Anssi Jaakkola - 7
The majority of his work lately has been in a coaching capacity, but the Finn got a starting chance at Home Park on Tuesday. A very different goalkeeper to Belshaw, but a good one nonetheless. His handling was convincing. Dived to the right for the penalty, Hardie went down the centre. Got close a couple of times in the shootout, but could not keep the four Argyle scorers out.
Luca Hoole - 8
Another game with a new defensive partner beside him, but it did not affect him adversely. Raided forward in the first half, when he was often Rovers' best attacking threat, heading narrowly wide from a Coutts cross before drawing a good save from Callum Burton. Defended well, to boot.
Glenn Whelan - 8
Joey Barton may not have been in attendance on Tuesday due to illness, but Whelan is always his Mr Reliable. This time, the Irishman was needed at centre-back. Looked troubled just the once when Hardie raced ahead of him early on, but otherwise, he handled the challenge very well. Composed on the ball and made a number of crucial interventions in a game so stretched by the end it resembled basketball more than football.
Trevor Clarke - 6
It appeared he had no future at the club after Barton's decision to exile him in the aftermath of the first game of the season, but he was back in the fold tonight. It could be just a one-game return. Had a strong first half, making a crucial challenge to deny Hardie a clear shot at goal after escaping the offside trap, but Clarke was less convincing after the break. Sloppy passes crept in and he was the man to give away the penalty, although he was played into trouble by Marquis' slack pass.
Harvey Saunders - 6
Was kept quiet early doors but Rovers started getting him the ball in dangerous areas more often as the game matured. Looked set to score the winner but was denied by Macaulay Gillesphey's brilliant block in the 90th minute.
Paul Coutts (c) - 7
Rovers struggled to penetrate with their passing in the first half, but Coutts was more progressive than most, delivering an enticing cross that Hoole headed narrowly wide. Valuable minutes in the bank for the captain, who was replaced on the hour.
Jordan Rossiter - 7
Another tenacious display from the midfielder, who epitomised the hard-grafting philosophy that underpins this team. Like Whelan, he did a good job for the team when dropping in at centre-back late in the game with Rovers short on numbers.
Jerry Lawrence - 7
Perhaps a bit timid in the first half, but he found his feet after the break, showing more confidence on the ball. The 17-year-old provided the assist on his first senior start with a good ball over the top for Loft to chase.
Lewis Gordon - 6
Handled his defensive duties well at wing-back, taking minimal risks, while also showing his ability to receive the ball in tight areas to help Rovers play through Plymouth's attempts to press. Could have offered more going forward, but he is still learning his craft.
John Marquis - 6
Was very frustrated in the first half, demanding more positive passing from his teammates amid Rovers' sluggish build-up play early on. He got his wish and linked well with Loft. After the break, he tested the keeper with a cute effort at the near post, but he will be frustrated with a poorly executed pass intended for Hoole that was intercepted on the edge of the Rovers area and led to a penalty.
Ryan Loft - 7
Provided energy and physicality at the point of the attack and he was rewarded with his second goal of the week, producing another ruthless finish to give the Gas the lead. His clinical finishing in the past two games is really encouraging, but his hold-up play still needs polishing.
Substitutes
Aaron Collins (for Marquis on 62') - 7
Looked likely to score from the moment he came on, but his best effort was denied by Burton's outstretched leg. Got Rovers ahead in the shootout with a clinical spot kick.
Antony Evans (for Coutts on 62') - 5
Tried to make things happen without much success. Missed the target with his penalty.
Luke McCormick (for Lawrence on 62') - 7
Made a flashy start with a backheel that created a chance for Rovers. Scored from the spot.
Ryan Jones (for Clarke on 71') - 6
Got in good positions but did not make the most of them. Took his penalty well.
Harvey Greenslade (for Hoole on 78') - 6
Played in an unfamiliar position at wing-back, but made a couple of good moves forward. The young lad was unlucky to see his penalty saved in the shootout. Took character to step up.
Not used: James Belshaw, Alfie Kilgour.
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