This is the One-One

DEREK Adams is insistent that the point added to Argyle’s total by virtue of a 1-1 draw at Rochdale is a good one.

The Pilgrims led through a Joel Grant goal, but conceded almost immediately from a set-piece. The two goals, midway through the second half, were the only ones on the night, but it was an exciting game at the Crown Oils Arena, between two sides still with plenty to play for.

The point lifted Rochdale out of the relegation zone, while for Argyle it got a bit closer to Charlton and Scunthorpe, the teams occupying the last two play-off spots at present.

“It was a good game,” said Derek. “We thought it would be end to end. It is a good point for Rochdale, and a good point for ourselves. We are each in a better position for tonight.

“We would have loved three, but we would have taken a point because we were away from home, against a team fighting for their lives. They’ll be delighted with the point they got tonight, to get them out of the relegation zone.

“From our point of view it’s a good point. We’re in a better position than we were before the game.”

Argyle, off the back of a poor performance in losing to Northampton, played superbly in the first period, with their attacking players linking frequently to bamboozle Dale. There would be no breakthrough during the period of Argyle dominance, and in the second half, Rochdale came right back into the game.

“We played on the front foot, and got up against Rochdale,” said Derek. “We stopped them from playing, because that’s what they try to do. We were unfortunate not to go in front earlier in the game. Carey hits the post, Sarcevic has a couple chances around the penalty area, and we had a couple of penalty claims as well.

“We did dominate the first half. Over the 90 minutes we had the better opportunities.

“They started to push forward; they do that here all the time. They have only lost five games at home, they have a drawn a lot.

“We deflated them after getting a goal, then all of a sudden we concede a corner kick and they score. Had we not allowed them into the game it would have been hard for them to come back. If we had just kept them out for another five minutes, I think we would have gone on to win.

“We put a lot of effort into the game – both teams did - and the pitch was heavy tonight.

“It’s a very good point. It could be a vital point.”