It was not so much a tale of two halves, rather a story of three quarters and a closing 22 minutes that will live long in the memory of both sets of supporters, but for contrasting reasons.
Cardiff came into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Preston, but remained top of the table and signalled their intention to return to winning ways within seven minutes; Steven Thompson sliding in a Paul Parry cross at the near post to give the Bluebirds an early advantage.
It was 2-0 after 28 minutes following a poor defensive error from Anthony Barness. The experienced right-back under-hit a back-pass to goalkeeper Luke McCormick and Michael Chopra stole in to double the Cardiff advantage.
A two-goal lead turned into three within a minute of the second half, as Chopra latched on to a pass from Parry to fire past the stranded McCormick from 16 yards.
Argyle substitute Akos Buzsaky gave the Pilgrims hope after 68 minutes. His persistent work on the left forced a mistake out of Kevin McNaughton, as the left-back got himself in a muddle at the near-post and diverted the ball past his own keeper.
Five minutes later, and the Home Park crowd were going crazy. After suffering taunts from the Cardiff support for most of the game, their team was now within one goal of the visitors after Barry Hayles applied the last touch following a huge scramble in the Cardiff box.
The miraculous comeback was completed three minutes from time when veteran Cardiff defender Darren Purse headed past Neil Alexander for the Argyle equaliser, and the second own goal conceded by the Bluebirds.
Somehow, the final score was 3-3 and Ian Holloway is still searching for his first home win as Argyle manager. This point, however, will feel just as good as a victory.
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