Young And Restless

THOSE who say that there is no substitute for experience were probably not at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

With his side trailing 1-0 to Sky Bet League 2 hosts York, Argyle manager John Sheridan withdrew old sweats Rommy Boco and Guy Branston in favour of greener Greens Toppie Obadeyi and Andres Gurrieri.

Immediately, a game that had started to turn the Pilgrims’ way when Luke Young came on as a half-time substitute for the virus-stricken Jamie Reckord belonged to the visitors.

“When changes are made, you need to make an impact,” said Luke. “Up until [York] scored on Saturday, we were not at our best. Everybody understands that. When they scored, from 70 minutes onwards, that was the best we played in the game.

“We looked a threat and we all know we could have won that game in the end. We caused them more problems in the last 20 minutes than we did in the rest of the game.”

Luke, 20, is hoping that his part in the comeback will see him able to reprise his central midfield role in the 1-1 draw when Lincoln visit Home Park on Wednesday for an FA Cup with Budweiser first-round replay.

He said: “The gaffer has always said that, as a substitute, you need to be ready and make an impact when you come on, and thankfully I’ve done that.

“When you do come on and change a game, you feel a little bit better in yourself. It’s is taking on board what the gaffer says – if you make changes to the game when you come on, then it’s job done.

“Everyone knows their job when they come on and you know what you’ve got to do if you get a chance – like I and the other lads have done – to prove to the gaffer what you can what you can do.

“As a professional footballer, you know what you’ve got to do and you know they have got to make a difference.”

Central midfield is, of course, a pivotal position, with players expected to flit between forward and back roles.

“I’m quite comfortable defensively and attackingly,” said Luke, “but the gaffer says to me that he doesn’t prefer me to run with the ball. I understand that, because I’m not one to take five players on – passing and keeping the ball is my game.

“If I can take as few touches as I can and keep the ball moving, and try not to run with it as much, I think that will help me in the long run.”