Rotherham United (A) | Mumba's Reaction
Bali Mumba’s third goal of the season was the difference between Argyle and Rotherham United when the sides met on Friday night.
Getting a goal was one thing. Getting a winning goal even better. Getting a winning goal, live on Sky TV, six games from the end of the season, as Argyle try to retain their Championship status – perfection.
Mumba latched onto a Morgan Whittaker cross to pull the ball down and clip past goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, giving Argyle a lead they never relinquished.
“I know Morgan likes to cut in a lot and then usually whip a ball to the back stick,” said Bali, recalling the build-up to the goal. “Once I saw him take a touch, my eyes lit up. I thought: ‘let’s just gamble.’
“I went for it, and it was an inch-perfect ball in. I think the defender tried to win it, just missed it and, from then on, all I was thinking was make sure my first touch is correct, leads me into the path. The next thing was just hit the back of the net - and it did.
“I was buzzing with a goal. I'm happy that it was a goal that got us the three points, most importantly.”
Mumba played at left wing-back during the game, a position in which he spent most of the successful 2022/23 season, where Argyle won Sky Bet League One, and Mumba was named divisional Young Player of the Season.
“That's where I caused a lot of problems last season,” he said. “[It’s nice to] play a position I'm used to, where I've played before, I'm familiar with it. The rest of my teammates, they know me, they know what I’m like in that position.
“It was good to go back to wing back, and seeing Joe on the other side, it brought back memories. It was an unbelievable performance. He never stopped running. It was nice play in that formation again, in that position again and come in with a goal.”
Mumba had been substituted by the time the game reached its conclusion. Argyle always seemed in control, but with a single goal the difference, there was always the chance that United could pinch something.
The Greens saw the game out, to the elation of Mumba, his team-mates, and over a thousand travelling supporters.
“That last five minutes was nerve-wracking,” said Bali. “All of us on the bench were up, none of us were sitting down. When the final whistle blew, it made this moment even more special for me.
“Hearing the noise from the fans, putting smiles on their faces, coming a long way to support us out here. It was important that the lads gave everything, ran our socks off and it paid off.
“In the dressing room, we know the fans are with us. We've made that clear. They've made it clear. We know, no matter where we go, we have the backing of the fans. As long as we're putting in performances, giving 100%, they'll clap us off like they did.
“It's a good feeling having them behind us and knowing that they'll back us no matter what.
“It’s another final on Tuesday night. We're up for the challenge. Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, [We need to] focus, recover, and give another massive, massive fight on Tuesday.”
