Forward Thinking

BOTH Jake Jervis and Ryan Brunt have three goals to their name from Argyle’s two pre-season games, and manager Derek Adams is pleased to see his strikers hitting the ground running in July.

Adams was speaking after the Greens’ 3-1 victory against Bideford AFC, in which Jervis followed up his strike against Elburton Villa with two more goals, and Brunt backed up his brace on Tuesday with a headed effort this time round. 

The two forwards are reaping the rewards of slotting in nicely to Derek’s initial, attacking style of play, and the boss believes that their early form can only mean good things for the campaign ahead. 

“It’s very encouraging when you get your strikers scoring goals, getting the wide men putting crosses into the box and the midfield players being in there as well,” said Adams. 

“That’s the way we want to play, and that’s the way I’ve tried to set my team up. Scoring goals is obviously a positive, and creating chances. When you see your strikers scoring goals, that’s a positive at any time of the season.

“There’s a number of areas we’ve got to work on and we know that. We’re just delighted that it looks like we’ve got everyone through injury-free, which is a bonus.” 

Argyle were once again involved in a competitive affair against an opposition keen to impress, with many more sets of eyes watching them in action than usual. With this in mind, Derek is more than content with putting his team to the test against non-league opposition, continuing with visits to Bath City, Forest Green Rovers and Torquay United later in the month. 

“I think they offer that enthusiasm and willingness to beat a full-time team,” said Adams, “and that’s what causes you problems. 

“They play without any fear, and have a number of good, tidy players that are very capable of playing at a higher level. That’s why you come here: you want to be tested, and you’re always tested when you come to these non-league grounds. 

On the subject of the Bath fixture, Derek said: “It’s another step up – a difficult place to go to. We’ve obviously got Torquay as well, so it’ll be another step up in opposition.”