A host of senior players starred in the 5-4 thriller, from which the Pirates claimed all three points. The defeated Argyle side featured nine players with first-team appearances to their names this season. Young centre-half John Routledge was the only Plymouth starter without any football league experience. The Liverpool-born youngster, who has been a regular in the Pilgrim's second string for nigh on 2 years, is a promising young talent and highly-regarded at Home Park. Routledge partnered Nuno Mendes at the back along with veteran Rufus Brevett and young midfielder Marcus Martin, who has yet to play for Argyle this season after impressing at Exeter last year, whilst on loan. After facing the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo and the now-departed Roy Keane in the Grecians' twice-played cup-tie against Manchester United, Martin reverted to right-back to face an inexperienced Rovers attack. The Argyle defence, like the whole reserve side, appears unsettled due to the surprise inclusion of so many established names. Luke McCormick kept goal, Bojan Djordjic, Bjarni Gudjonsson, Keith Lasley and Luke Summerfield made up the midfield quartet, while Scott Taylor and Matt Derbyshire lead the frontline.
The scoreline truly reflected the defensive frailties of both sides, but it was the much-travelled Jamie Forrester who would win the tie for Rovers with four goals. His first came inside five minutes and his second on twenty-two, after Derbyshire had earlier equalised. Another quick response from the Greens with Scott Taylor converting just minutes later, but Forrester again restored the Bristol club's lead to complete his hat-trick. The former Leeds man, who was by far the best player on the night, has also played for french club Auxerre in his time. This, the final goal of the half, followed some confusion after the referee had initially awarded a penalty against Rufus Brevett, but quickly cancelled that call after seeing the ball cross the line for 3-2.
In the second-half, the opening fifteen minutes had little to offer. Then, on the hour, Lewis Haldane scored to leave Luke McCormick beaten for a fourth time. A demoralising night for the 'keeper, certainly when Forrester capped a fantastic personal display with a fifth goal, a suberb 25-yard lob. Lennie Lawrence, who was linked with the then-vacant Argyle job in September, would have been impressed with the 30-year old's performance. The ex-Cardiff chief was in attendance as the new Director of Football at the Memorial Stadium.
Back came Plymouth the final fifteen with two goals from Scott Taylor and rifling header from Nuno Mendes to tighten the score at 5-4, but there was no equaliser to be had and Rovers went home victorious. Food for thought for Tony Pulis.