That's the Spirit

DEREK Adams believes Argyle’s last-gasp win at Luton Town typifies the fighting spirit of the entire football club.

The Pilgrims made the trip to Kenilworth Road looking for a repeat performance of their away victory over the Hatters last season, and took the lead after 15 minutes. Carl McHugh once again shone in a defensive midfield position, but also headed home a Craig Tanner cross to cap off an impressive first half with a goal. 

“It’s something we talked about, the goal to start the game,” said Derek, “with Tanner coming and getting the ball short. 

“We knew how they were set up, and it worked. I’m delighted with that. It nearly worked a couple of other times.

“McHugh has been playing in a position where I think it helps the team. We’ve been able to play on the front foot, he’s been able to defend, and he’s a better user of the ball than people give him credit for.

“I thought that in the first half the way we created chances with the likes of Tanner, [Gregg] Wylde and [Graham] Carey, we were causing them problems – with McHugh and [Hiram] Boateng as well. 

Luton replied after the break and found an equaliser, courtesy of Josh McQuoid, after 76 minutes, but the Greens refused to lie down, and snatched the victory in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time. 

After Ryan Hall was dismissed for a second bookable offense, Tanner and Oscar Threlkeld combined down the right to play in a cross for Ryan Brunt, who prodded home a dramatic Argyle winner. 

“We caused Luton a lot of problems,” said Adams, “but in the second half they were always going to do something different. 

“They put a winger on at left-back and tried to get players forward, and you have to deal with that. We dealt with it. We conceded a goal, but after that we pushed forward to get the winner.

“Luton were at home, they have got the fans behind them, and they were going to put us under pressure.

“I did notice that they were quite happy to take a point, so then I thought ‘forget about that; we’ll try and get the three points!’

“We worked it quite well to get it wide and put a ball in the box. When you put a ball in the box, you’re going to have an opportunity. I’m delighted for him [Brunt] that he’s got on the end of it. It’s a hard shift up there, playing against two very aggressive centre halves, but he’s got a goal.”

Argyle’s sixth away win of the season was the most dramatic of them all, and the boss paid testament to the heart and resolve of his team to secure another huge win.

“We played ever so well for long periods of the game,” said Derek, “and to finish the way we did was typical Plymouth Argyle. 

“We’ve shown a great determination to go and win a football match, and that’s what you get – you get the rewards.”