Tom Cleverley's first game as Plymouth Argyle head coach ended in a controversial 3-1 League One defeat at home to 10-man Barnsley, who scored twice against the run of play in the first half and held on after a dismissal to claim the points at Home Park.
Argyle dominated long spells of the contest but failed to convert a host of chances and had a number of decisions go against them, while Barnsley took ruthless advantage of the openings they were handed. It was the visitors' first opening-day win since they beat Port Vale 7-0 at Oakwell two years ago.
An Early Flashpoint
The afternoon's controversy began in the fifth minute when Caleb Watts had a goal ruled out for an infringement in the build-up. Bradley Ibrahim had found Xavier Amaechi on the right flank with a superb cross-field ball, and the winger crossed for Watts to put away, only for referee Declan Bourne to disallow it.