Peter Halmosi was the architect in the win, setting up all three goals in a comfortable success for the Pilgrims.

The Hungary international provided a brilliant left-wing cross in the 54th minute that Sylvan Ebanks-Blake merely had to tap-in at the far post to put the Greens ahead after a dour, wind-ruined first half.

Former Manchester United striker Ebanks-Blake, who finished last season with a flourish, has now scored eight goals for Argyle this term.

Halmosi then provided the pacy free-kick delivery from the right that enabled recalled Hungarian central defender Krisztian Timar to spectacularly volley his first goal of the term in the 65th minute.

As if that was not enough Halmosi then set up goal number three for the rampant hosts with a deep left-wing cross after 78 minutes.

David Norris - who passed a late fitness test to feature prominently in central midfield - cushioned a header into the path of half-time substitute Nadjim Abdou who crashed home his first goal for Plymouth.

"I felt we could have been one-up at half-time but it wasn't to be. Instead we got our goals in the second half," said Sturrock.

"It was important we got back on the rails again because if we had taken two defeats the confidence would have sapped out of the team.

"Now it is consistency we are looking for. It's been difficult to make a judgment on the squad because it's been two home games, now we are going to get an away game under our belt (at Norwich on Tuesday).

"That will enable me to have a better assessment of the players we have."

Iron boss Nigel Adkins put a brave face on defeat and a growing injury crisis for his small squad, who face Blackpool on Monday.

"I think that the scoreline flattered Plymouth because we might have scored in the first minute and certainly we finished the stronger team and had the better chances in the last 10 minutes," he said.

"We had a game plan and 'Bang' that went within the first minute when Cleveland Taylor got behind them, got his cross in but pulled his hamstring.

"The plan was to frustrate them and hit them on the counter and I felt we could have done that.

"We all knew about Plymouth, and Paul Sturrock being back and the crowd getting behind them.

"It was just a shame that injuries stopped us from putting our game plan into action really but we will stay positive and hope to get some layers back for Monday."