A superb first half finish from left-back Brendan Galloway set Argyle on their way to a 3-0 League One success against Burton Albion
Argyle left-back Brendan Galloway battles for the ball with Burton Albion’s Nick Akoto during the League One game at Home Park on January 4, 2026 – Photo: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK
Here are the player ratings of Plymouth Live’s Argyle reporter Chris Errington from the Pilgrims’ 3-0 League One win against Burton Albion at Home Park. You can give your marks too using our special widget further down this story.
Conor Hazard 6 – Very nearly gifted Burton an equaliser on the stroke of half-time when he had a poor touch of the ball after a back pass to him. Hazard had to make a good block from Fabio Tavares’s shot to prevent the Burton striker making the score 1-1, which would have been a big blow for the Pilgrims at that stage of the game.
Joe Edwards 7 – The 35-year-old skipper made five successive starts for Argyle over the hectic 16-day Christmas and New Year schedule and his performance against Burton was the best of the lot as he looked assured and composed defensively.
Read More: Tom Cleverley takes plenty of Argyle positives from Burton victory
Read More: Argyle out of bottom four after easily beating Burton
Julio Pleguezuelo 7 – Returned to the team at the expense of Mathias Ross after sitting out the 1-1 New Year’s Day draw at Stevenage as Argyle try to manage his workload after a recent swollen knee. It will have been very frustrating for the Spaniard, therefore, that he had to be taken off against Burton in the second half due to a calf injury, the extent of which is still to be determined.
Alex Mitchell 8 – Argyle’s other centre-back was also substituted in the closing stages against Burton due to what Tom Cleverley described as ‘tightness in his hip’ after the busy period of games. Before he left the pitch in the 83rd minute, Mitchell had another strong game defensively, with one block of a shot from Burton captain Kegs Chauke early in the second half when it was still only 1-0 really standing out.
Brendan Galloway 9 STAR MAN – Has played at left-back for Argyle on several occasions this season but this was the best he has played there from an attacking perspective. He got forward to good effect on a number of occasions and the technique of his superb finish for the opening goal in the 21st minute, when he met a corner from Joe Ralls on the volley, was exceptional.
Xavier Amaechi 6 – There were flashes of creativity from Amaechi as he was brought back into the starting line-up to play wide on the right for the Pilgrims, but also times when he gave away possession inside his own half when trying to be too ambitious with his use of the ball. Still, this was another positive step towards him being able to play full games after his recent lengthy injury lay-off as he played for 72 minutes before being substituted.
Malachi Boateng 7 – His form has been a bit up and down recently but this was much more like the Boateng which Argyle saw earlier in the season, when he was their most consistent performer. He was quick to the ball when it was loose and also made a number of tackles to win back possession.
Joe Ralls 8 – It is excellent news for Argyle the experienced Cardiff City captain has been signed on an extended contract until the end of the season. He has an air of authority about him, as a player but also a person, and clearly commands the respect of those around him. He effectively had two assists in this game – the first his corner from which Brendan Galloway scored, and later when his cross into the box eventually led to the ball breaking for Mathias Ross to make it 2-0.
Bali Mumba 6 – Was involved in some good build-up play at times, playing in a wide left attacking role, but still without the end product, either in terms of goals or assists, that Argyle really could do with someone in that position coming up with. Getting a first goal of the season would do his confidence the world of good.
Lorent Tolaj 7 – Almost opened the scoring only 51 seconds after the kick-off as he ran in behind the Burton back line and his lob over goalkeeper Bradley Collins hit the underside of the crossbar. His hard-working display all match deserved the reward of a goal and it came in the 77th minute with a well-struck penalty after referee Ollie Yates awarded a spot kick for a challenge on Brendan Galloway as the Brewers tried to defend a free-kick into their box.
Bim Pepple 6 – Often linked up well with Lorent Tolaj and could not be faulted for the effort he put in. Was involved in a very nasty clash of heads with Alex Hartridge in the first half, which led to the Burton defender having to be taken off with what looked to be a significant injury. Pepple was able to resume playing after receiving attention.
SUBSTITUTES
Mathias Ross 7 – Came off the bench in the 60th minute after Julio Pleguezuelo picked up his calf issue. Then a short while later, Ross scored his second goal in Argyle colours – and the first in League One – when he reacted quickly to direct the ball into the net after it broke across to him from Lorent Tolaj.
Caleb Watts 7 – It is now two substitute appearances for Watts in his comeback from a long-term hamstring injury and, as was the case against Stevenage three days earlier he looked lively, controlled and posed an attacking threat when he took over from Bim Pepple, playing as the support striker to Lorent Tolaj.
Matty Sorinola 6 – Was a 72nd minute substitute for Xavier Amaechi but later switched position to play at left-back after Alex Mitchell went off and Brendan Galloway moved inside to central defence.
Brendan Wiredu 7 – Really got stuck into the action as soon as he was sent on for Joe Ralls in the 72nd minute, showing no signs of the disappointment he must have felt to drop out of the starting line-up for this game.
Tegan Finn – The teenage Argyle academy was an 83rd minute substitute for Alex Mitchell, and took up a wide right role as part of the Pilgrims’ midfield quartet.
Substitutes (not used): Luca Ashby-Hammond, Jamie Paterson
You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE
Join our Plymouth Argyle WhatsApp community for transfer news and top stories sent directly to your phone
PlymouthLive has launched a Plymouth Argyle transfer news and top stories group on WhatsApp and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we’ll send all the latest straight to your phone.
To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.