Complete Turnaround

The Greens did the hard work going forward in the opening 45 minutes, matching Carlisle’s early energy and intent before clinically forging ahead. Not for the first time since donning the green shirt, Graham Carey intercepted a pass high up the field, before getting the ball back from Ryan Taylor and slotting home the opener on 21 minutes. Then, in first half stoppage time, Taylor won a penalty that was calmly put away by Jake Jervis.

Graham's goal was his 11th of the season, while Jake's brought him into double figures for the campaign. 

“It was a definite penalty,” said Adams. “The ball was going into the box and Ryan Taylor, as [he was] most of the afternoon, was fouled. This time, he’s been able to get a foul for him.

“Jake has dispatched it very well and we’re delighted with that.

“You look at Jake and Graham: they’re both on roughly the same number of goals, they’ve both assisted very well this season, and both of them are trying to be the top goal-scorer at this football club.”

After the break came the necessary hard grafting that the Greens executed superbly. Argyle closed down every ball, won set pieces and maintained possession; United had scarce opportunities to get back into the game, completing an all-round display that Adams was delighted with.

“I think it was probably one of the better performances we’ve had this season,” said Derek. “It was a complete performance today. We scored two goals and we keep a clean sheet.

“Today was one where we’re in control of the match for the majority of the game. We won the second ball, we defended well when they had crossed into the box. We took our opportunity when it came along, then we got a penalty kick, and then it was about seeing out the game.”

Commenting on the performance of his centre backs, Derek said: “They didn’t get troubled at all in the game. They dealt with it well.

“The two defenders – Jakub [Sokolik] and Sonny [Bradley] in the first half, then Yann [Songo’o] and Sonny in the second half – were never under any pressure."

Bouncing straight back after a midweek defeat to Notts County, Argyle saw off their nearest challengers for Sky Bet League Two’s automatic promotion places, giving themselves an eight-point gap inside the top three – and reducing the gap to leaders Doncaster Rovers.

“We’ve done very well today to open up that points gap,” said Adams. “It’s important that we’ve been able to do that.

“We are looking to try and catch Doncaster, because they are close to us. We have to use the game in hand on Tuesday night to try and do that.

“Winning three points is vital in this league. We’ve played second against fourth last weekend away from home, this weekend we’ve played second against third, and dealt well with the situation.”