Season Heating Up

A goal on his full debut from Antoni Sarcevic and a dogged defensive showing was enough for Argyle to bounce back from a midweek with a win that keeps them well positioned for promotion from Sky Bet League Two.

Next up for Argyle is the visit of Exeter City, whose 12-game unbeaten run has seen them rise to fourth in the table. Ahead of that mouth-watering fixture and the rest of the gruelling schedule ahead, Derek and the team will be heading to Spain this week for warm weather training.

“It’s a derby match. They’ve won again today, which is very good for them,” said Adams.“We’re looking forward to that game.

“We’re going on a break, actually – we’re travelling to Spain tomorrow. It was planned before and we’re going to train there for three days, in preparation for the remaining games of the season.

“It’s been in the planning for a while, and we’ve been able to factor it in because of the busy schedule we’re on. We’re flying tomorrow and coming back on Thursday.

“I’ve done it before as a manager. It’s about getting us focused with 18 games to go, and allowing us to go to hot weather and train in a very good area.

“We were going to go before now, but with the replay in the FA Cup, that put us back a bit. After the window’s closed and being able to get the new players in, it’s about trying to get them to know what the other players are about – and also to my ideas across to them. 

“It’s about 18 games to go now. You forget about the games that have gone. Now you look forward to the games to come.”

The time away will indeed give a chance for Argyle’s January signings to become further acquainted with their new teammates. Amongst the new boys is goal-scorer Sarcevic, Ryan Taylor and Matty Kennedy, who all shone in attacking roles for the Greens against the U’s. 

“Sarcevic is a top player,” said Derek, “and he’s played at this level before. You can see with his touch, movement and passes that he’ll do well for us. 

“Ryan was fatiguing, and so was Matty Kennedy to be fair. It was a high-intensity game and I had to take Ryan off because he was fatiguing. 

On Kennedy’s performance, Adams said:“I was delighted. When he gets one-on-one with somebody, just get in the box and back them up. He had a few attempts at goal and created a number as well.”