Goals Are The Goal

Last season’s leading marksman Jake Jervis broke the Pilgrims 2016-17 duck to set them on their way to a 2-1 victory over Notts County in midweek, and Derek is sure others will follow in his studmarks.

 

He said: “Jake scored 14 goals last season, from a wide area of the pitch, and the other night, he scores a very good goal from a wider area. Hopefully, he can go on and try to be top goalscorer again this season.

 

“You want competition. Graham Carey was second-top scorer last season; Ryan Brunt, as well. I think competition for that accolade is high in the squad: Carey, [David] Goodwillie, [Jimmy] Spencer and [Jordan] Slew, all can score goals.”

 

Scorers need creators, of course, and the emergence of midfielder Connor Smith, after an injury sustained on the eve of the new campaign, will help that cause, starting with Saturday’s visit of Sky Bet League Two rivals Mansfield Town to Home Park.

 

The 23-year-old Irishman made his first start at County and laid on Nauris Bulvitis’s winning goal with a perfectly placed corner, as well as generally impressing.

 

Derek said: “He’s up to speed now he’s been training with the squad. He had 45 minutes against Carlisle and 90 minutes the other night, so he’s on course now to get a good run of games in.

 

“I thought he was excellent on Tuesday, especially first half, when we were on the ball. He looks forward, looks to play into the strikers and wide players, and looks to run forward as well.

 

“Central midfield is the position I want him to play in. He can play anywhere in the three in midfield; he’s a player who is forward thinking; he’s good on the ball; a good tackler and a good attacker; and tactically he knows the game well.”