Represent the Jersey
ARGYLE may have nothing to play for in Tuesday night’s final group game in the Checkatrade Trophy but there is a lot on the line for Newport County.
A win for County would see them sit on six points (the same as Swindon) but they would qualify, as a result of having a superior goal difference. A win by five or more goals would mean they top the group ahead of Chelsea and gain a home tie in the next phase.
While it may resemble a reserve game for the Greens, Assistant Manager Paul Wotton wants the players not to forget their identity.
He said: “It’s a game you have to get your mind around, [and] go and perform. When you pull on the jersey, whether it’s first team, reserves, under 18s, right down to under 9s, you are representing Plymouth Argyle. It’s a game you have to try and win.”
Argyle are yet to register a goal in the competition after a 3-0 defeat to Swindon, then a 5-0 reverse a rampant under 21 Chelsea team. Newport, on the other hand, have faired rather better, losing by a single goal to Swindon and beating Chelsea 3-0.
Former Argyle striker Jamille Matt is Newport’s top scorer in the competition, as he scored a brace in the win over the young blues. Regardless of our position, there is a game to be played, and Wottsy would like us to give a good account of ourselves.
“It is what it is, we know we can’t qualify; we have conceded too many goals and have not scored a goal yet,” he said. “Let’s try and win the game, score some goals, and not concede goals, that’s the objective of the game.”