Argyle secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Leyton Orient, extending their winning streak on the road to two games in four days and eight wins in ten away games. Bim Pepple's scoring prowess continued with a goal in the first-half stoppage time, but Orient quickly responded through Ollie O'Neill. The second half saw goals from Ronan Curtis and Mathias Ross, ensuring Argyle's dominance in East London. Tom Cleverley's decision to maintain the starting lineup that defeated Blackpool 4-0 on Saturday proved effective.
Conor Hazard guarded the goal, with a solid back four in front of him, including Joe Edwards, Wes Harding, and Ross and Alex Mitchell in the centre. Herbie Kane, Malachi Boateng, Owen Dale, and Caleb Watts formed the midfield, with Curtis in a central role. Pepple, Argyle's top scorer, led the attack, having scored five goals in his last seven games. The match began with Orient showcasing their technical skills, attempting to pass through the thirds, while Argyle aimed to catch them on the counter-attack.
Orient had early opportunities, with Dom Ballard's header not posing a threat to Hazard. Alex Mitchell also had headed chances, one from a free kick and another from a long throw. The game was interrupted when Kane suffered a hamstring injury, forcing him out in the 12th minute, replaced by Brendan Wiredu.
Orient created chances, but Argyle dominated, with more opportunities as the half progressed. Curtis had a half-chance, but his shot went wide. As the interval approached, Fawunmi and Pepple created chances, with the latter forcing a last-ditch challenge from Will Forrester.
The game's turning point came in the first-half stoppage time when Curtis curled a cross into the box, which Boateng glanced towards the back post. Pepple tapped in, scoring his ninth goal of the season with a poacher's finish. However, Orient responded within two minutes, with O'Neill sliding into the bottom-right corner.
The second half saw Argyle retake the lead just six minutes in, with Curtis scoring from close range after a speculative effort from Owen Dale. With Orient struggling, Cleverley made substitutions to secure the win. Lorent Tolaj and Matty Sorinola returned from injury and suspension, respectively, replacing Dale and Watts.
Argyle found the third goal just past the hour mark, with Curtis swinging in a wicked corner, which Ross met and headed into the net. Orient rallied slightly but failed to create meaningful chances. Argyle almost added a fourth, but the linesman flagged Pepple offside.
In the final minutes, Xavier Amaechi replaced Pepple, who was celebrated by the Green Army. Late efforts from Tolaj and Boateng almost extended the lead, but the game ended 3-1, with Argyle in total control. Cleverley's side will next face league leaders Cardiff City at 12:30 pm on Saturday.
