After producing their first win in front of their own fans in six months with a superb 3-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, Plymouth Argyle were brought back down to earth last night with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion at Home Park.
To rub further salt in the wounds, Ashley Barnes, who left the Pilgrims to join the Seagulls in the close season, was on target for the visitors.
After the win over Wednesday, Peter Reid stated that his side needed to push on after picking up their first three points of the season. However, this defeat will surely see the former Sunderland boss heading back to the drawing board.
The 2010-11 campaign looks very much like a season of transition for Argyle and, with many high earners still currently on the Home Park payroll, Reid may not be able to make this team his own until the 2011-12 season at the very earliest.
There is also the ongoing waiting for the international clearance of Stephane Zubar, which will enable the right back, who arrived at Home Park on transfer deadline day, to appear in competitive matches for the Pilgrims.
Of the current squad, Bradley Wright-Phillips made one goal (Carl Fletcher's opener) against Sheffield Wednesday before finding the back of the net himself and if he continues to perform in that vein, he may yet have a long term future at Home Park.
Marcel Seip was another player who impressed against the Owls, when he came on to fill in at right back following the dismissal of Bondz N'gala. After a period in the wilderness which saw him loaned out to Blackpool and Sheffield United last season, the Dutchman could also have a chance of forcing his way back into the team.
One player whose form and fitness will have a big say on Argyle's fortunes is right winger Craig Noone, who despite not being the tallest of players, is more than capable of winning aerial battles with larger opponents.
This was most evident when he rose highest in the Sheffield Wednesday penalty area to head home Argyle's winning goal on Saturday.
