Edwards comeback marred by poor show

PLYMOUTH boss Derek Adams blasted several underperforming players after seeing goalscorer Ryan Edwards’ comeback from cancer spoiled by defeat at Walsall.

Defender Edwards – out of action since January battling testicular cancer – looked set for a fairytale return when he steered Argyle ahead against the Saddlers.

However, Joe Riley’s reckless challenge on Morgan Ferrier gave Andy Cook the chance to level from the spot – which he did at the second attempt after Matt Macey tipped his penalty onto the bar.

Luke Leahy’s second-half free-kick then won it for Walsall, leaving Adams unhappy with playmakers Ruben Lameiras and Graham Carey, as well as referee Andy Haines.

He said: “It was a great finish from Ryan. But he’s on the losing side today and his goal doesn’t really matter.

“Undeservedly, Walsall went in 1-1 at half-time because we gave away a needless penalty kick.

“The penalty kick was the correct decision, but we had a number of penalty claims in the 90 minutes.

“But (Ruben) Lameiras and (Graham) Carey were very poor for us and didn’t do anything in the game for us.

“We had enough opportunities in the second half, we should never have lost the game.”

Walsall twice hit the woodwork in the second half through Jack Fitzwater’s header and a late Cook shot.

And boss Dean Keates was delighted with strike duo Cook and Ferrier, both plucked from nonleague in the summer. Keates said: “I don’t consider it a gamble one bit. I know what Andy Cook is about – I had full confidence in him.

“If I’m entirely honest, until ten days ago when the story broke about his buyout clause I thought we would get nowhere near Morgan’s valuation because I think the lad will go on higher.

“I could have gone and got somebody who has played a lot higher up, but I’d question the hunger and desire as those players can just be looking for money.

“These two are hungry and want to do well, but it’s just the first game and we won’t get carried away.

“But to a man I thought we were outstanding. I couldn’t be more proud.”