Wayne Rooney off and running as Plymouth boss with victory over Cheltenham

Posted Thursday, August 15, 2024 by PA

Wayne Rooney secured a first win as Plymouth boss as his side eased past Cheltenham and into the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 win.

New Zealand international striker Ben Waine tapped in the opening goal after Robins goalkeeper Joe Day palmed Adam Randell’s thumping 20-yard free-kick onto the underside of the crossbar after 62 minutes.

Ryan Hardie coolly converted substitute Ibrahim Cissoko’s cross from the right to make it 2-0 to the Sky Bet Championship side after 81 minutes and substitute Mustapha Bundu added a third in the 84th minute with a superb 20-yard finish after being teed up by Bali Mumba.

League Two Town’s best effort came from Ethon Archer who hit a post with a 20-yard shot that beat Argyle keeper Conor Hazard and then rebounded off the back of the Irishman in the 40th minute.

Rooney made nine changes from the team which started the 4-0 Championship defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday with skipper Joe Edwards sparking a late first-half flurry of attacks with a 30-yard drive that was deflected off target after 44 minutes.