Argyle headed to Reading, a side just above them in the chase for the Sky Bet League One play-offs, with victory in mind.
In the end, the game finished 2-2, but Head Coach Tom Cleverley believes that getting a draw, and not letting the Royals gain a march on them, was a satisfactory day at the office.
Reading scored early, through Randell Williams, but Argyle equalised almost immediately, Alex Mitchell hooking home at a corner. By 18 minutes, Reading were back ahead, this time via the head of Paudie O’Connor, as the hosts scored from a set-piece of their own.
Argyle trailed into the break, but were strong in the second half, deservedly levelling through Caleb Watts and having opportunities to win the game. So, too, did Reading, in what was an easy game on the eye between two in-form teams.
“It's a good point; It's not two dropped today, even though we might have had the better of the second half,” Cleverley told Argyle TV. “They had the ability to make five changes to their starting line-up, make five substitutes, and we just don’t have those luxuries.
“To see us dig in as well as we did, and have the better of the second half, I couldn't be prouder of the lads in there giving everything to this football club. On another day we maybe win it, but I thought it was a good game of football; two really evenly matched sides out there today. It was a good game of football. I think both teams were going for the win and I'm proud of my players.
“We've been outstanding from set plays all season - attacking and defensive in the main. Ok, today we conceded one, which is a rarity for us. Nance and the guys have really done a great job with defensive set plays this season, and we had a little blip there for that one.
“Attacking-wise, again, it's been a real strength of our game plan. We looked really dangerous at every set play situation. We've got fantastic delivery in the team with Herbie [Kane] and Ronan [Curtis]. Even when you don't play as well as you possibly can do, you'll always create chances and I thought that was the case for the first half.
“You have to put the opposition in context as well. I think they're fourth in the league since Leam's come in, so we were facing a very good opponent today. I was really impressed with them, especially in the first 50, 55 minutes. For us to match that and have the character to deal with setbacks, it's good signs.”
There were almost 3,000 Argyle fans packing the away end, and they roared their approval for the application and endeavour they saw from their players.
Cleverley said: “For it to be a League One game between two play-off hopefuls, and the 10% that that gives the boys - they were a big part of the team talk today. I thought we put in a hearty performance that was worthy of our travelling support today.”
