Birmingham City (H) | Dewsnip's Reaction
It was another frantic Home Park Saturday afternoon as Argyle drew 3-3 with Birmingham City, bookending an extraordinary week.
After the previous Saturday’s 3-2 win over Rotherham United, the departure of manager Steven Schumacher rather dominated the build-up to the visit of Birmingham, but once the game started, it was another game you could not take your eyes away from.
City went into a two-goal lead through Jay Stansfield and Jordan James, with Argyle captain Joe Edwards pulling one back before half-time. After the break, Krystian Bielik was sent off for a foul on Jordan Houghton, but it was Blues who bagged next, with Juninho Bacuna making it 3-1.
The Greens fought back, though, with a Marc Roberts own-goal narrowing the deficit, before Morgan Whittaker’s 10th goal of the season brought Argyle level.
It was a point that, after the challenging week for everyone, Director of Football Neil Dewsnip feels is warranted.
“It was really important not to lose whatever the circumstances would've been,” he said.
“It's been a really challenging week, for all of us. To get something out of the game, hopefully it sends a message to the fans that we're OK. We're still in there fighting.
“It was really, really important that the Green Army didn't lose any faith. They kept singing, they kept screaming on our behalf, and that's massive, so let me say a massive ‘thank you’, on behalf of myself, on behalf of the staff and all the players - they certainly helped.
“[Joe’s goal was] really important because it gave us something to grab hold of in the dressing room at half time. We talked about: ‘no panic’.
“We weren't too pleased with the two goals we conceded, especially the one off the corner kick, but it gave us an opportunity to regroup and plan to go forwards. To have got the equaliser and to come away with a point against a side that's around us.
“It had to be Morgan, the way he always cuts in and scores those sort of goals.
“I'm feeling proud. The mental toughness of our players is amazing. To go from the situation we've had this week, with Steven leaving us, to being 2-0 down, to showing the character to bounce back from not only 2-0 down but 3-1 down, is amazing really.
“I’m incredibly proud of them. It's not just the squad. It's the whole football club. From Simon Hallett all the way through. The resilience is amazing.”
