PLYMOUTH Argyle virtually secured their place in the League Two promotion play-offs with a 3-2 victory over Tranmere Rovers in their final home match of the season.
The win, coupled with Luton Town’s 1-0 defeat at Southend, means seventh-placed Argyle have a three-point advantage over the Hatters with one game to go. The Pilgrims’ goal difference is also eight better than Luton’s so barring the most unexpected set of results next weekend, Argyle will be in the play-offs.
However, although there was joy for the Green Army on Saturday, there was tears for the followers of Tranmere, whose defeat in Devon sees them slip out of the Football League for the first time in 94 years.
In front of nearly 10,000 fans, Argyle took an early lead with a Reuben Reid penalty after Dominic Blizzard was brought down in the box.
Tranmere, though, pulled level in the 34th minute through a Max Power blaster.
But Argyle went in at the break 2-1 up thanks to on-loan Charlton Athletic player Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, who scored his first ever senior goal from 25 yards out.
It looked like John Sheridan’s side had wrapped the match up when Lewis Alessandra netted a third in the 81st minute.
However, Rovers were not prepared to give up their Football League status easily. Kayode Odejayi made it 3-2 in the 89th minute and Argyle had to survive a few nervous moments in added-on time.
Manager Sheridan was delighted with the win and the fact that his team appear certain to be heading for the play-offs.
He said: “I’m really pleased for the players and I’m chuffed for the supporters as well.”