High Hopes

Blissett completed the comeback for the Pilgrims in the 79th minute, powerfully heading in a Graham Carey cross, after Ryan Taylor’s strike five minutes previous nullified James Jones’ volley in the first half.

 

After a run of 21 consecutive games sitting in second spot, Blissett’s second goal of the season took Argyle to the summit of League Two, with just one more game to play. When you consider Nathan’s other goal was a header that earned a point away at Wycombe Wanderers earlier in the year, it is fair to say the former Torquay United man has contributed to Argyle's task since arriving at the club.

 

“I took in Nathan to do a job for us,” said Pilgrims boss Derek Adams. “He’s got a drawing goal away to Wycombe, and a winning goal today – big goals for us. He gets on the end of things. That’s the type of player you need to come off the bench.

 

“I’m delighted for him, but I’m delighted for Ryan Taylor and everybody, because it’s such a big win for us today. To win 2-1 at home, in the last home game of the season, and to take the title to the last game between three teams; it’s fantastic for the league.”

 

Blissett was introduced at half time as Derek continued to shuffle things around to force the issue against a then-leading Crewe side. The combination of Blissett and Taylor proved to be too much for a defence that the boss had highlighted before the game.

 

“We knew that Crewe were weak height-wise and we tried to exploit that,” said Adams. “Fortunately for us, we got a good ball into the box and big Nathan can score with his head the majority of the time.

 

“We became a bit too direct in the second half, and then we got ourselves into the game. Then we started to pass it again and get it wide, and we were able to get crosses in the box.

 

“We changed the formation well before then, a few times in the game. We changed it a few times in the second half; we just needed to get that breakthrough. As soon as we get the breakthrough, we know we’re going to go on and win the match.”