Plymouth Argyle left frustrated as late Stockport surge defeats Pilgrims

Plymouth Argyle were left to rue missed chances and a cruel late twist as high-flying Stockport County came from behind to claim a 2–1 victory, despite a spirited and largely encouraging performance from the Greens.

Argyle started on the front foot and could have taken an early lead inside eight minutes when Bim Pepple glanced a header narrowly wide. The pressure continued as Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu curled an ambitious effort off target from distance, while referee Sam Allison waved away appeals after Caleb Watts went down in the box as Plymouth pushed for a breakthrough.

The hosts went agonisingly close again when Mathias Ross powered a header against the crossbar from Ronan Curtis’ corner, a moment that summed up Argyle’s dominance without reward.

That reward finally arrived three minutes before the interval. Ross volleyed across goal and Watts was perfectly placed to divert the ball home from close range, giving Argyle a deserved 42nd-minute lead and momentum heading into half-time.

However, the second half told a different story. Stockport grew into the contest and drew level in the 69th minute when Malik Mothersille’s inviting low cross was deftly flicked home by Kyle Wootton.

Just as Argyle looked set to salvage a point, the visitors struck a decisive blow five minutes from time. Jack Diamond delivered a dangerous cross and Wootton rose highest to head home his second of the afternoon — and his 15th league goal of the season — completing the turnaround.

There was still late drama as substitute Owen Dale rattled the crossbar with a fierce long-range drive, but it was Stockport who held firm to secure a fourth win in five matches.

For Argyle, it was a painful outcome after a performance that promised much, but ultimately yielded nothing as their unbeaten run came to an abrupt end.

Exeter City were stunned by a 4-0 hammering at home to lowly Rotherham, while a brace from Jordan Young lifted Torquay United to the top of the National League South following a 2-1 triumph at promotion rivals Hornchurch.