Plymouth and Southend pick up their first point after Home Park stalemate

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Plymouth and Southend put their opening-day defeats behind them as they picked up their first Sky Bet League One point of the season in a 1-1 draw at a rain-drenched Home Park.

Graham Carey fired Plymouth ahead in the 20th minute from the penalty spot after Stephen McLaughlin fouled Tafari Moore.

However, Jason Demetriou levelled seven minutes before half-time with a cool spot-kick to the left of on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Macey after Ryan Taylor brought down Timothee Dieng to earn a share of the spoils.

Moore went close after Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley palmed out Conor Grant’s shot on goal before Carey drilled his penalty into the top-left corner to give the hosts the lead.

Argyle boss Derek Adams and Southend manager Chris Powell were then red carded following a touchline altercation after Taylor’s 39th minute foul on Demetriou.

Macey made saves to keep out Simon Cox’s shot on the spin, Tom Hopper’s angled drive and Sam Mantom’s drive as Southend started the first half on the front foot, and were rewarded by Demetriou’s equaliser before the break.

Hopper headed just over in after 70 minutes as the visitors pushed for a winner, with substitute Michael Klass sending an angled drive just wide four minutes from time.

Argyle nearly snatched all three points in the final minute through substitute Freddie Ladapo but he smashed his effort just wide.