David Norris handed Plymouth the perfect start after a just a few minutes of play, creating an opening with a surging run from midfield. After clipping the ball over the defence with a sharp burst of pace, the Argyle No.7 was upended in the penalty area by keeper Simon Royce.
Royce – whose injury required treatment – was yellow carded for the challenge which resulted in a penalty for the home side. Pilgrims skipper Paul Wotton kept his nerve after a three-minute wait to power home the spot-kick.
Wotton's third successful penalty conversion took his goal tally to four for the season, setting Plymouth on their way to recording their first Championship win since October 1.
Akos Buzsaky made a spectacular goal-line clearance to prevent Kevin Gallen from levelling in the 10th minute, after the QPR striker had got away from the almost static Argyle defenders. Thankfully, this was the only time that the visitors really exploited the Pilgrims' vunerability when defending set-pieces. The header, from Richard Langley's corner, looked goal bound until Buzsaky's intervention and subsequent chest-down to volley away.
Argyle were impressive and added a deserved second in the 37th minute through Mathias Doumbe. The French defender stretched to volley in a deflected header after a danger-area scramble.
Buzsaky then had a superb 30-yard free-kick tipped over and onto the upright by Royce, who also used his legs to block Nick Chadwick's shot on the turn.
However, today was the day where the Argyle striker managed to break his duck, beating Royce with a glancing header from Buzsaky's quick 51st minute free-kick to make it 3-0.
QPR substitute Shabazz Baidoo scored with his first touch in the 61st minute, helping on an Ian Evatt header to beat home keeper Romain Larrieu. It was Baidoo's first goal for the Hoops.
Frenchman Larrieu was forced to tip over Gallen's header as the visitors sensed a comeback and nervousness in the home ranks. Plymouth though, much improved from their last few outings, were discliplined in defence during a spell of QPR pressure, which will have certianly pleased their doubters. On this occasion, Tony Pulis' call for resilience was rewarded as Argyle held out for a well-merited victory.
David Norris was the best by far, he chased every ball in a real battling performance. Buzsaky was inspirational once again, providing a real cutting edge. The Hungarian was carrying a knock, Argyle's forgotten Scotsman Keith Lasley replaced him and looked very composed and creative. Lasley was also good in drafting the play away from Plymouth's 18-yard box and toward the oppenent's. Anthony Barness looked accomplished at the back and impressed throughout, Chadwick too was sharp and was righteously rewarded for his efforts. More of the same please...
A few nominations for Man Of The Match, my vote will be for David Norris. I sincerely hope you all follow suite. Check out "Voting Polls".