Argyle frustrated as early goal condemns Pilgrims to Rotherham defeat

Plymouth Argyle were left to rue a sluggish start as an early goal proved decisive in a narrow defeat to relegation-threatened Rotherham United.

The Pilgrims fell behind inside seven minutes when Dru Yearwood’s effort was deflected into the net by Joe Rafferty, handing the hosts a lead they would stubbornly defend for the remainder of the contest.

Despite dominating large spells of possession, Argyle struggled to break down a disciplined Rotherham back line, particularly after the break, as the Millers dug in to protect their advantage.

Rotherham might have doubled their lead before half-time, with Sam Nombe twice going close after breaking clear, only to be denied in one-on-one situations by the excellent Luca Ashby-Hammond. Substitute Zak Jules then struck the crossbar with a powerful header, before Ashby-Hammond reacted sharply again to keep out Nombe’s rebound.

Argyle pressed hard in search of an equaliser during the second half, with Bim Pepple coming closest when he lifted his effort over the bar after finding space inside the penalty area.

As Plymouth committed men forward, the hosts found further chances on the counter, with Dan Gore narrowly missing the target from close range and Harry Gray firing wide on two occasions.

Despite late pressure, including another half-chance for Nombe in added time, Argyle were unable to find a breakthrough, slipping to a frustrating defeat that stalled their momentum.