Plymouth Argyle impress despite Bristol City stalemate

Plymouth Argyle produced an encouraging display despite being held to a goalless draw by Championship side Bristol City in their final Home Park pre-season fixture.

The 0-0 scoreline failed to reflect an entertaining contest in front of almost 7,000 supporters, with Tom Cleverley's side creating the better chances and dominating much of the first half against strong Championship opposition.

Nine days before the League One campaign begins, Argyle looked sharp, organised and full of attacking intent.

Cleverley opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Murphy Cooper in goal behind a defence of Wes Harding, Mathias Ross, Alex Mitchell and Alex Hartridge. Ronan Curtis and Michael Baidoo occupied the flanks, Harvey White and Malachi Boateng were in midfield, while Owen Oseni partnered Bim Pepple up front.

Argyle threatened inside the opening three minutes when Pepple broke through but, under pressure from Rob Dickie, could only steer his effort wide of Sam Tickle's goal.

Although Bristol City enjoyed plenty of possession, they struggled to trouble the home defence as Argyle continued to carve out opportunities. Baidoo fired narrowly wide, Pepple headed off target from Hartridge's cross, White tested the visitors from distance and Oseni also failed to find the target with a header.

The Greens' best move of the half saw Boateng, Baidoo and Oseni combine before Curtis curled just over the crossbar as the hosts took control.

The only sour note came shortly afterwards when Baidoo appeared to suffer a hamstring injury, leaving the field visibly frustrated and replaced by Xavier Amaechi.

Argyle continued to threaten before the interval, with Oseni striking the post before seeing another dangerous cross cut out by a recovering defender.

Bristol City's only clear opening of the first half fell to Scott Twine in stoppage time, but the former MK Dons midfielder volleyed narrowly wide.

The Pilgrims started the second half brightly, with Oseni forcing a fine save from Tickle after Hartridge's long throw had created the opening.

As both managers made numerous substitutions, the game inevitably lost some of its rhythm, although Argyle still looked the more likely to break the deadlock. Amaechi created a late chance for Curtis, only for the winger to be denied before he could shoot.

City enjoyed a brief spell of pressure in the closing stages without seriously testing James Storer, who replaced Cooper in goal after the hour.

Argyle complete their pre-season programme at Tavistock on Tuesday before turning their attention to the opening weekend of the League One season, with this display offering plenty of encouragement despite the lack of goals.