Daniel Stendel had sympathy for Barnsley’s travelling support after they conceded a first-minute goal in a one-sided 3-0 League One defeat at Plymouth Argyle.

On-loan Tottenham winger Oli Irow got the Greens off to a flying start with a goal in the first minute.

Irow latched on to a ball out to the left from Julio Pleguezuelo, cut inside Tyrese Noslin and let fly with an unstoppable right-foot shot that beat Barnsley goalkeeper Rogan Ravenhill and flew into the top corner.

Noslin came close to levelling in the 20th minute, smashing the ball inches wide as it fell to him just inside the penalty area as Argyle cleared their lines.

Tykes head coach Daniel Stendel. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — Tykes head coach Daniel Stendel. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

That miss was to prove crucial as Argyle went 2-0 up in the 22nd minute.

Ravenhill failed to hold on to a long throw-in from Argyle skipper Wes Harding and Ronan Curtis profited, heading into an unguarded net.

Curtis nearly added a third but his looping header was cleared off the line by Connor O’Riordan.

Argyle striker Bim Pepple made it 3-0 in the 50th minute, spinning marker O’Riordan on the left-hand side of the box before curling the ball in the far corner.

The Reds have now shipped eight goals in their last two defeats.

Barnsley boss Stendel said: “It was a disappointing afternoon. I have to apologise for this performance, especially for our fans who have travelled to Plymouth today.

“The game started really badly for us with the goal in the first minute and especially in the first half we were not really in the game.

“Then the second goal was a goalie mistake and then I think you can see the situation for the young players. It’s not an easy situation.

“I wasn’t expecting this performance to be honest because the week’s training we have just had was the best since we started back.

“But the performance today was the opposite.

“It’s hard to accept. I said to the players it’s not only hard for them but also for the supporters on their longest away trip.

“But we have not got much time. Tuesday is the cup tie at Peterborough.

“We have to stand up again and play better and we have to learn really quickly that we cannot wait for some other guys to take the responsibility for the game.

“You have to give everything you can give. It’s hard to say but that was not every player today. I do not expect them to play like that in future.”