Quite how Derek Adams and his Plymouth Argyle side react to their midweek FA Cup knockout by Liverpool at Whaddon Road, Cheltenham tomorrow remains to be seen, writes Ross Reid.

One thing is for sure: after losing just 1-0 to Jürgen Klopp’s internationally star-studded Reds over two ‘legs’, Adams’ Argyle have proved they have the character to win automatic promotion from League Two.

A football team with fans like Argyle’s nationally recognised Green Army and a city the size of Plymouth cries out for football at a higher level.

Argyle’s biggest crowd for nearly a decade, 17,048, witnessed Adams’ League Two braves creating the better chances after conceding a 17th minute set piece goal to Liverpool’s Brazilian skipper-for-the-night and central defender Lucas Leiva.

The goal meant Argyle had to attack to stay in the cup. Attack they did with inspired right back Oscar Threlkeld setting up a golden opportunity for lone striker Arnold Garita, play-maker Graham Carey forcing keeper Loris Karius to go full stretch and forward Jake Jervis sending a spectacular second half scissors kick off the outside of the post.

Luke McCormick even played his part by saving a late penalty from Divock Origi as the Greens – spurred on by continuous cheering and chanting from nearly 15,000 irrepressible supporters – pushed the Reds every inch of the way.

Post-match a smiling, confident Adams had nothing but praise for his team: ‘I think we gave them a scare. We kept the ball a lot better than at Anfield and created a lot more opportunities.

The players have put the city back on the national football map and they have made this football club, and the supporters, proud again.’