Club News

Young Hearts

ARGYLE manager Derek Adams, who takes the Pilgrims to Mansfield in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup this weekend, has already witnessed a knock-out success for the club this week.

Derek was at World of Smile on Tuesday night to see the Pilgrims’ Under-18 team progress to the second round of the FA Youth Cup thanks to a 5-1 victory over Cheltenham Town.

“They played very well on the night; they thoroughly deserved to win the game,” said Derek. “Alex Fletcher, scoring four goals, performed well and took his goals well. Overall, it was a very strong performance from the boys.

“It was a competitive match. It was end to end at times but Argyle controlled the majority of the game.

“We obviously go to a lot of games – the Peninsula League games, as well – when we can and it’s important that I see the youngsters that are coming through. They are hopeful of trying to push their way into the first-team plans in future years.”

Although young Alex stole the show with four goals – and an assist – Derek was keen to compliment all of Kevin Hodges’ Academy starlets. 

“He works ever so hard,” said Derek, of Fletch, “but the team as a whole combined very well. We had eight second-years playing and three first-years, so they had a strong line-up.”