Kevin Nancekivell proud of Plymouth Argyle spirit and resilience in FA Cup shock

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First team coach Kevin Nancekivell believes Plymouth Argyle's shock Emirates FA Cup win against Brentford can provide impetus for them in their fight against Championship relegation.

The Pilgrims produced the biggest surprise of the third round ties on Saturday as they went to Brentford, who boasted one of the best home records in the Premier League this season, and beat them 1-0 after an excellent left-foot finish from Morgan Whittaker in the 82nd minute.

It was Argyle's first away win of the campaign and came at the most unlikely of settings, proving yet again the magic of the FA Cup is still alive and well.

Nancekivell said: "The work this week has been to be organised, to be in our shape, to come to a Premier League team and make it as difficult as we could for them, and then to have a little bit of quality on the ball when we did get some moments. Morgan has produced that bit of quality that has gone and won us the game.

"I think that what's Plymouth Argyle is all about. It's built on spirit and resilience, and we have shown that the last couple of games. The lads and the football club should take that going forward for the rest of the season.

"We have got a tough challenge on to stay in the Championship but if we can put in performances like that then there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to accomplish staying in the league.

"I'm proud of everybody really. I'm pleased for the supporters, for everybody who has travelled up to watch us because they have not had a lot of success watching us on the road this season so they can go home happy tonight, and for everybody involved in the football club. It's a big day for us, I credit it all to them."

Nancekivell and injured club captain Joe Edwards took temporary charge of Argyle for the third and final time in the cup tie against Brentford following the New Year's Eve departure of Wayne Rooney, and with new boss Miron Muslic watching from the stands.

With Championship draws at home to Bristol City (2-2) and away to Stoke City (0-0) followed by this memorable FA Cup upset, the Argyle players were clearly keen for Nancekivell and Edwards to take the acclaim of the 2,400-strong travelling Green Army after the final whistle at the Gtech Community Stadium.

"It's the FA Cup, it's a little bit of a release from the pressures of the Championship," said Nancekivell. "If we can't enjoy days like today we probably shouldn't be in the game. I think the FA Cup brings that romance to it and luckily we have put our little bit of history in today by getting a win."

For long-serving coach, and Argyle supporter, Nancekivell there was clearly a lot of emotion bubbling just under the surface as he spoke to the media after guiding the club to one of their best ever FA Cup victories.

When asked how he felt, Nancekivell replied: "Extremely proud. It's not just my club it's everyone's football club. There is 2,500 people in the corner that were as emotionally involved as I was, and I'm sure there was thousands and thousands of people at home watching or listening to it that were invested in it as well.

"I'm really proud, really emotional. It has been a tough period. When you lose a manager you have to hold the fort, which we have been asked to do, and Joe has been excellent alongside me. I'm just pleased we could give our supporters some cheer and a nice trip home."

Modestly, he added: "At the end of the day it's the players on the pitch who have done all of the work. Me and Joe just put together a game plan, they have got to execute it and to a man they were outstanding. I couldn't ask for any more. It's all down to the players, nobody else."

The winning goal came in the 82nd minute when Whittaker drifted in from the right flank and when he was allowed to get a shooting opportunity on his favoured left foot he drilled it low past goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson from 20 yards out.

Nancekivell said: "I thought Morgan, along with everyone else, was excellent today. It didn't surprise me when I saw it hit the back of the net because he has got that quality. He deserved his goal today."

It is now back-to-back clean sheets for Argyle after they had previously kept only one all season, which is perhaps one of the biggest achievements for Nancekivell and Edwards during their short stint in charge.

Nancekivell was asked what had been the difference in the last couple of matches. "I don't know, the players are probably feeling a little bit of guilt in losing a manager and want to make up for the wrong doings of this season.

"All I can say is the last two games they have given everything. They have stuck to the plan, they have got their blocks in, they have had a desire to defend and it just goes to show when you have that application what you can achieve."

Argyle are now about to embark on a very important sequence of three successive home Championship matches, starting against Oxford United on Tuesday.

While there are bound to be tired legs after all the effort the players put in against Brentford, they will take a lot of encouragement from the result. Nancekivell said: "The win breeds confidence and that gives people energy, winning games of football. I'm sure they will be fine."

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