'One of my main strengths' - Oli Irow on bringing goals to Argyle

The 20-year-old winger has already scored twice for the Pilgrims in games at Home Park, first in the Carabao Cup tie against Coventry City and then with a spectacular strike just 21 seconds into the League One clash with Barnsley on Saturday.

Argyle went on to convincingly win the game 3-0 for their third victory from the last four fixtures and they have moved up to sixth position as a result.

Irow netted four times in seven starts and 11 substitute appearances on loan to Mansfield Town during the second half of the 2025/26 season so he clearly can be a goal threat himself, as well as creating chances for his team-mates.

He told Plymouth Live: "I think that's one of my main strengths, scoring goals. Hopefully there is many more to come. It's something I work on every day to make it one of my best attributes."

His superb goal against Barnsley came after Argyle had the kick-off and played the ball back to goalkeeper Murphy Cooper, who hit it long and when the Pilgrims picked up a loose ball it was played out to Irow by Julio Pleguezuelo.

The Spurs loanee took a couple of deft touches to cut inside Barnsley right-back Tyrese Noslin before crashing a rising right-foot shot high into the net with tremendous power in front of a packed Devonport End.

Irow said about the build-up to his goal: "We practiced it in training (on Friday). Luckily enough, I was able to land on it and two seconds later I was running off to the corner.

"It was a great start and helped us push on to be able to show what we did throughout the 90 minutes."

It was unusual for Argyle to be playing towards the Devonport End in the first half but Barnsley won the coin toss before kick-off and opted to make the home side do that. Irow soon punished them for that decision.

"That's the first time I have scored in front of that end and it erupted," he said. "There is not much really better feeling than that.

"The boys were telling me they (Barnsley) made a mistake switching in the first half. I think we just started on the front foot and used it to our advantage."

Argyle's three goals against Barnsley were shared between Irow and the team's other winger, Ronan Curtis, as well as striker Bim Pepple.

Irow said: "I think the fact there is more people on the scoresheet is a good thing. Hopefully everyone across the attacking four can get as many goals as they can to help us."

Pepple leads the way when it comes to goals for Argyle this season with three - two in the league and one in the Carabao Cup - and Irow is enjoying having the Canadian striker leading the Pilgrims' attack.

Irow said: "I think he's brilliant to have on my side because his hold-up play is outstanding. For me to be able to run off him, or when he pins it I can try and get it and slide in behind, it's great.

"I feel like we are building a good relationship on the pitch. I'm understanding what he needs and hopefully he's understanding what I need.

"Hopefully we can use it to our advantage to keep getting more goals between us because I want to assist him as much as I want to score."

Argyle's win against Barnsley saw them move into the top six of League One for the first time since Tom Cleverley took over as head coach in the summer of 2025.

Irow is not getting carried away about that, though. He said: "It's one game at a time and making sure we are not getting too ahead of ourselves but of course it's nice to be amongst the top six.

"Hopefully, we can stay there and keep pushing, maybe going even more up the table, but we have got to make sure we keep doing what we have been doing in training and showing what we did (against Barnsley)."

As for the playing in front of the Green Army at Home Park, Irow commented: "I feel like it's an extra man that we have got, and when teams come here it's hard for them to play, and it's something we can use to our advantage throughout the rest of the season."

You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE

PlymouthLive has launched a Plymouth Argyle transfer news and top stories group on WhatsApp and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we'll send all the latest straight to your phone.

To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to join our WhatsApp community.