Academy Preview | Oxford United (A)

There are three games to go in Merit League 1, and Argyle Under-18s are one of a number of sides still in with a chance of topping the table.

The Young Pilgrims are unbeaten in the league, but have drawn five and won two of their seven fixtures. Last week, they followed up a 7-1 win over Bournemouth with a 0-0 draw against Sutton United, in two contrasting fixtures.

“It was two different teams playing two different types of styles of football,” said Under-18s manager Darren way. “Bournemouth were quite open and expansive, and very quick on the transition, whereas when we went to Sutton and they put in a mid-block and made it difficult for us to break us down. We created a number of chances, but unfortunately we weren’t clinical enough in front of goal.

“The players are definitely learning in terms of their development. They have to be a little bit more cute, a little bit more clever, find space earlier and be a little bit more clinical in front of goal, more decisive in their decision making.”

Argyle travel to Oxford United this Saturday (11.30am). Oxford are ninth of 11 teams in the division, and have lost their last three, but in the Youth Alliance, earlier in the season, they were one of only two teams to beat Argyle, winning 3-2 and drawing the other game 2-2.

“It's never easy when we go to Oxford,” said Way. “They've got some very good players. One of their under-18s (Gatlin O'Donkor) is playing regularly for the first team at the moment. He's caused us a few problems over the last few games that we played, so if he's playing, we know what his threats are.

“We know Oxford are going to be quick on transition. They're going to be open, they're going to be a real attacking threat. They can be very street smart at times, and they'll pose us many challenges that we’re excited to face.

“It's definitely been the strongest Merit League that we've played in. I think a lot of the clubs have got a little bit more strength in depth within their squads. It’s going to be an entertaining end to the season. We've got three games to go and our objective is to win all of them.”