Keepers in the pink in derby stalemate

BOTH managers praised their goalkeepers after a full-blooded west country derby at the Memorial Stadium ended in a draw.

While Argyle boss Derek Adams could reflect on two fine Matt Macey saves to deny Sam Matthews in the second half, Rovers manager Darrell Clarke was equally pleased with his recent recruit Jack Bonham, who showed razor-sharp reactions to keep out Graham Carey’s 75th-minute shot.

Clarke said: “We have been looking for a keeper to come for crosses and dominate his box, which Jack did for us, as well as making a great save.

“It was a full-blooded derby and another building block as far as I am concerned with what is a new group of players.

“While I am never happy with a home point, I could take positives from that performance.”

Rovers’ best first-half effort was a stinging right-footed shot from the edge of the box from Kyle Bennett, parried by Macey.

Matthews was then twice denied by Macey after the break, before Bonham had to be alert to turn away a Carey chip into the box, intended as a cross, but looking set to creep in at the far post.

Adams saw his side miss the best chance of the game when Antoni Sarcevic shot wide from Freddie Ladapo’s cross after 82 minutes and emerged equally positive about his team’s efforts.

“I felt we played really well, especially in the second half,” he said. “Our game plan was initially to frustrate Rovers because we knew they hadn’t won a game at home in the League this season.

“They started the second half well. But the game turned when we threw on Joel Grant, who helped get us higher up the pitch, and we then started to create a number of opportunities. “Antoni Sarcevic put one past the post and Graham Carey was denied by an unbelievable save. There was also a scramble on their line, so from my point of view we’re happy.

“We should have had three points, but coming away from home to a difficult venue it’s a decent result for us.

“Matt Macey is a very good goalkeeper and we are lucky to have him. He made an excellent save in the second half.”