Plymouth Argyle Start 2026 Strong with 3-0 Victory Over Burton Albion Amid January Transfer Moves

By Sports Desk | January 6, 2026

Plymouth Argyle have ushered in the new year with a resounding 3-0 win against fellow League One side Burton Albion at Home Park, boosting their position in the table and providing a positive start for manager Tom Cleverley. The Pilgrims dominated the encounter from start to finish, showcasing a blend of defensive solidity and clinical finishing that has been building in recent weeks.

The match, played on Sunday, January 4, in front of 14,662 fans including 257 away supporters, saw Argyle take control early on. Lorent Tolaj, the Swiss forward who has been a key figure this season, nearly opened the scoring with a clever lob that struck the crossbar. Undeterred, the Greens pressed forward, and their persistence paid off just before the 20-minute mark. From a well-delivered corner by Joe Ralls, defender Brendan Galloway hooked the ball into the net at the near post, marking his first league goal in over four years and igniting the home crowd.

Argyle continued to dictate play throughout the first half, with Xavier Amaechi testing Burton's goalkeeper Brad Collins with a powerful half-volley. Despite their dominance, the hosts went into the break with just a one-goal lead, as Burton's defensive setup frustrated further breakthroughs. Goalkeeper Conor Hazard was called into action late in the half to deny Fabio Tavares, preserving the clean sheet.

The second half saw Cleverley make tactical adjustments, introducing Mathias Ross and Caleb Watts around the hour mark. The changes proved inspired, as Ross scored almost immediately after entering the fray in the 63rd minute. Following a short corner routine involving Amaechi, Bali Mumba, and Ralls, the ball fell to Ross, who calmly steered it home to double the lead. This goal highlighted Argyle's set-piece prowess and added a touch of geographical trivia, with goals from players named after Scottish regions: Galloway and Ross.

As Burton struggled to mount a comeback, Argyle sealed the victory in the 77th minute. Substitute Brendan Wiredu won a free-kick, and from the resulting play, Galloway was fouled in the box. Tolaj stepped up to convert the penalty with confidence, driving the ball into the net despite a previous miss from the spot. The goal was Tolaj's latest contribution in a season where he has already notched 15 goals, underlining his importance to the team's attack.

The win extends Argyle's impressive form, having lost just one of their last seven league matches. This result moves them out of the bottom four, providing much-needed breathing room in their fight to climb the League One standings. Referee Ollie Yates managed the game with few incidents, though bookings were issued to Tolaj and Mumba for Argyle, and Akoto and Lofthouse for Burton.

Lineups reflected Cleverley's strategy, with Hazard in goal, a backline including Pleguezuelo, Edwards, Mitchell, and Galloway, midfield anchored by Boateng and Ralls, and attacking threats from Mumba, Amaechi, Pepple, and Tolaj. Substitutions like Ross for Pleguezuelo and Watts for Pepple injected fresh energy, while later changes saw Sorinola and Wiredu enter the pitch.

Off the field, the January transfer window has already seen activity at Home Park. Manager Tom Cleverley has overseen the return of young Welsh winger Freddie Issaka from his loan at Bristol Rovers, where he struggled for game time. Issaka, who made 19 appearances for Argyle in the 2024/25 Championship season and scored in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Preston North End, is expected to bolster the squad's options.

In a corresponding move, 19-year-old midfielder Law McCabe has had his season-long loan from Middlesbrough cut short by mutual agreement. McCabe, who featured sparingly since December, returns to Teesside. With EFL loan restrictions in mind—allowing a maximum of four loans per season and five in a matchday squad—Argyle's summer acquisitions included Alex Mitchell from Charlton Athletic, Owen Dale from Oxford United, and McCabe. With Dale currently sidelined by injury, Cleverley is likely to explore further loan signings to strengthen the team.

This blend of on-pitch success and strategic squad management positions Plymouth Argyle well for the challenges ahead. Upcoming fixtures include an EFL Trophy clash with Bristol Rovers on January 13 and a League One trip to Peterborough United on January 17. Fans will be hopeful that this momentum carries through, as the Pilgrims aim to solidify their place in the division and push for higher honors.

As the team continues to gel under Cleverley's guidance, the return of promising talents like Issaka and potential new arrivals could prove pivotal. With the Green Army behind them, Plymouth Argyle look set to make 2026 a year of progress and excitement.