Pilgrims battle to a point scrap for a play-off place

PLYMOUTH Argyle battled out a tense, absorbing 0-0 draw against League One play-off rivals Sunderland at a packed Home Park.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

It was a game of few clear-cut chances but it was not for the lack of trying from two evenly-matched sides who played with admirable commitment and attacking intent.

The result ended a run of six successive home wins for the Pilgrims but it was their seventh consecutive clean sheet.

Argyle went close to getting a late winning goal when a shot from left wing-back Conor Grant was deflected narrowly wide for a corner.

The Pilgrims had come under pressure from the Black Cats during spells of the second half but they defended solidly and with discipline, which meant goalkeeper Mike Cooper was not called into action too often.

Argyle stayed in fourth position in the league table, two points clear of sixth-placed Sunderland, who have a game in hand on them, and Wycombe Wanderers.

The latter, who have played the same number of matches as the Pilgrims, drew 1-1 away to AFC Wimbledon to remain in fifth spot.

There was a welcome return to action for Argyle for 19-goal top scorer Ryan Hardie, who had missed the previous three matches due to a thigh injury.

He was joined in attack by Niall Ennis, with the duo of Jordon Garrick and Luke Jephcott dropping down to the substitutes' bench after starting in the 2-0 defeat at Wycombe on Good Friday.

Those were the only changes made by manager Steven Schumacher to his team for the Pilgrims' penultimate home league game of the regular season.

Sunderland boss Alex Neil arrived at Home Park with a record of six wins, four draws, and just one defeat after taking charge of the Black Cats in February.

He made one change to his side from the 3-2 home win against Shrewsbury Town with Corry Evans recalled to play in central midfield as Lynden Gooch was named among the substitutes instead.