Steven's stunning feeling

‘I am still tingling.’

Steven Schumacher’s post-match feeling is something anyone associated with Argyle, after the Greens’ 3-2 win over Derby County, would also be experiencing.

Three second half goals saw Argyle overturn a 2-0 deficit at half-time to become the first team to take points off Derby at home this season and in doing so, win at Pride Park for the first time since 1985.

“I’ve still got adrenaline running through my veins,” Steven said, “That was brilliant – I thought we showed unbelievable character to come back the way we did.”

In most circumstances, being two goals down to one of the favourites for promotion would see sides crumble, and no-one would have blamed Argyle if they did just that.

However, a goal from Morgan Whittaker and a brace from new signing Sam Cosgrove meant the scenes at full-time were something that will always be remembered.

“We wanted to put in a performance that the fans would be proud of,” Steven said, “they could sense we were on top and to celebrate in front of them like that at the end was unbelievable.”

Despite trailing at the break, Argyle had been the better side.
Matt Butcher, Morgan Whittaker, Joe Edwards and Adam Randell had all gone close, but two clinical finishes from Argyle errors, had the hosts in control.

“I actually thought we played well in the first half and somehow found ourselves 2-0 down after two errors,” Steven explained.

“We said at half time that we caused Derby problems, more problems than I had seen any side this season and we told them to carry on what they were doing.

“We got the goal, got back in it, and it was game on.”

That goal was the least the Greens deserved and was reward for a fine individual performance from former Derby man, Whittaker.

On any normal day he would have been the story, but with 15 minutes to go Schumacher turned to his bench and introduced the new main protagonist.

Sam Cosgrove, signed on loan from Birmingham City made an instant impact, scoring with just his second touch and then grabbing the winner in the final minute of the game. Cue wild scenes in the away end. 

“I was delighted for him,” Steven said, “He gives us a different threat and gives opposition defenders something think about.

“He has shut a few people up who were having a go at him on social media before he’d even kicked a ball for Argyle.

“We knew what he was good at and knew what he could do – I am buzzing for him.”

It was the first time Argyle had come from behind to win a game in the league since February and meant they have now won three in a row and have climbed to third in the division.

Schumacher was obviously delighted and thought the players got exactly what they deserved.

“I thought that the players believed in themselves, they kept passing it through the lines, kept playing and showed incredible character and quality.

“We have to believe that we can go and win at places like this, we have to keep going and keep building. 

“We’re getting better, we’re not a bad team. We have confidence that the players will always put the effort in, and it showed today.”