the 15th attempt.

Whittaker netted for the 17th time this season - he has now scored nine goals in the last 10 games - and the talented 23-year-old's clinical first half finish showed Swansea what they were missing as they drew a blank against a resolute Pilgrims' side.

Whittaker was sold by the Welsh club to Argyle for £1 million last July and that has proved to be a bargain buy. Not only that, but he is playing a huge part in the Pilgrims picking up valuable Championship points.

Argyle are now on 36 points from 29 games this season and are in 15th position in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

While Whittaker inevitably grabbed the headlines, Argyle put in a very resolute defensive display and goalkeeper Conor Hazard made some excellent saves too.

The Pilgrims' starting line-up showed three changes from the 1-1 FA Cup fourth round draw away to Elland Road. Adam Forshaw, Darko Gyabi and Adam Forshaw all returned to the team after being unavailable for the tie at Elland Road as Adam Randell, 18-year-old Caleb Roberts and Callum Wright dropped down to the bench.

Argyle's deadline day signing Lino Sousa, who arrived on loan after completing a permanent transfer from Arsenal to Aston Villa, was among the substitutes.

Wales under-19 international Freddie Issaka was also on the bench, but Mustapha Bundu, Joe Edwards and Dan Scarr were all missing from the squad.

The hosts had the first chance of the contest when a free-kick from Matt Grimes was not cleared by Argyle and the ball dropped to defender Ben Cabango but he fired over the bar.