Tackles and Interceptions

ONE of the most pleasing aspects of Argyle’s excellent 3-1 victory at Scunthorpe last weekend was the defensive statistics.

The Pilgrims were outstanding in the realm of tackles won and interceptions made, providing the platform for a clinical display in attacking areas and three points that lifted us into the play-off positions in Sky Bet League Two.

Success at both ends of the pitch is the key for any side and manager Ryan Lowe is hoping for more of the same at Carlisle United tomorrow.

“We call it counter-pressing; when you give the ball away, jump on it to win it back,” said Ryan. “We’ve been working on that and in games like that [Scunthorpe], when teams go back to front quite early, you’ve got to jump on the ball before it comes into your box or gets up the top end of the pitch.

“We understand that in terms of opposition teams trying to do that and we’re now trying to get better game by game. Every training session is a learning day and I’m pleased with the stats because it hasn’t been one of our biggest fortes.

“If we can bring that into the mix of playing good football, penalty-box entries and scoring goals, you do become a very good team.”