Plymouth escape the drop despite ten man defeat at Rochdale

Rochdale 1 Plymouth Argyle 0

League Two, Saturday 27 April 2013

Although the Pilgrims may have had other results to thank on Saturday, surely it was ultimately their timely run of form and tireless commitment to the task in hand, under manager John Sheridan, that has ensured they are playing League Two football next season.

The players were committed to the last. For over an hour they fought bravely with ten men after Maxime Blanchard had been controversially sent off in the 15th minute for a professional foul on George Donnelly, a former Argyle player. This early blow to their game plan forced a rearguard action as they were put under severe pressure by Rochdale.

Eventually, Plymouth fans had hearts in mouths for the final minutes after Joe Bunney scored the only goal of the game on 79 minutes. With defeat looming, anxiety mounted as their fate slipped out of their hands and scores elsewhere were awaited.

In the end it was Aldershot and Barnet who were relegated to the Conference, both defeated, as were Dagenham and Redbridge, leaving Plymouth two places and one point above the drop zone and with a summer anticipating continued Football League status.

The past weeks have certainly seen an extraordinary battle at the bottom of the table as teams jockeyed for position. Argyle will know that when they needed to most, the club, players and fans found the spirit, strength and belief to meet the challange. Now comes the chance to improve and build for the season ahead.

Visit the Plymouth Argyle website for a full match report.