Player Ratings: Plymouth Argyle 3-3 Preston

Tom Harris returns to the ratings with a game for the ages at Home Park.

Morgan Whittaker’s stoppage time equaliser capped off a terrific Argyle comeback as the Pilgrims came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against Preston North End at Home Park.

The visitors were deservedly 2-0 up at the break owing to goals from Sam Greenwood and Mads Frokjaer-Jenson. They added a third shortly after the break too when Brad Potts ran in behind and dinked the keeper to seemingly give North End all three points. 

But a defiant Argyle would not lie down as a well-taken rebound from Freddie Isaaka followed by a perfectly-placed header from Andre Gray had them right back in the game. 

They had to wait until the second minute of time to complete the odds-defying response when Mustapha Bundu fed Whittaker who fired home under the keeper for his third of the campaign. 

Yet another late showing at Home Park, but a concerning performance despite the point. Here are the ratings from the fixture. 

Daniel Grimshaw GK - 7. Argyle have secured a solid replacement for Michael Cooper in Dan Grimshaw. Though the former Blackpool keeper is still waiting for his first clean sheet, he made some huge stops in the game to keep Preston to three goals, none of which he could do anything to stop. 

Joe Edwards RB - 6. Three games in a week looked to have taken its toll on Joe Edwards who wasn’t at his blistering best. He picked up a hamstring injury tracking back Brad Potts for Preston’s third goal of the game and was consequently substituted. 

Victor Palsson CB - 4. It was first league start for at Home Park for Pallsson filling in for then injured Lewis Gibson. It was always going to be a tough void to fill but the Icelandic international looked shaky in his decision making which led to Preston’s second goal. Moved to right back later after the break and sent aimless lofted passes aplenty as Argyle looked to get back in the game. Needs to improve if Gibson is out for an extended period.

Kornel Szucs CB - 6. Not at his brilliant best without his usual centre back partner. Szucs like most of Argyle’s defence struggled to break down or cope Preston in what was a forgetful first half. 

Bali Mumba LB - 7 Player Of The Match. Mumba may have had a moment to forget in midweek but he more than made up for it against Preston. The full back was one of the only shining performances in the first half with his eagerness to get Argyle going. His quick feet and expert delivery to Andre Gray gave Argyle their second goal of the match after the interval in a solid all round display. 

Adam Forshaw CM - 5. Surprising addition to the lineup but didn’t bring a lot of energy to the Argyle midfield. A lot of running but little to mention for the experienced midfielder who was substituted on the hour mark.

Adam Randell CM - 5. An unusually poor display from Randell who will have gone into half time ruing that it was his misplaced ball that led to Preston’s second goal just minutes from the whistle. Nevertheless, he put that uncharacteristic error behind him and had a great free kick followed in by Isaaka for Argyle’s first, before his deep cross in stoppage time led to Whittaker’s equaliser. 

Morgan Whittaker RM - 6. Argyle’s moments man scored his third of the season in the 92nd minute beating Woodman with a low drive. It still wasn’t a great showing from the number 10 but his moment of quality could prove vital later in the season. 

Freddie Isaaka LM - 6. Handed his first league start in green and was not afraid to have a run at former pilgrim Kesler-Hayden. Sometimes his decision making was lacking, (to be expected at his age) however his composure to fire in a tricky rebound was top admirable as he grabbed his first senior goal to get Argyle back in the match.

Rami Al Hajj CAM - 4. Hasn’t impacted matches anything like what is expected and needed from a player in that role. Struggled to get involved before being replaced by Darko Gyabi on the hour. 

Michael Obafemi ST - 5. Another frustrating performance from Obafemi who lacked service throughout the game. However when he did get the ball his touch was often lacking. Had a huge opportunity shortly before half time but failed to get his shot away from outside the area with the goal at his mercy. 

Subs 

Julio Pleguezeulo CB - 6. A first outing of the season for Pleggy who replaced an injured Edwards in a reshuffle that saw Palsson shift to right back. Despite not playing the Spaniard didn’t show signs of rustiness and made a vital sliding block late on. 

Andre Gray ST - 7. The substitute performance Argyle were desperately after was produced by Andre Gray. Making his home debut, the forward put himself about, made great runs, and found himself in the right area to power home a header from Mumba’s terrific delivery. Unsure if he’s fit to start games yet, however, he could prove to be a great addition to the side with his experience. Nearly added a second late on but for the heroics of Woodman. 

Mustapha Bundu RM - 6. Replaced Isaaka and to go effect as he came up with the assist for Whittaker’s equaliser, calmly rolling the ball to Whittaker to fire in with just three minutes remaining. 

Ryan Hardie - 5. Brought on in place of Obafemi but couldn’t put his stamp on the game.