Jake's Joy

The Pilgrims forward returns to his former club Portsmouth this weekend for a Battle of the Ports which will be Sky Bet League 2’s biggest game of the season.

It would have been a huge occasion had it been a mid-table mid-season match: with both sides cheek by jowl in the promotion race and the campaign having reached its antepenultimate Saturday, it carries an even greater significance.

Jake, 24, leads the Argyle charts for goals and assists this season – 12 and eight, respectively – having filled most forward roles during his first Pilgrims’ campaign, so no real surprise that he is settled and happy after a peripatetic career in which has seen him move between clubs no fewer than 20 times.

He said: “It is possibly the most enjoyable season I’ve had in football, to be honest: goals-wise, assists-wise, and being able to play as many games as I can. I’ve really enjoyed it.

“There is a great bunch of boys. I think I had a great start to the season; obviously we haven’t done as well in the second half, but hopefully we can finish it on a high.”

If Jake can get among the goals, his hopes may well be realised.

“Any forward would be happy with double figures, so I’m happy with that,” he said. “Now I just want to see how many I can get from now until the end of the season. I’ve got more assists in the second half of the season and I am just concentrating on working hard for the team; if I don’t get goals, that’s where I’ve got to contribute – working hard and hopefully setting a few goals up.

“As I said when I signed, I’ve not come here just to play for a season; I want to stay here for as long as I can and help the team push on through the leagues.”