TOM Cleverley admitted he was “struggling to find a better feeling” since retiring from playing after substitute Xavier Amaechi struck a stoppage-time winner to keep Plymouth Argyle top of League One.

Amaechi fired home in the fifth minute of added time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Home Park, extending Argyle’s winning run to five victories in six games.

The Pilgrims opened up a two-point lead over Bradford City, who have a game in hand, after the Bantams were held to a goalless draw by Leyton Orient.

Cleverley, the former England, Manchester United, Everton and Watford midfielder, said: “I'm struggling to find a better feeling since I've retired than that one. It's the moments we work for in football. It's really difficult to replicate the feeling that the players get when a goal goes in, but that was right up there.”

Argyle fell behind in the 16th minute when Jayden Stockley finished a sweeping Wimbledon move with a deft touch.

However, the hosts responded nine minutes later as makeshift striker Caleb Watts, replacing hamstring-injured top scorer Bim Pepple, converted from close range after goalkeeper Josef Bursik failed to hold Will Evans' effort.

Bursik had earlier produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Oliver Irow, while Murphy Cooper kept out Stockley’s volley with an instinctive stop.

Wimbledon threatened again after the break when substitute Freddie Simmonds’ header struck the crossbar from Steve Seddon's corner. But Argyle had the final say when Alex Hartridge headed Andy Yiadom's attempted clearance into Amaechi’s path, allowing the substitute to sweep home the winner.

“Credit to the players, they've somehow managed to fashion 18 chances on their goal, some big ones at that,” said Cleverley. “The winning goal represents the performance, a little bit scruffy, but got the job done.”

Cleverley now wants improvements ahead of Saturday’s clash at home to Huddersfield Town (3pm).