Cleverley played a four-man midfield in front of a back four as he managed to guide Argyle to a first clean sheet since the 4-0 win at Burton Albion on 27 September – the last time the Pilgrims won a game.

The former Watford boss – whose side has been dogged by a series of serious injuries to key players – says he is happy his changes had the desired effect.

“We’ve been a little bit experimenting what really does work,” he added.

“I’m not the type of coach that if something’s not working then I’ll continue and continue and continue with it.

“So today we played 4-4-2 without the ball and 4-2-3-1 with the ball.

“That means it’s the first time I’ve had real discipline with both sixes, midfielders, really honest jobs from Owen Dale and Matty Sorinola, and we looked like a solid unit, so I’m pleased with that.”