GUNNER’S HANDY

Bristol Rovers 0 Plymouth 0

ARGYLE boss Derek Adams and Rovers manager Darrell Clarke were left to reflect on fine goalkeeping performances in a fullblooded West country derby at the Memorial Stadium.

Argyle stopper Matt Macey (right) – on loan from Arsenal – produced terrific saves to deny Sam Matthews in the second half, while Rovers’ recent recruit Jack Bonham, showed 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 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.

“We can still be better with our final ball and movement in the box, but that will come as the players get more used to one another. “I won’t be able to keep on saying that much longer. But we caused Plymouth problems and forced their keeper to make one good save in the first half and two in the second.” 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,” Adams 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.

“We got in at half-time at 0-0 and they started the second half well.

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