Former Everton academy prospect Conor Grant made a goalscoring return for Plymouth Argyle in their 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley.
The 27-year-old marked his comeback from thigh surgery with a point-sealing strike just four minutes after coming as the Pilgrims continue to apply pressure in the League One promotion race. Sheffield Wednesday, who went into Tuesday's fixtures top of the table, saw their unbeaten run end at Oakwell as Barnsley won 4-2.
Steven Schumacher, a former Everton prospect himself, saw his side move two points clear at the summit having played two games more than the Owls. Matt Butcher opened the scoring inside 15 minutes before Grant doubled their lead with 12 minutes remaining, John Coleman's side were reduced to 10 men six minutes after the restart as Mohammed Sangare was sent off for a second bookable offence.
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Grant's involvement in Schumacher's squad was the first since early November. He has spent an extended period on the sidelines after tearing his thigh muscle in their shock 5-1 defeat to League Two Grimsby Town in the FA Cup First Round which required surgery.
In the latter stages of their clash at the Wham Stadium, he burst forward and fired a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to score his first goal of the season.
“I’m so pleased for Conor,” boss Schumacher said last night. “He’s had a really frustrating time. He’s been a brilliant player for us and has contributed loads of goals and assists in his time.
“This year hasn’t gone the way he has wanted because of his injuries. He is a brilliant professional, trains really well and looks after himself. When he is ready to step into the team, you have no doubt that he will do a job.
“At that stage of the game, we needed some experience and calmness on the pitch. That’s what he brings, and when he got put into that position, we’ve seen him score loads of goals like that.
Grant signed for the Home Park side on a permanent deal in 2018 ending his 10-year association with the Blues. In 2021, he signed a two-year extension - under Schumacher's predecessor Ryan Lowe - and has went on to make 78 appearances for Plymouth during their relegation to League Two and subsequent promotion back to League One.
"I'm delighted to extend my time at Argyle - I've loved being a part of the club, and just want to keep progressing with the team," he said at the time of his extension.
"I am grateful to the gaffer and the staff for the belief they've shown in me, and I want to repay that. I also want to thank the fans for their continued support - I can't wait to see them back at Home Park next season."
Plymouth have a date at Wembley Stadium on the horizon as they play Bolton Wanderers in the Papa John's Trophy final at the beginning of next month.
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