Plymouth boss Miron Muslic remains positive his Championship basement side can avoid the drop after they boosted their hopes with an impressive 3-1 home win over sixth-placed Coventry.
Goals from Mustpha Bundu and Ryan Hardie shortly before half-time put the hosts in the driving seat and, although Haji Wright pulled a goal back just before the interval, Bundu’s second of the afternoon 20 minutes after the restart made the points safe.
The result left Argyle three points behind fourth-bottom Derby, who have a much better goal difference, with two games remaining.
“We always have a chance, I always say that,” Muslic said. “I always believe that we have a chance and today is no different.
“I am very proud we were able to deliver this sort of performance just two days after the disappointment of (Friday’s 2-1 loss at) Middlesbrough.
“We knew the calibre of the opponent – they are flying, with 15 wins from their last 20 matches.
“We allowed Coventry one chance off the set-play and that was it, they scored, but I said to the players, ‘Keep on going the way we are going’ because I was happy with them. We had the heart and desire.
“We did our job today and we did our job in an excellent way.”
He continued: “We want to win the next one (at Preston next Saturday) because the last game is a home game against Leeds and that is our final and that’s what we are aiming for.
“The tactical plan was there today but the execution was magnificent.
“It was very important that (Muhamed) Tijani put pressure on the central defenders to enable Bundu and Hardie to operate.
“Their goal was the only time they did anything dangerous, so I felt we could go on and win the game.
“Today Bundu scored two goals and made an assist. To do that in the Championship is something special.”
Play-off hopefuls Coventry remained three points clear of seventh-placed Middlesbrough, who they play on the final day, ahead of Saturday’s trip to third-bottom Luton.
Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard said: “Difficult, a disappointing result, clearly.
“This was a game that was completely dominated by mistakes we made that led to transition and set-pieces.
“We are all aware of the types of goals we know they can score against you.
“Every corner, throw-in, free-kick coming in, you have to deal with it, you have to be at it.
“Then you have to be more dynamic to make the low block. We weren’t at that level today.
“At half-time you feel you have to think there is a real opportunity to go and get something from the game, but it wasn’t to be. You have to remain patient even if they have got a lead on you.
“Then at the right time, inject speed and change the type of passes, but we weren’t really doing that all afternoon.
“Then the third goal comes along and make it even more difficult.”
Lampard continued: “We have got a week to work on things and then be the best version that we can be at Luton.
“(We need to) really focus on Luton with next week and we know we’ve got the Middlesbrough game coming up.
“It is in our hands. It’s important we stay calm. Tension can be good and using defeat can be a really good energy.”
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