eSports Preview: The Run Goes On
FOR possibly the first time in the team’s short history, Argyle eSports go into Thursday night’s double round of fixtures as favourites.
Having stumbled through the opening five games of their VPG League One South season without picking up a point, the Greens won four of their next five matches, taking scalps of three promotion chasers in the process.
As a result, manager Ben Taylor and his side go into games against Dudley Hunts and Pur eSports on a three-match winning streak.
Taylor, who plays at centre-back, said: “We’re on a good run, beaten three tough teams in a row. We have been beaten by worse teams - it just goes to show that, in this league, anyone can beat anyone.
“We’re one of only two teams on a streak of three wins. We’ve kept cracking on, stuck to our guns, and we’re finally showing people what we can do.”
Taylor has remained bullish in his assessment of his side’s chances this year, despite the Greens’ sluggish start to life in the Virtual Pro Gaming league. Now, he believes that others are starting to share his confidence.
“If we win both games we can push as high as fifth,” said Taylor. “As I’ve been saying a lot lately, a couple of wins and things can look very different. We’re seeing that now, and we’re getting there.”
“Our mindset stays the same – why can’t we keep winning? We have to keep going with the same approach, same confidence and same strategy as we have in the last three games."
Following their 2-1 victory over BDGR eSports on Tuesday night, Argyle climbed to a high of 11th in League One South. Both of Thursday evening's opponents sit beneath the Greens in the table, with Dudley Hunts in 14th, while Pur eSports prop up the table, with a record of one draw and nine defeats from their opening ten games.
Taylor, though, is clear that his side cannot afford to take any opposition lightly.
“Even if they’re lower down in the league, it doesn’t change anything. We know, having been down there a few games ago, that anyone can be competitive at this level.”
Taylor feels that, with a few wins under the team’s belt, he is now able to put more focus into his own performances at the heart of the Pilgrims' defence.
He said: “It’s a big weight off my shoulders, as well as the team’s. We said at the start, once we get that first win, things change. It’s made my life easier; I feel that I can play better as well as the rest of the group. We’re starting to click as a team and we just have to keep going.”
Argyle eSports kick-off against Dudley Hunts at 8.45pm on Thursday night, before facing Pur eSports at 9.15pm. Both games will be available to stream live through our Facebook and Twitch channels.