Derby were unable to build on the platform provided to them by Jerry Yates’ superb early strike as they were held to a 1–1 draw by Plymouth.
Despite being top for a long period of time, Paul Warne’s side were unable to translate their dominance into a commanding lead and paid the price when captain Adam Randell reached Argyle’s level just before half-time.
Led by former County head coach Wayne Rooney, the result will please Argyle more as it represents their first point on the road since August and ensured they stay out of the relegation zone.
Returning to the stadium where he cut his teeth as a manager during an eventful spell in charge of the hosts, Rooney hoped to guide Argyle to their fourth successive victory over opponents also taking part in the match thanks to a positive result.
Jerry Yates hits an outrageous bicycle kick to put Derby against Plymouth.
Having just beaten Coventry and Portsmouth respectively, both County and the visitors started positively. But it was Warne’s men who were able to translate that into a lead as Yates broke the deadlock after just eight minutes.
The striker’s third leg of the campaign arrived in spectacular fashion, with Argyle’s backline failing to deal convincingly with a corner that presented him with the opportunity to deflect a header free-kick from just beyond the far post to put.
Yates almost grabbed another shortly after. Kenzo Goudmijn’s shot was deflected just off target and, as Argyle’s weakness at set pieces reared its ugly head again, the 27-year-old saw a header fly just past the upright.
Yates’ intervention had changed the dynamic of the match, with Rooney growing increasingly frustrated on the touchline as his team looked in danger of being overrun.
A combination of County’s inability to extend their lead and Randall’s 41st-minute equalizer soothed the former England international’s mood; The Argyle captain’s free kick was deflected and flew into the back of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom’s net.
Although Argyle improved immediately after the break, Yates reminded them he was still a threat by almost restoring County’s lead from his own half.
Noticing that Daniel Grimshaw had advanced well off his line, Yates launched the ball skyward from over 50 yards. The Argyle goalkeeper frantically retreated and was able to shoot the ball just wide.
Grimshaw was called into action again in the closing stages, saving a Curtis Nelson header as County camped on the edge of Argyle’s penalty area.
The administrators
Paul Warne from Derby:
“I thought we dominated. That’s the honest truth.
“We just needed that second goal and we didn’t get it. We lost two points from a free-kick which I thought was a bit charitable in the first place, so it’s hard to be critical of the boys.
“We played in a different shape and had the upper hand in almost all parts of the match, but unfortunately that is not reflected in the result.
“I try not to let the players sulk about it. If there is a lesson it would be about the importance of the second goal. But I cannot be critical.
“Yes, we are judged on results and score lines. But from a performance perspective, I thought we were great.
“I try not to let the players sulk about it. I understand, because I also want to win every game, but I really enjoyed seeing us play and perform there.”
Wayne Rooney from Plymouth:
“I think it was a good professional performance, especially after falling behind so early.
“With Derby being top in the division based on set plays, we did really well, we played our way back and got level.
“I thought we started well after the break and then had to show real character to stay in the game. So yeah, I’m happy with how we did.
“Fair play to Derby, they changed formation and we struggled a little bit to deal with the extra aggression it brought to them. But we dug in and showed a different side to our game, which was good was something to see.
“What we want to do now is get a little bit of momentum behind us. This is something we’d like to build on and I believe we can do that.”
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