Adams critical of playmakers as Plymouth suffer Walsall defeat

Plymouth boss Derek Adams criticised the “very poor” performances of playmakers Ruben Lameiras and Graham Carey after seeing goalscorer Ryan Edwards’ comeback from cancer spoiled by a 2-1 defeat at Walsall.

Defender Edwards, out of action since January as he battled testicular cancer, looked set for a fairytale return when he steered Argyle ahead against the Saddlers.

However, Joe Riley’s reckless challenge on Morgan Ferrier gave Andy Cook the chance to level from the spot, which he did at the second attempt after Matt Macey tipped his penalty onto the bar.

Luke Leahy’s second-half free-kick then won it for Walsall, leaving Adams unhappy with Lameiras and Carey, plus referee Andy Haines.

He said: “It was a great finish from Ryan. But he’s on the losing side today and his goal doesn’t really matter.

“Undeservedly, Walsall went in 1-1 at half-time because we gave away a needless penalty kick.

“The penalty kick was the correct decision but we had a number of penalty claims in the 90 minutes.

“But Lameiras and Carey were very poor for us today and didn’t do anything in the game for us.

“Their performances were not good enough. Their pass completion and their picking out of players was not what I expect from two players that should be the best players on the pitch.”

Despite that, Adams believes his side should have claimed at least a point from the match.

He added: “We finished the stronger team. Walsall players were going down with cramp and for the last 20-25 minutes we were camped in their half. Our fitness levels were excellent.

“We had enough opportunities in the second half, we should never have lost the game.”

Walsall twice hit the woodwork in the second half through Jack Fitzwater’s header and a late Cook shot.

And boss Dean Keates was delighted with strike duo Cook and Ferrier, both plucked from non-league in the summer, with the latter only joining for a reported £35,000 from Boreham Wood on Friday.

Keates said: “I don’t consider it a gamble one bit. I know what Andy Cook is about – I had full confidence in him. I had no qualms about throwing him in whatsoever, same with Morgan.

“If I’m entirely honest, until 10 days ago when the story broke about his buyout clause I thought we would get nowhere near Morgan’s valuation because I think the lad will go on higher. He’s a great investment for the club.

“I could have gone and got somebody who has played a lot higher up but I’d question the hunger and desire as those players can just be looking for money and their next contract.

“These two are hungry and desperate to do well. They showed it today but it’s just the first game and we won’t get carried away.

“But to a man I thought we were outstanding. I couldn’t be more proud of the lads.”