Bowl Exit 'Not Good Enough'

ARGYLE exited the Devon FA St Luke’s Cup, losing 3-2 at Willand Rovers in a performance Derek Adams labelled ‘not good enough’.

The young Pilgrims side, filled with apprentices and development players, slipped to defeat in the quarter final of the competition, despite taking the lead through Luke Jephcott. Willand hit back and scored three goals before Argyle pulled one back late on through Billy Craske but it was too late.

Adams and his coaching staff were all at the game and there was a reason behind his team selection. 

“The reason the ones played last night is we are really looking forward to next season,” said Derek. “So, second year apprentices played, development players played and first year professionals played. We were looking to see where we go next season with these players. There are fifteen out of contract at the end of the season so we are looking at what strategy is best to take to move us forward. 

Derek said: “It wasn’t good enough last night to lose 3-2; from our point of view we need to do better. It was an opportunity for them to impress. Myself, Paul Wotton, Craig Brewster, Kevin Nancekivell and Kevin Hodges, we were looking to see where they are in their progression and they need to improve to gain that professional contract.” 

There was some positive news: Michael Cooper played in goal for the Pilgrims, marking his return from a dislocated finger injury.