Marcus Harness struck twice as Derby County edged past bottom-side Plymouth Argyle in a dramatic 3-2 victory at Home Park, giving their Championship survival hopes a crucial boost.
Harness opened the scoring early on before Harrison Armstrong doubled the Rams’ advantage with a superb volley. Plymouth fought back through Mustapha Bundu’s stunning free-kick and Nat Phillips’ own goal, but Harness had the final say, netting a late winner to hand Derby a third consecutive victory.
Fast start sees Derby take control
Harness put the visitors ahead after just 12 minutes, controlling Kane Wilson’s long throw before turning Maksym Talovierov and firing into the net from close range. He had the ball in the net again shortly after, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Conor Hazard.
Derby doubled their lead soon after as Plymouth failed to deal with another long throw. Kornel Szucs’ weak headed clearance fell to Armstrong, who produced a clinical first-time finish from the edge of the box.
Plymouth fight back but Derby strike late
Against the run of play, Plymouth pulled one back through Bundu’s exquisite free-kick, curling a right-footed effort into the top corner from the left side of the penalty area. Moments later, Jerry Yates had a golden chance to restore Derby’s two-goal cushion, but blazed over from 12 yards.
Plymouth restored parity less than a minute into the second half when Ryan Hardie’s cross forced Phillips to turn the ball into his own net under pressure from Callum Wright.
The hosts looked the more likely to grab a winner, with Hardie and Mumba both going close, while Bundu forced Jacob Widell Zetterstrom into an outstanding save from another powerful free-kick.
But with just three minutes remaining, Derby struck the decisive blow. Harness found Callum Elder on the left before making a late run into the box, side-footing home his second of the night from the defender’s low cross.
Kayden Jackson nearly added a fourth in stoppage time, but was denied by Hazard as John Eustace’s side held on for a vital three points.
“We still have a chance. Right now, we are all disappointed and suffering a lot, but nothing is lost yet. We will fight until the end.” – Plymouth Argyle head coach Miron Muslic.
Derby climb, Plymouth in deep trouble
The win lifts Derby to 22nd, just one point from safety, while Plymouth’s survival hopes are fading fast. Argyle remain six points adrift with only eight games left and still face a daunting run-in, including matches against Leeds United, Sheffield United, and play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough, Coventry City, and Watford.
Writer’s view
Derby’s resurgence under John Eustace continues to gather pace, and Harness’ match-winning display could prove to be a defining moment in their survival bid. Plymouth, meanwhile, showed spirit but defensive frailties continue to haunt them. With a brutal run of fixtures ahead, they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
