Xavier Amaechi’s last-ditch winner for Argyle, to give the Greens a 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon, sparked chaotic scenes inside Home Park.
This included mayhem by the home bench and, speaking to Argyle TV shortly after the game, Tom Cleverley followed up his display of joy with a statement equally emphatic.
“It's the best feeling I've had in football since I've retired,” said the Head Coach. “When you're a player and these goals go in, not just last minute, but any goal, the adrenaline rush you get, you just can't replicate. Personally, that was the best feeling I've had.”
He – and all of the Green Army – were made to wait for the moment. Wimbledon took the lead in the first half through Jayden Stockley, with Argyle equalising through Caleb Watts shortly after.
The rest of the game, though rather stop-start, was highly contested, with chances at each end, and at times a little controversial. It seemed that the game would conclude with a point for each team, but Amaechi popped up deep into stoppage time to flick home in front of a jubilant Babcock Devonport End.
“In general, I thought it was not our best performance,” said Cleverley. “We've got work to do through the week to make sure that we're better against Huddersfield [next week]. I thought Wimbledon caused us problems.
“What I would say, second half, I thought we did enough not to lose the game. We've had 18 shots, Murphy [Cooper] made some good saves, we've defended set plays very well. I think we did a bit more than we did against Burton to make sure we didn't lose. [We had] a little bit of luck with the winning goal and the players earned that luck. They're a hard-working bunch of players and sometimes that repays you.
“When you put it into context of how big the moment was, a win or a draw today can really have momentum in our season. I remember Bim's last-minute equaliser against Wycombe here, the importance that that had on our momentum and future results, and the importance that it had on Bim's season.
“I'm hoping that this can have the same effect on Xav. He's got good numbers this season, creating and scoring goals, but that is the first moment, a real significant match-winning moment in a huge time that can really kick-start Xav's season.”
Watts was in the team as a direct result of Bim Pepple missing out through injury, and Watts took advantage by scoring and producing a typically all-action display, playing in the front two, with Will Evans.
“Caleb's another one who's got huge numbers in terms of goals and assists per 90, so no surprise to see him score that type of goal,” Cleverley said. “The two defenders were ball side of him as Evo's took his shot and then Caleb had no right to get there, but it's just more anticipation, more desire and sticks the rebound away.”
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You can watch Tom Cleverley's AFC Wimbledon reaction on Argyle TV, in full, here.
