They shook hands, as was the case 21 years ago. And, just like then, Scott Parker was the happier out of he and Wayne Rooney as they headed for sanctuary.
Much water has gone under the bridge since Parker replaced Rooney to make his international debut in November 2003 and neither of these former England captains would have ever envisaged facing up as managers in the Championship. But here they were, on a rainy Tuesday night at Turf Moor.
Burnley edged it, thanks to a Josh Brownhill first half penalty, but Parker was certainly breathing a sigh of relief after his side hauled themselves over the line. Plymouth, showing all the tenacity and spirit that were staples of Rooney’s playing days, pushed them all the way.
Given the schooling the two men in the technical areas received, it was a sure thing this game would be played in an attractive manner and it was clear to see from an early stage those on the pitch had been well coached. All knew their job, all wanted to get on the ball and pass it.
There is a significant difference in the expectations of both clubs for the season but Plymouth more than stood up to the early flurry of Burnley chances and the cheap spot kick they conceded in the 25th minute, when Darko Gyabi was deemed to have fouled Josh Cullen, was a huge frustration.
‘As an attacker, you use your nous in those positions to con the referee,’ Rooney said. ‘I thought from the side, initially, it was a penalty but when I looked at it back it wasn’t so clear. I thought it was clever play (from Cullen).’
Those who had made the 313-mile drive north left referee Robert Madley know exactly how they felt about his decision but the noise made no difference to Brownhill, who calmly sent Plymouth keeper Daniel Grimshaw the wrong way. It was fitting as he was the game’s standout performer.
Parker celebrated with a little punch of the air and said: ‘It had been the best 45 minutes of the season in terms of style. If we had come in two or three goals up, we would have been well happy. But this is the Championship and you know the second half will be different.’
It was different, markedly so. Plymouth pushed and Rooney, on the sidelines, was effectively kicking every ball. Try as they might, however, they couldn’t find a way to squeeze through and three points elevated Burnley to second place.
‘We just needed the weight of the last pass to be different in the final third,’ said Rooney, who has suffered a blow with influential forward Muhamed Tijani being ruled out until the New Year. ‘But I know we are a good team. The signs are good.’