Schumacher on Returning Players and Bragging Rights

Returning Pilgrims played their part in Argyle's 1-0 victory over Exeter City - and squad depth will be key for Steven Schumacher as he prepares his side for one final promotion push. 

The Greens put themselves back atop Sky Bet League One with a gritty, clinical team display at St James Park, as Matt Butcher's strike in the 70th minute was enough to bounce back instantly from Easter Monday's defeat to Lincoln City.

Butcher's goal was assisted by Niall Ennis, who continued his return from injury with an excellent performance. Shortly after his departure, Adam Randell joined the fray - another player recently battling injury, but doing their bit to ensure a vital Argyle win, including some selfless midfield play in the final moments.

"I thought Niall played really well," said Schumacher. "Him and Sam [Cosgrove] had to battle and fight for everything. For Niall, I'm pleased for him to play 70 minutes - and brilliant to get Rands back on the pitch. 

"I felt we just needed to sure that midfield up, with a defensive-minded midfield player in there. It's brilliant to have him back. He used his brain, because he didn't try and score in the last 30 seconds. He just ran up to the corner flag, and I'm sure he enjoyed it when the final whistle went. 

"The character of the players is we try to not get too high or too low. After defeats, we try to analyse it and figure out what went wrong. We speak about openly as a group. That's what we did on Thursday when we got back in, and then we put a game plan together, to come here and try and get a result."

Whilst the boss encourages the Green Army to celebrate this latest victory over their fiercest rivals, the focus for him and the whole squad turns immediately to Tuesday night. A trip to Shrewsbury Town may bring similar challenges to this Devon Derby battle, but Schumacher knows the potential benefit of securing back-to-back wins on the road.

"Obviously the fans, that's the most important thing today: they've got the bragging rights in the derby game," said Schumacher. "That's the most important thing. For us, it's back to work on Monday, business as usual. 

"We can't go and celebrate this one and let our standards drop against Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury could be similar - we're going to have to put in a performance where we battle, fight, and earn the right to play, and then try and get another big result. 

"If we can back this up with another positive one, we'll be in good shape."