Adams is grateful as Lameiras pounces
Argyle’s Portuguese playmaker climbs off bench to settle FA Cup tie with last-gasp strike
Substitute Ruben Lameiras sent Plymouth Argyle into the second round of the FA Cup after replacing his injured team-mate Jamie Ness.
The Pilgrims beat Stevenage 1-0 at Home Park after Lameiras scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Lameiras came off the bench in the 55th minute when Ness hobbled out of the action with a calf strain.
Argyle manager Derek Adams revealed that he had been set to swap Ness for Lameiras anyway when the midfielder picked up his injury on Saturday.
Adams said: “Jamie has got a calf strain. It was a substitution we were making. He was going to come off and we were going to put Ruben on just to play in that role.”
Adams is already without a number of players because of injury. At least Lameiras was able to score the decisive goal against a stubborn Stevenage side, who defended solidly for much of the first-round tie.
In the end, though, Argyle’s Portuguese playmaker came up with a low left-foot shot into the far corner of the net which beat the dive of goalkeeper Seny Dieng.
Adams added: “Ruben is one that can be in the starting XI or come off the bench. He’s an important player for us at the moment because he can change direction very quickly, he can open up defences and he can score goals.”
The injury to Ness came after there had been a selection boost for Argyle before the tie. Striker Ryan Taylor was added to the substitutes’ bench against Stevenage after being out of action since midSeptember because of an ankle ligament injury.
Taylor did not get into the action but at least it was a positive step forward for the 30-year-old. Adams said: “I just put him on the bench to give him an extra boost and give the football club an extra boost as well. He has trained well this week but he hasn’t played any games.”
Taylor could make his comeback in the Checkatrade Trophy group game away to Newport County at Rodney Parade tomorrow.
Adams added: “I haven’t decided that as yet – what team I’m going to play.”