Defensive errors condemn Argyle to opening day loss

Cleverley criticises 'lack of conviction' after Pilgrims gift goals to visiting Barnsley

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

TOM Cleverley criticised his Plymouth Argyle side for a lack of defensive conviction after they lost 3-1 to 10-man Barnsley at Home Park on Saturday.

Decisions went against the home side in a couple of controversial first half incidents - a disallowed goal for Caleb Watts and a potential red card for Barnsley 'keeper Murphy Cooper - but Cleverley made it clear after the League One season-opener that his biggest concern was the way they gifted all three goals to the visitors.

Brendan Wiredu conceded an unfortunate own goal in the 13th minute of his debut as Argyle failed to defend a free-kick into their box, and Adam Phillips put Barnsley 2-0 up on the half-hour after more sloppiness at the back from the Pilgrims leading up to a weak clearance by captain Victor Palsson.