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DEREK Adams believes his Argyle side capped off their pre-season with their best display of the month against Forest Green Rovers, and feels the squad is fully prepared for the season to begin.

The Greens overcame a shaky spell in the opening half an hour, in which they were punished at every opportunity by the hosts as they raced out to a 3-0 lead. Argyle’s deficit was down to just one goal, though, by half time, thanks to goals from Jake Jervis and Reuben Reid. 

Argyle’s class shone through after the break, and strikes from Jervis, Hiram Boateng and Gary Sawyer completed the turnaround, as the Pilgrims’ performance grew more confident and cultured with every goal.
 
"At a number of times tonight we were excellent,” said Derek, “probably the best we’ve actually been in pre-season. 

“I think that the tempo we played at, the way we passed the ball, the crosses into the box and the chances we created; it was probably the best performance we’ve had, to win tonight. 

“At times we played really attacking football, and tonight it was all about passing and moving, because the pitch was in a great condition. It was a fantastic pitch we played on tonight: it was quick, and it probably suited us. It was pleasure to play on and it was a good venue.

“We got back into the game and made it 3-2 before half time, and showed a lot of character. We created a lot of chances and it was only a matter of time [before we scored] because we had a lot of good possession and good play. 

“We could’ve probably been in front by the end of the first half. Then in the second half, it was an excellent performance.”

“To come away from home, score five goals and have as many chances as we did was very pleasing, and I’m delighted with the win tonight.  I’m delighted with the goal-scorers, as well: strikers, midfielders and even a defender.

The eight-goal thriller at The New Lawn brought Argyle’s pre-season schedule to dramatic close, and Adams believes all the trials, tribulations and progress made throughout July stand them in perfect stead for 2015-16 season opener against AFC Wimbledon next weekend.

“We’re ready,” said Derek. “I think you could see tonight, with the way the players are looking – they’re looking fit and strong – that they’re ready to go. 

“You always want to finish pre-season well. We’ve had a very good pre-season, and now we’re ready to go for the start of the season.”