Full player ratings and match stats from Plymouth Argyle 3 Rotherham United 2

Seeing red again: Rotherham United's Daniel Ayala receives his marching orders in the defeat at Plymouth Argyle. Picture by JIM BRAILSFORD

The Advertiser’s David Beddows gives his verdict on the performances in the cruel late defeat at Home Park.

Millers (5-3-2)

Viktor Johansson: 7

Flying second-half save from the dangerous Morgan Whittaker and a late one from Bali Mumba his highlights. Booked.

Dexter Lembikasa: 7

One of the better performers. Untidy with the ball early on but saw plenty of it and unlucky with an early drive that was deflected over by an outstretched Plymouth leg. His centre to pick out Jordan Hugill should have resulted in a goal.

Hakeem Odoffin: 6

Quiet game. Walking a tightrope after a booking just past the half-hour mark. Pushed up from defence to midfield to accommodate second-half substitutions.

Daniel Ayala: 3

Owes his team-mates and his manager an apology after his second red card in as many games. Some mitigation regarding his dismissal against Swansea but none this time. His first-half challenge was worth a booking and his blatant second-half handball was asking for trouble. Unprofessional from any pro, let alone a 33-year-old.

Lee Peltier: 6

Landed himself in the referee’s book in the kerfuffle that followed referee Gavin Ward’s decision to award Plymouth a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Was withdrawn moments later with an injury.

Cohen Bramall: 6

Nice and bright early on when he was afforded loads of time and space down the left flank. Plymouth weren’t quite so generous to him after that. Delivery let him down at times but he always showed for the ball and popped up with a good late block to keep the score at 2-2.

Jamie Lindsay: 7

Defensive midfielder was given the freedom of Devon to drill in the opener – his first goal of in more than a year. Back-against-the-wall away display was tailor-made for the combative Scot. Deserved more.

Chris Tiehi: 5

Did nothing bad, did nothing eye-catching. Carries a goal threat but the team needed a little bit more from him offensively.

Ollie Rathbone: 5

His commitment is unquestioned. Picked up little bits and pieces here and there but wasn’t involved enough. Would have liked to have seen him stay on his feet when he burst into the penalty area late on.

Jordan Hugill: 5

Like Rathbone, no questioning the striker’s willingness to put in a shift. Had only a limited attacking impact and should have at least worked the keeper from a free header in the first half.

Sam Nombe: 7

Apart from his role in Plymouth’s soft penalty in first-half stoppage time, another good game from the club’s £1 million man. Asked questions of defenders, ran hard, had an assist and venomous first-half strike nearly got him a goal.

The subs

Seb Revan (for Peltier 45): 6

Put his shoulder to the wheel to keep the Millers in the game.

Sean Morrison (for Hugill 58): 7

Nod-down gave Tom Eaves the chance to level it up at 2-2.

Grant Hall (for Lindsay 74): NA

Shored up a depleted team.

Tom Eaves (for Nombe 74): NA

Finally, finally. A Millers goal a decade after his last one. A weight off the big man’s back.

Georgie Kelly (for Odoffin 88): NA

Had late opening snuffed out.

Not used: Dillon Phillips, Arvin Appiah, Ciaran McGukin

Plymouth: (4-3-3): Conor Hazard 6; Joe Edwards 6 (Kaine Kesler-Hayden 66, 6), Mickel Miller 6 (Adam Randell for Millers 82, NA), Julio Pleguezuelo 7, Lewis Gibson 6; Luke Cundle 5, Jordan Houghton 6, Finn Azaz 9; Morgan Whittaker 8, Ryan Hardie 5 (Mustapha Bundu 36, NA; Waine 43, 6), Bali Mumba 6 (Brendan Galloway 82, NA)

Not used: Callum Burton, Macauley Gillesphey, Matt Butcher

Goals: Lindsay 16, Eaves 77 (Rotherham); Azaz 45+5, 52 Whittaker 90+6 (Plymouth)

Referee: Gavin Ward

Attendance: 16,025

The stats

Possession:

Argyle 68 Millers 32

Goal attempts:

Argyle 17 Millers 6

On target:

Argyle 9 Millers 2

Corners: Argyle 11 Millers 5

Fouls:

Argyle 7 Millers 16

Final word

Rotherham just can’t catch a break away from home.