Clinical Plymouth Argyle strengthen play-off push with victory at Wigan

Plymouth boosted their League One play-off ambitions with an emphatic 3–0 win over struggling Wigan, whose defeat leaves them in the relegation zone on goals scored.

The hosts started brightly and nearly struck first when on-loan Huddersfield striker Joe Taylor fired over the crossbar in the early stages. However, Plymouth gradually took control and turned the match decisively in their favour just before half-time.

After 38 minutes, Wigan’s defence failed to deal with a dangerous free-kick into the box, allowing Bim Pepple to bundle the ball over the line and give the visitors the lead.

Plymouth struck again just two minutes later. Malachi Boateng picked out Pepple inside the area and the forward calmly finished from 15 yards to double the advantage before the interval.

Wigan attempted to mount a response in the second half and were left frustrated when Taylor saw a goalbound effort clearly diverted by the hand of a Plymouth defender, the ball looping into the grasp of goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond. Despite strong appeals, the referee waved play on.

Within moments, Plymouth punished the hosts further with a third goal that effectively sealed the result. Boateng turned provider once again, setting up Caleb Watts to finish with 19 minutes remaining.

Wigan’s misfortune continued late on when substitute Caylan Vickers slipped Taylor through on goal. His powerful effort beat the goalkeeper but crashed back off the crossbar, summing up a frustrating evening for the home side.