Gillesphey's Burton Reaction

After not playing since 25 September, Macaulay Gillesphey might not have expected to play the full 90 minutes of Argyle’s 2-2 draw at Burton Albion.

It was more like 100 in truth. Unfortunately for the Greens, Burton scored very deep into injury time to plunder a draw, having previously led 1-0, only for Ryan Hardie and Bali Mumba to turn the game around.

Gilesphey was an unused substitute at Lincoln City the previous week, not yet being risked into action, but manager Steven Schumacher’s hand was rather forced by an eleventh-hour injury to James Wilson, meaning Macaulay was asked to step in.

He did so, not only coming through the whole game, but putting in a strong performance in Argyle defence, this time set up as a back four.

“I was not expecting it, but thankfully I got through it without any problems,” he said.

“It’s always tough coming to Burton, especially with the tight pitch. They love to go a bit longer, but it is not something new to us. It’s a good challenge.

“The team talk at half-time was spot on. We came out in the second half looking like a different team. We caused lots of problems with Niall and Ryan coming on.

“It was good to get some minutes in the legs again. It’s been a little while. I was cramping up at the end, my legs are tired, but it was good to get the minutes.

“It’s always tough, not playing and being injured, but at the same time the lads have been flying, so you can’t complain. I’ve been buzzing for them, every week they’ve been doing so well.”