Niall Ennis on Forest Green Victory

Niall Ennis marked his first Sky Bet League One start of the season with a goal in Argyle’s 3-0 win at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

The 23-year-old forward was one of five players brought into the side by manager Steven Schumacher following The Pilgrim’s 5-1 defeat at Charlton Athletic the previous Tuesday evening.

The switches paid off, as Argyle picked up their first win on their travels this season, scoring twice in the first half, through Finn Azaz and Bali Mumba, before Niall’s strike effectively put the game to bed.

“It was a great performance away from home,” said Niall. “Things didn’t go so well in the last game; this was about turning it around and getting the win.

“I just wanted to start the game well; that gives you confidence. I’ve been training well. I feel like I repaid the gaffer, but I need to keep that up now.

“The way we started gave us momentum, and we kicked on from there and got the goals.”

Niall’s game-clinching goal came when he pounced on a cross by Danny Mayor, after Danny in turn had been set away on Argyle’s left by an excellent ball by Matt Butcher.

Ennis’s recall saw him play in the central striking role in the team, flanked and supported by Mayor and Azaz, but his combination of hard work without the ball, and movement when his support duo were in possession meant that the trio worked well as a unit.

“The build-up for the goal is just what we want to do,” said Ennis. “Moving the ball, running in behind. I needed to make sure I was onside, make sure I had a good touch, and make sure I finished the goal.

“Away from goal it’s about stretching the defence, bringing the team in. I felt like I started well, winning headers and it puts them on the back foot, especially at the start of the game, and puts us on the front foot.

“We’ve got goals in the system. It’s about me working off them, because I know they are going to give me chances. It’s about making sure I am in the right position – which I was today.”

Argyle were supported by 1,224 members of the Green Army in a sold-out away end at The Bolt New Lawn. The travelling fans enjoyed the performance and the result, with Ennis pleased for them to have perhaps removed any bad feelings instilled because of the loss at Charlton.  

“We had to get rid of that, because we’re a good team,” said Ennis. “We just had to show it. The fans helped us. The atmosphere kept us going. We had to repay them, because the ones who travelled [to Charlton], they didn’t deserve that. I’m happy they can travel home with the win as well.

“We need to bring that same momentum into Saturday [against Bolton Wanderers] and get Home Park rocking.”