Talk On The Town

ALL the focus from Argyle is on Saturday’s visit of Yeovil Town to Home Park.

Well, nearly all. With just a week to go before the Pilgrims start their Sky Bet League 2 season at Southend, it is almost impossible not to anticipate the big kick-off.

First, though, and six days after an encouraging 1-1 home draw with League 1 hopefuls Milton Keynes Dons, there is last season’s surprise achievers to deal with and make more preparation for August 3.

“It’s another good test for us,” said Argyle manager John Sheridan. “It’s still [about] fitness, but we want to try to get a bit of shape to like [we did] against MK Dons, when I felt we did really well against a very good footballing side.

“Yeovil had an excellent season. They are in the Championship now, so they will give us a good test, and we will have to defend and create chances, like we did last week.

“I felt we could have scored more goals last week. That’s what it’s all about – scoring goals and winning football matches, but, at the same time, I thought we nullified a good footballing side who have caused teams a lot of problems. We looked after them quite well.

“We’re all going the right way, and hopefully, we will have a good season.”

Argyle will include new boy Andre Blackman in their side at left-back, but others will miss out after their pre-season preparations have been hampered by injury.

“The conditions have made it difficult,” said John, “but it’s the same for everyone. Pitches are bone hard and you do pick little niggles up.

“But we do our best and the lads are fit. They have worked very hard for four or five weeks.

“We’ll just get another game under our belt and most of next week will be regarding the team I’m going to play [at Southend], and set-plays, and one or two things.”