Away We Go

Successive 2-0 Sky Bet League 2 victories at AFC Wimbledon and Northampton were followed earlier this week by a 3-2 success in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy back at the Dons, in which the Pilgrims came from two goals down to win a game for the first time in three years.

“We saw in the game that we are going to create chances,” said Derek, “and, with the players we have got, we’ve always got the possibility of scoring goals. It was a very good performance in the end.”

Adaptability within a game and being able to spot opponents’ strengths and weaknesses are essential elements in the Pilgrims’ road-trip successes.

“Mixing things up, being able to change personnel, being able to change formation does help,” said Derek. “We have been very consistent; have moved the ball very well at times; and have caused teams problems.

“When you go away from home, the home team always wants to come out and play. We just have to assess what they are doing and counteract that. We have got the players who have got the game-knowledge and understanding to see what they are doing and play off of that.

“It’s probably one of the things I’ve noticed a big difference in England; that teams don’t suss each other out in the first 15-20 minutes; usually the home team comes outs and starts very quickly.”

Like Argyle, Stevenage have had a large summer makeover, appointing a new manager in Teddy Sheringham and revamping their squad.

Derek said: “They are a powerful team; they have got players who like to get the ball down and play, but they can also mix it up. They have a powerful attacking line, as well. We’ll have to deal with their threats, but we’ve got very good threats in our team as well.”

Neither does the prospect of another road-trip so soon after Tuesday’s late night out in Kingston faze the Pilgrims’ manager.

“You have got time to turn around and go again,” he said. “The players are mentally right and physically right to go again.”