Miracle escape still possible for Pilgrims

On a day of incredible drama at Home Park, Plymouth Argyle maintained their dream of achieving a miraculous escape from relegation with a thrilling late win over promotion-chasing Sheffield United.

Featuring former Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper between the sticks, things were on course for the expected Sheffield United win, thanks for a fabulous Jesurun Rak-Sakyi finish on the stroke of half-time.

The Blades held that lead until 81 minutes, when Ryan Hardie scrambled in a close-range leveller and the Greens pinched all three points with a controlled volley from Mohamed Tijani two minutes from time.

Sheffield United arrived at Home Park in desperate need of a result following two straight losses, opening the door for Leeds and Burnley to pull clear in the automatic promotion places.

Rak-Sakyi answered the call with a lovely goal to brighten an otherwise drab first period, as he danced into space and pinged a sweet strike beyond the dive of Conor Hazard.

Defeat could have been terminal for the Pilgrims and Rak-Sakyi nearly sealed the tie with a scuttling effort that was well fended by Hazard. Argyle turned to inspirational leader Joe Edwards for one final push and his insatiable energy definitely rattled the visitors.

Hardie clipped the top of the bar before his big moment arrived, forcing the ball past Cooper for his 11th goal of an injury-interrupted season. Tyrese Campbell spurned the chance to restore Sheffield United’s lead, setting up the grandstand finish.

Tijani had plenty to do when the ball looped into his path just inside the penalty box, but he kept his eye on the ball to steer a sweet volley into the bottom corner, prompting wild celebrations at the final whistle and a subsequent scuffle in the tunnel involving visiting boss Chris Wilder.

Argyle are three points from safety with four games to play.