Boss Schumacher has the last laugh...
STEVEN Schumacher claimed the bragging rights over his former employers Plymouth as Stoke edged out a fiery win.
Schumacher, who led the Pilgrims to the League One title last season before leaving for the Potters in December, was given a frosty reception by the vocal visitors.
But it was the new Stoke boss who had the last laugh when a rapid-fire double from Ki-Jana Hoever and Million Manhoef before the interval helped Schumacher’s side to take a big step towards league survival.
A Wouter Burger finish in stoppage time capped off an impressive display as Stoke climb to 17th – six points above the dotted line with only two fixtures remaining.
“It was a big day; I’ve had my eye on this game since I came here,” said Schumacher, who left Home Park in December.
“I would’ve hoped both teams would have been safe by now, so there could have been a bit less pressure.
“It’s weird when you come up against people who you are friends with and you have a feeling in your belly all week that’s not nice.
“I’ve got a lot of affection for Argyle and always want them to do well, but today was about Stoke and trying to get three points that we needed.
“It was probably the best home performance from us; it was really good allround.
“We knew how difficult the game would be and if our performance wasn’t right, we would have got hurt by Argyle today.”
Stoke raced out of the blocks with Tyrese Campbell and ex-Pilgrim Luke Cundle both going close early on.
Plymouth lynchpin Morgan Whittaker, who was named in the Championship Team of the Season this week, almost justified the fuss around him but his dipping strike was tipped over by Daniel Iversen before a threatening free-kick whistled agonisingly wide of the top corner.
The Potters almost snatched the advantage only for Hoever’s venomous effort to cannon off the crossbar.
But the Wolves loanee wasn’t left reeling for too long as he advanced into the Pilgrims’ box and finished with aplomb for a third goal in five games.
A shaky travelling side were pounced upon as Stoke capitalised with a second strike four minutes later from Hoever’s compatriot Manhoef.
The January recruit from Vitesse collected the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a rocket into the bottom corner beyond a helpless Michael Cooper.
Plymouth attempted a late fightback with a string of changes but the fresh legs couldn’t sway the Potters’ momentum with another former Pilgrim Niall Ennis coming close to adding a third.
That responsibility instead fell to substitute Burger, who provided the cherry on top of an important victory deep into stoppage time.
It could prove to be a pivotal result for Stoke as they end their four-match winless run.