Pilgrims grind out a crucial win over Millers

RALLS STRIKES TO MAKE IT BACK-TO-BACK WINS FOR CLEVERLEY

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

PLYMOUTH Argyle made it back-to-back League One victories as they finally won at Home Park for the first time since September by beating Rotherham United 1-0 at Home Park.

They achieved it despite spending almost all of the second half on the defensive as Rotherham came up with attack after attack in an unsuccessful attempt to cancel out a 42nd minute goal from Pilgrims’ midfielder Joe Ralls.

Argyle's lack of attacking creativity was evident throughout the game with Rotherham goalkeeper Cameron Dawson hardly troubled.

However, from one of the few moments when the home side carried a threat going forward, Ralls slotted home after good buildup play involving Bali Mumba and Owen Dale.

For all of Argyle's obvious difficulties when they tried to go forward, they did defend resolutely, with Alex Mitchell outstanding, and making one vital goal-line clearance in the closing stages of the game.

It was the Pilgrims' first home league win since they beat Stockport County 4-2 on September 6 and they will hope to use the confidence of successive league wins to start producing better all-round performances, starting away to Doncaster Rovers next weekend.

Defender Brendan Galloway made his 100th appearance for Argyle as he lined up at left-back against Rotherham before leaving to join up with the Zimbabwe squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco later this month.

There were two changes to the team from the midweek 1-0 win away to Wycombe Wanderers with Mumba and Ralls taking over from Jamie Paterson and Brendan Wiredu respectively, who were both on the substitutes' bench.

Mumba played up front with Owen Oseni, who scored the winning goal against Wycombe, which was a match that Ralls missed due to a knee injury.

The former Cardiff City captain was in central midfield alongside Malachi Boateng, with Dale on the right and Matty Sorinola on the left.