PLYMOUTH Argyle secured their first away win of the Sky Bet League One season with an impressive 3-2 victory at Doncaster Rovers.

Tom Cleverley’s side bounced back from their midweek disappointment at Leicester City to claim three valuable points, courtesy of goals from Will Evans, Bim Pepple and Caleb Watts moving the Pilgrims to within a point of the play-off places.

Argyle made the brighter start and took the lead in the 28th minute. Tommy Simkin could only parry Oliver Irow’s effort and summer signing Evans was on hand to turn the rebound into the net.

Doncaster threatened an equaliser before the break, with Alfie May seeing a bicycle kick deflected over, but Argyle remained in front at half-time.

The hosts levelled six minutes after the restart when May converted from the penalty spot after Owen Bailey was brought down by Matty Sorinola.

However, Argyle responded strongly and regained control of the contest. Pepple restored the visitors’ lead in the 74th minute, calmly finishing after being played through into space.

Cleverley’s substitutes then made the decisive impact, with Watts adding a third in the 83rd minute after capitalising on a defensive mix-up to fire into an empty net.

Doncaster managed a late consolation when Sean Grehan headed home from a Bayley McCann free-kick deep into stoppage time, but there was no serious threat to Argyle’s victory.

Cleverley was delighted with the response from his players after the midweek defeat.

“It was a huge setback and put us in a little bit of a sticky position,” he said. “The mentality of the players was strong to win this one. They deserve a lot of credit for the controllables, the work-rate and being there for each other – it was all there.”

The Argyle boss also praised the impact of his substitutes, particularly Watts, who he felt could have added further goals.

“After the third goal for us, it could have been 4 or 5-1 – and probably should have been,” said Cleverley. “The substitutes were the reason. That’s the mentality to show when you’re a substitute, and that’s how you end up ultimately in the team.”

Watts was singled out for praise after his lively cameo, with Cleverley describing him as “excellent” for his intensity and attacking instincts.

The victory was made even more significant by Argyle’s difficult opening run of fixtures, which has included three away games and several sides expected to challenge near the top of the division.

Cleverley, however, remains frustrated by a series of refereeing decisions which he believes have gone against his side.

“I think it could be time for a call with the referees,” he said. “It’s too many now. Too many game-affecting decisions that are just going against us.”

Argyle now sit just one point outside the play-off places after five matches and will return to Home Park this weekend when they face Barnsley.

Meanwhile, Cleverley says Argyle will rally around Jack MacKenzie after the left-back suffered another injury setback.

The 25-year-old, who endured an injury-hit first season and underwent knee surgery this summer, had returned to full training and was close to a comeback. However, he has now suffered a small adductor injury expected to keep him out for two to three weeks.

Cleverley praised MacKenzie’s incredible work ethic and urged everyone to support him, insisting he remains confident the defender will return stronger.