19,000 see Sonko bag a brace as Royals ease past Argyle

Ibrahima Sonko (The Player Formerly Known As Superman but is now dusting down the cape) found the net twice with both goals coming from corners as we started the home campaign with a comfortable win. We probably should have had more, Kalifa Cisse, who enjoyed a pretty solid afternoon in midfield, went close towards the end and Stephen Hunt could only head the ball over from a superb Jimmy Kebe cross. The lanky winger from Mali really impressed with some purposeful bursts down the right, and his pace and trickery caused problems all afternoon for the visitors. Marcus had little to do in goal and although we didn't create too many chances ourselves, we were well worth the win without really getting into second gear. Argyle offered very little going forward and simply didn't have enough of the ball to cause any real problems. The biggest concern is that Doyle and Lita did very little and need to improve soon if they are to keep Long or Hunt Jr. - who they were replaced by - out of the starting eleven.

A decent crowd of 19,000 (no doubt boosted by the 'bring a friend for half price' deal) watched it, but the atmosphere was a little subdued as the realisation that we are now back in the Championship really sunk in.