Interim boss Kevin Nancekivell was delighted with Plymouth’s never-say-die attitude as Julio Pleguezuelo’s stoppage-time goal snatched a 2-2 draw at home to Bristol City.
Nancekivell, who has stepped up from first-team coach following the departure of Wayne Rooney on New Year’s Eve, saw the visitors lead twice through Anis Mehmeti and skipper Jason Knight, but Rami Al Hajj and Pleguezuelo replied for the Greens.
Nancekivell said: “I’m pleased with a point. I thought we deserved it. We had the better of the first half, Bristol City had the better of the second half, so I was delighted that we came back.
“Pleggy took his goal really well at the end and Rami’s finish from Matty Sorinola’s cross at the far post was superb.
“We’ve been asking the players to get crosses in and for players to get on the other end of it, out wide.
“Character helped us through, it was a tough battle because they are a good team.
“The fans helped us through as well, they were great again and it was brilliant to get another late equaliser at the Devonport End.
“We’re getting to expect that now.
“I’m just looking after the team with Joe (Edwards). I believe we will be in charge for Stoke.
“Wayne (Rooney) showed a lot of class when he came in to say goodbye to us.
“It’s been a difficult period but we have a job to do. The bare minimum that anyone at Plymouth Argyle asks for is 100 per cent.
“Lewis Gibson has got an injury so it wasn’t worth the risk of trying him.”
City boss Liam Manning said: “We have seen late goals at Plymouth before, they have done it numerous times and it’s no surprise when it happens.
“That is the frustration, it came out of nowhere. We managed the game quite well and controlled it in terms of keeping things in their half, so in the end it’s slightly frustrating.
“It’s a sign of progress for the lads. We weren’t talking about it too often last season, giving up results from winning positions. It shows how close the lads are and the progress is massive individually and collectively.
“The final bit is the hardest bit in terms of getting it over the line.
“We did at home against Luton but we couldn’t do it again today. It’s something we need to learn quickly from, we don’t want to keep repeating as it has happened too many times.
“But if you step back and look at the bigger picture it does show how much progress we have made and how close we are being in positions to see out games.
“We show moments of real high quality and score quality goals. The ones we gave up were a little bit too soft for me. But we have to learn.
“It has been a long week, seven points from the last three, we remain unbeaten. It could have been three wins in a row but it’s not the case.
“We have to make sure we don’t carry any hangover into the next game in three days.”
