Derek Adams pre Doncaster H 1
IF you just scanned the Argyle results and the table in Sky Bet League One, the first impression would suggest doom and gloom around Home Park.
There is no denying we need to start picking up wins and the next opportunity comes in the form of Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, but spirit remains bright and positive around the camp.
Argyle manager Derek Adams puts that down to a quiet belief within the squad that the decent performances we have produced will soon get their rewards.
“We have a squad that looks like they are in the top end of the league [in terms of spirit],” said Derek. “It comes from how well they’ve done in games and the spirit they have.
“They’re doing well, playing well in games but we’re not picking up points. We haven’t got the points our play has deserved. It is the result that matters but we also have to look at the bigger picture.
“We’re not playing badly but we’ve made some errors that can be stopped, refereeing decisions haven’t gone with us, we’ve not taken the right options defensively and we haven’t scored enough goals.”
A big seven days looms on the horizon for Derek and his squad, as we host Donny on Saturday, travel to Barnsley in midweek and back to Home Park for the visit of Wimbledon next weekend.
The first challenge of Doncaster will represent a familiar foe and a fixture that has seen some ding-dong battles in both League One and League Two in recent seasons.
Donny have made a fine start to their campaign under new manager Grant McCann and currently sit fourth in the table, but, while there has been a change in formation for the Keepmoat side, Derek is confident his team can use past experience to cause them problems.
“We have three tough matches coming up, starting with Doncaster, then away to Barnsley and Wimbledon at home,” said Derek.
“It’s a week we’re looking forward to and there are no easy games in League One when you’re in the position we’re in, but we’ve played well in games and not received the points our play has deserved.
“We have to stop conceding soft goals and do better at the other end to take our chances when they come along. We’ve played well in large spells in games and that is what opposition managers have said about us, but it’s all about points on the board. We started the Charlton game very well and also ended well after conceding the second goal.
“Doncaster have started the season very well and changed their style of play from last year. They’ve still got the majority of the squad they had last season and they have added as well. From our point of view, there are players in our squad that can exploit their weaknesses. It will be an interesting encounter and a good start will be vital for us.
“There are 46 games in a season and a lot of teams start well and finish poorly. Other teams start poorly and finish well. You’re only judged at the end of the season.”