Jakub to the Point

Argyle’s Czech centre-back helped the Pilgrims bounce back from a home midweek defeat by Leyton Orient to pick up another valuable Sky Bet League Two point from a 1-1 draw at Hartlepool and keep them second in the table, two places above Luton Town, who they visit next.

“It’s a bit disappointing,” said Jakub. “We should have got three points out of this game, but we got a point and there’s an important game coming up on Saturday, so we have to get together and get something out of that game.”

Despite a dominant start by Argyle, they found themselves behind to Rhys Oates’ 27th-minute goal but showed great resilience to level 13 minutes from time through Matty Kennedy’s brilliant strike, his third goal in three games.

“It was the second goal he has scored like that,” said Jakub. “He is a good player; he wants to score goals. It was a brilliant goal for him and for us.

“We should have scored one or two in the first half, but we didn’t and we conceded a kind of soft goal, I would say. These sort of things happen – we just have to improve.

“I think we should have done better, to be fair, but it is what it is.

“On Tuesday, we didn’t see the game out very well. We should have got three points, definitely. It happens. We just have to stick together as a group and keep going until it is done.

“At this stage of the season, every game is hard and important. We have got to prepare as we prepare for every single game.

“Everyone fights – everyone wants to win – so it’s always going to be hard, wherever you go. We just have to be prepared for it, mentally.”

Jakub, 23, has started Argyle’s last five games alongside Sonny Bradley at centre-back, and is enjoying the partnership as well as being a first-choice on the teamsheet after an uncertain time at Southend United.

“I think we are getting there, getting a good understanding of each other,” Jakub said, of Sonny. “He has done really well for the club this season. Hopefully, we are just going to keep improving every game.”

“I am happy to get game-time again, regularly. That is the main reason. You are preparing for the weekend and looking forward to the game in the starting line-up. Fortunately, I have been playing. 

“I just have to keep my standards up and keep my place.”