Up For It

The Pilgrims’ boss has taken charge of his team for 14 Sky Bet League 2 games to date, winning nine – two more than any other club in the division. Argyle have played all three of the teams immediately below them in the table, as well as sides who have stepped up against his team, and Adams is pleased with how they have taken on the different challenges. 

“A number of teams are direct,” said Derek, “and there’s a good number of teams now that look to pass the ball. The standard is very good. 

“We’ve played in a lot of tough football matches because teams have upped their game against us. That’s made it more difficult for us, and we’ve coped with it well. A lot of managers have said after playing us that that’s the best performance they’ve had this season, and I keep hearing that and thinking ‘is there any chance someone could have an off day against us?!’ 

“We’ve won the most games in the division, so we’ve got to be happy with the progress we’re making. The best teams are Portsmouth and Oxford that we’ve played. We’ve been beaten by them, but I thought that both of them were structured well, experienced, and have the squads to go far. 

“I thought I saw that the other night against Oxford – it was a very good game. I don’t think people would’ve thought it was a League 2 game, with the way both teams passed the ball and created chances. We had a right go at Oxford and they stood firm.” 

In the midweek defeat to United, Jake Jervis played the first half as a centre forward, filling in for the injured Reuben Reid, who also looks to set to miss the Greens’ next game against Luton Town. 

“Reuben is out, he is the only absentee,” said Adams. “He’s got a slight strain in his hip flexor. We’ll see how he is over the next couple of weeks. 

“[Jake’s] played very well for us on the right – he’s scored seven goals already. He’s always a threat; he’s got pace, he’s got good height and a good touch on him as well. 

“We do prefer him playing on the right-hand side, but sometimes needs must, and you have to change because of personnel.”