Another Big Game

AHEAD of Argyle’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Cambridge United at Home Park on Saturday, boss Ryan Lowe was keen to highlight how they could prove tough opposition but insisted the correct preparation will set his side on the right path.

“It’s a big game for us and a game that we feel where we need to make sure we’re right on it because they’re no mugs – they’ve turned a corner recently,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure we’re on it and I’m sure we will be.”

After a draw at Moss Rose against Macclesfield Town on Tuesday, it is often a case of managing the workload in a hectic spell of fixtures.

“We needed a little bit more [at Macclesfield on Tuesday], we asked for that at half-time – and they did it and put bodies on the line, so fair play to them,” said Ryan. “I think, coming away from Macclesfield, when you reflect on it, we were happy with the point.

“We know we can’t put too much into their legs at this stage of the season. Part of their bodies are still recovering from Tuesday, so we’ll minimise any risk by not putting too much into them. We have to make sure that you’re ready for Saturday afternoon. At this stage of the season, there isn’t much you can do with them, it’s just the basic, tactical stuff, such as awareness.

“The lads are fit, they’ve been fit from pre-season right the way to now. It’s just about ticking them over now.”

As a fellow former player just beginning his journey into management, Ryan has huge respect for his opposite number this Saturday, interim head coach at Cambridge Mark Bonner, who has won four games on the trot. 

“Mark [Bonner] has done a fantastic job since he has gone in there as Caretaker manager, fair play to him,” said Ryan. “He’s got them playing the right way, they’re the most in-form team – winning four in a row. They’re coming here as a winning side.

“They beat us at their place, where we weren’t quite at our best on that day, they’ll take positives from that, just like we take positives from our wins.

“We wish him [Bonner] all the best after Saturday because he’s another young manager learning his trade. As a young manager myself, I think he should be given the opportunity to take the club going forward because of how well he has done.”