Pleggy rescues point for Pilgrims as Post-Rooney era begins

The new year and new era for Plymouth Argyle began with a dramatic and courageous late draw at home to Bristol City.

Just a day after the club parted company with Head Coach Wayne Rooney, the Greens welcomed the Westcountry rivals under the stewardship of caretakers Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards, Argyle’s talismanic club captain.

In front of yet another bumper Home Park crowd, Argyle were a little unluck to be trailing to a goal from Anis Mehmeti in the first period but they fought back with a deserved equaliser from Rami Al Hajj.

Bristol City, who inflicted a heavy defeat on Argyle in the reverse fixture, grabbed the lead again but the Pilgrims demonstrated immense fighting spirit to grab a last-gasp equaliser, Julio Pleguezuelo prodding home from a set-piece.

Edwards told the club website: “This is what this club's about. Again, in the last minute – [although] we'd like it to be not always so late! We will never give up - and we showed that again today. 

“We deserved a point, definitely. I think the first half we started really well, we were on top and I think that's when we needed to score. We know how important it is in these games to score early, when you've got the momentum to do so. We know how effective we can be at home when we start on the front foot, and we create a real tempo. 

“I thought we did that. I think we had a few good chances and that's when, in these moments and in this league, you need to take advantage, score and be in front. We didn't do so, and that gave them an opportunity to come into the game.  

“They then got the goal and came into the game a little bit. We had to go again second half. We didn't start great, but then we played some really good football, scored a really good goal, and I thought we were in the ascendancy, so it was disappointing again to concede the goal. 

“On another day we'd come away with three points here, maybe, but the lads gave us everything. There was plenty of stuff to be positive about. 

“I think everyone can see the commitment is there. They're a really honest bunch of players; we've got a good group which want to do well. We're in a tough situation but the easiest way to get out of that is fighting, and showing heart and desire, and I think we saw that today.  

“We need that more. In a period like this, when there is a bit of uncertainty, I think coming together and working for each other is something that's essential, which I'm sure we'll get from these boys.”