Central defender Stephen McManus and substitute Jonathan Franks both scored from measured deliveries by Boro's outstanding skipper Barry Robson, while Jones saved Alan Judge's 42nd-minute penalty.

McManus headed Boro in front, rising at the near post to glance home Robson's free-kick on 22 minutes.

Argyle had the chance to equalise from the penalty spot after Justin Hoyte handled a 25-yard screamer from Judge, but the on-loan Blackburn winger saw Jones save his spot-kick.

As time ran out, Plymouth threw everyone forward in search of an equaliser but got caught on the break with goalkeeper David Stockdale committed forward at a corner.

When the ball was cleared, Robson sent substitute Franks away down the right and he drove forward before slotting home an angled drive from 35 yards with Stockdale still racing back to his area.

Boro boss Strachan said: "It was one of those end-of-season games with a wind blowing about and a bobbly pitch, two teams desperate for points, both wanting a win.

"It got a bit hectic out there. I would have liked to see us pass it about a bit more but conditions dictated we couldn't.

"We did all right at times. It's a good result for us and a bit unfortunate on Plymouth. They missed a penalty but we have done that two or three times this season so I know what that feels like.

"It was a good save by Brad, he's a good goalkeeper."

Argyle head coach Paul Mariner, whose side visit relegation rivals Watford on Saturday, said: "If there is a bigger game than a six-pointer then Saturday's game will be it.

"We are still in there with a fighting chance and while we have that we will be doing all we can to stay up. Obviously Saturday is a massive match at Watford.

"We are in control of our own destiny, we can only affect things that are in our hands."

Argyle are four points behind Watford, who have a game in hand.

Mariner added: "Obviously the lads are disappointed to lose, especially after winning at Doncaster on Saturday.

"Poor Alan is beside himself but was brave enough to step up and take the penalty. He was confident and we were confident but the keeper saved it, he did well, and that's football."