A 2-0 win over a lacklustre Preston team could have been far more comprehensive, but manager Ian Holloway will be delighted to have completed a thrilling home campaign with a performance filled with passion and commitment.
The superb Sylvan Ebanks-Blake broke the deadlock on 77 minutes with a well-struck penalty after Scotland international Graham Alexander had committed a foul and veteran Barry Hayles doubled the lead eight minutes later with a sublime finish.
The Pilgrims dominated from start to finish and could have taken the lead in the opening minute.
Alexander headed off the line after the visitors had failed to deal with a swinging cross from Hungarian Peter Halmosi.
Fellow Magyar Akos Buzsaky then warmed the hands of keeper Wayne Henderson with a swirling drive from distance.
Dutch defender Marcel Seip was the next to threaten, but his header was well blocked by Henderson.
Preston's England international striker David Nugent was being completely overshadowed by Ebanks-Blake and the lesser-known youngster was outstanding in everything he did.
Preston boss Paul Simpson was forced to withdraw the anonymous Nugent on 74 minutes in a desperate bid to change the course of the game.
The move backfired and Argyle were in front two minutes later. Ebanks-Blake pressurised Alexander in the box and the hapless defender flung an arm towards the ball.
Referee Dermot Gallagher had no option but to award the penalty and there was no way Ebanks-Blake was going to miss.
The visitors huffed and puffed but never looked like getting anything from the game and they slid out of the play-off zone with a bit of a whimper.
Hayles completed a wonderful day for the home side in style. The former Fulham striker showed exquisite skill to control a high ball then swept past Henderson before sliding the ball home from a tight angle.