Tolaj hits brace in convincing win for Argyle

PLYMOUTH Argyle had to wait a long time during the summer transfer window before signing 'a number nine' but the wait appears to have been worth it as Lorent Tolaj scored two more goals in a convincing 4-0 victory over Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

Malachi Boateng sees his header saved by Burton Albion goalkeeper Bradley Collins

(MARK KERTON/SHUTTERSTOCK)

It is back-to-back away League One wins for the Pilgrims, who had their head coach watching from the directors' box as he served the first of a two-match touchline ban and should be a huge boost of confidence for them.

Tolaj produced an excellent all-round centre-forward performance, mixing his two well-taken goals with a tremendous workrate, although in fairness the same could be said about the rest of his teammates against bottom-of-the-table Burton.

Argyle came under pressure in the early stages of the game but they came through that tricky period and it was Tolaj who opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a near post finish.

Owen Oseni, on his return to the starting lineup, added a second goal on the stroke of halftime before Tolaj struck again in the 55th minute to put the Pilgrims in a commanding position.

Substitute Bim Pepple added a fourth Argyle goal in the closing stages and it needed a couple of good late saves from Burton keeper Brad Collins to prevent the hosts' defeat from being heavier.

Conor Hazard was chosen as Argyle's goalkeeper against the Brewers instead of Luca Ashby-Hammond as he played his first league game of the season.

It followed his comeback from a knee ligament injury in the midweek 6-2 Vertu Trophy victory over Tottenham Hotspur under-21s at Home Park.

Hazard also captained the Pilgrims on his return to league action as Joe Edwards served the second of a three-match suspension after his red card in the 3-2 away win against Luton Town a fortnight earlier.