Argyle drew 1-1 with Stevenage on Thursday, the third time in four games Argyle have salvaged something after going a goal down.
Following a goalless first period which Argyle had the better of, Stevenage began the second half far the stronger, and got a goal through which Luther James-Wildin, which was coming.
Argyle, energised by a triple substitution which saw Caleb Watts, Xavier Amaechi and Kornel Szucs brought on just after the hour mark, levelled via Malachi Boateng, following excellent work from Watts.
Head Coach Tom Cleverley was understandably frustrated by Argyle falling behind, having not capitalised on their positive opening 45 minutes, but was pleased with another example of resilience from his team.
“I don't think we take a point six, eight weeks ago,” Cleverley said, after the game. “We're becoming more and more hard to beat. If you reflect on the Wycombe game and say we were only at it for 50% of the game, I'd say today that was higher, two thirds of the game.
“We were certainly the dominant side; we just crave a complete performance and what that can do to us, whether that's concentration, whether that's fitness levels in a tough, congested period.
“We got punished for the 20-minute period [after the break]. We were flat, but we responded well and finished the game strong.
“We knew there'd be a response for them and then it's all about matching that, which I didn't feel we did. I was pleased with the first-half performance. It's one of those away performances that you think we just needed to score when we were on top.
“We limited them to one shot on our goal and we had six; we hit the woodwork. On another day you go in 2-0 up. That's what Stevenage do. They manage to frustrate, they keep shots at both ends to a very limited number and are very difficult to play against when they go 1-0 up.”
Watts’ introduction saw him make his return to action following nearly four months out with a hamstring injury. Immediately, his hustling style – and no little skill – paid dividends, and Cleverley is naturally happy to have him back.
“I thought Caleb Watts' intensity and impact was outstanding and it was a really important goal to keep our momentum,” said Cleverley.
“Intensity at any level of football is really important, and he brings that. The impact of substitutes the last two games have got us results.
“We've missed too many big players for us this season, let's be honest. Caleb, in the six games he’s played, scored two goals. I'm not sure if he had an assist. In his seventh appearance today, he's got an assist. As far as creativity and productivity, he'd be right up there with the best in our team, if not the best players in the league. Unfortunately, we've not had him available for enough time and that goes for so many of our players.”
Argyle’s form is a little bit of what you make it. On one hand, the Greens have managed just two points from a possible nine of Christmas and New Year. On the other, they have lost just one of the last six games.
Next, on Sunday, the Pilgrims face Burton Albion, a side they beat 4-0 at the end of September. Burton are level on points with Argyle, having played a game fewer; the sides are 20th and 21st, but are only five points shy of ninth position.
There is a frustration over conceding the first goal in the last four games, but also optimism about the resolve that has seen Argyle respond to draw 1-1 in their last two fixtures, and come back to beat Doncaster 5-1, two weeks ago.
Cleverley is keen to work on scoring first, and also to get a result at Home Park, something that has been elusive of late.
“[Coming from behind] is one of those boxes that we've ticked. Now we know what the last one is and that's our home form. On the road, the last five away games: four wins and a draw. We know where we're falling short.
“There's a lot of work going into trying to put that right. Let's all be honest, if we win on Sunday, the point on the 29th [against Wycombe] looks even better. But it's a really important game for us on Sunday and important that we try and show as much of a complete performance as we possibly can.
“It's a really big game for both clubs. We're both sitting in a position in the league that's uncomfortable; one or two wins strung together, you can be ninth, tenth in the league.
“We said to the boys before today, we’ve got 10 points in our last five league games, if we can replicate that in our next five league games, we'll be sitting in a much more comfortable position, that's for sure.”
