Mumba's Ipswich Reaction

Against Ipswich Town on Sunday, for the third time in the last four games, Argyle fell behind before half-time.

Roused by a raucous Green Army, vociferous despite the deficit and the unusual early-afternoon kick-off time, The Pilgrims responded to win 2-1, with goals from Bali Mumba and Morgan Whittaker turning things around.

It was a result that ended Ipswich’s unbeaten run this season, saw Argyle replace the Suffolk side on top of Sky Bet League One, and continued the trend of The Greens fighting back having gone behind.

At Derby County, losing 20 became a 3-2 win, and Argyle were seconds away from turning a losing position into three points at Portsmouth last weekend, with Pompey scrambling an injury-time equaliser to make the game 2-2.

The man that scored Argyle’s leveller against Ipswich – and indeed forced the own goal that tied up the scores at Fratton Park – was Bali Mumba, and he praised his team-mates for the character continually shown by the squad.

“The lads were brilliant,” Bali said. “At 1-0 down we kept the faith, kept our belief, and kept going. We showed good character to get back into the game and to take all three points.

“We’ve shown in a few games that we can be down, but the character we have and the attitude means we were give it a good try. I thought the goal was coming. I’m happy that it was me that got the equaliser.

“I’m buzzing at the result.”

The goal came with a little over 20 minutes remaining. At the Devonport End, Ipswich had partially cleared a set piece, with Mumba picking up the ball on the edge of the area. He ran parallel to the edge of the penalty area, then unleashed an unstoppable effort into the corner from 20 yards.

It was Mumba’s second Argyle goal, but his first at Home Park, and the likeable wing-back delighted in celebrating with the Green Army, not only after his goal, but after Whittaker’s winner and at full-time too.

“I saw the ball land and my eyes lit up,” said Bali. “I thought: ‘why not? Go for it’. I missed a good chance in the first half; I should have done better with that. This time I saw the opportunity and I took it.

“The atmosphere was incredible. I’m thrilled to score at home in front of the fans. Especially at that end, it is something I will always remember. What a great moment.

“This is a good statement to put out there. People can say we are underdogs, but we are getting closer. This is three points closer to where we want to be. I’m just happy for the team, for the fans, and for the gaffer.

“It’s a good day overall, isn’t it?”