Edwards on his dugout experience in Bristol City draw
For Joe Edwards, very little about the New Year’s Day encounter with Bristol City would have felt familiar – until the very end.
The club captain is, for the time being, standing in alongside Kevin Nancekivell, in temporary charge of the team. Tracksuited and not booted, Joe was on the touchline, watching and dishing out instructions, as Argyle started the game well against the Robins, but fell behind to an Anis Mehmeti goal.
In the second period, Rami Al Hajj equalised, before Jason Knight quickly put the Robins back in front, and it seemed City were destined to spoil the Pilgrims’ party before Julio Pleguezuelo scored in injury time to level the game.
It is the sixth time this season Argyle have scored after the fourth official’s board has gone up, all at Home Park, and the fifth time said goal has changed the destiny of a tie, from loss to draw or draw to win.
“This is what this club's about,” Edwards said. “Again, in the last minute – [although] we'd like it to be not always so late! We will never give up - and we showed that again today.
“We deserved a point, definitely. I think the first half we started really well, we were on top and I think that's when we needed to score. We know how important it is in these games to score early, when you've got the momentum to do so. We know how effective we can be at home when we start on the front foot, and we create a real tempo.
“I thought we did that. I think we had a few good chances and that's when, in these moments and in this league, you need to take advantage, score and be in front. We didn't do so, and that gave them an opportunity to come into the game.
“They then got the goal and came into the game a little bit. We had to go again second half. We didn't start great, but then we played some really good football, scored a really good goal, and I thought we were in the ascendancy, so it was disappointing again to concede the goal.
“On another day we'd come away with three points here, maybe, but the lads gave us everything. There was plenty of stuff to be positive about.
“I think everyone can see the commitment is there. They're a really honest bunch of players; we've got a good group which want to do well. We're in a tough situation but the easiest way to get out of that is fighting, and showing heart and desire, and I think we saw that today.
“We need that more. In a period like this, when there is a bit of uncertainty, I think coming together and working for each other is something that's essential, which I'm sure we'll get from these boys.
“It was really different [for me]. I had a real good nervous energy about myself. Playing so many games in so many years now, it becomes ingrained into you what feelings you're going to feel.
“I didn't even know what to expect really, but I really enjoyed it. It's a different point of view when you're watching the game, but you're not watching it from a player's point of view, you're watching it thinking: ‘how we can change this? How can we improve? Is there a sub coming on, who will he mark at corners?’ and things like that.
“There's a lot more you have to think about, which is really good for my development and knowledge. I think it will help me when I get back to playing as well and understand the game even more. I really enjoyed it and, luckily, the boys dug in and got us a goal late on, which we can head home a little bit happier with.”