Good minutes in the legs for Joe

Fitness was the name of the game for Joe Edwards, as Argyle came from behind to draw 2-2 with city neighbours Plymouth Parkway on Saturday.

The Greens’ captain racked up 7,000 meters covered in just 45 minutes and also bagged a last-minute equaliser.

 “It’s a good runout; everyone got their minutes in and that’s what these games are for,” Joe said following the match.

“We’ve been doing a lot of running in training, doing 10-minute blocks that replicate half a game of football and we’ve been trying to replicate the intensity.

“We’re here to get fit, it’s always part of the pre-season plan but it’s nice to get out and play.”

Saturday’s game was the first of a busy schedule of fixtures as the Greens get ready for another campaign in Sky Bet League One.

Preparation is always key and being able to start strongly has a lot to do with the work that is done in pre-season.

This year, Elliot Turner is the man in charge and the players are taking to his methods well.

“It’s been a tough pre-season,” Joe said on the training.

“It’s obviously our first one with Elliot [Turner] so is a little bit different from what we are used to, but there has been some really good stuff.

“Pre-season is always about putting in the hard work and getting fit and that’s what we will continue to try and do.”

On the game itself, Joe was looking at the positives despite it being a difficult opening for the Greens.

Goals from Billy Palfrey and Ben Seymour had the hosts two to the good in the first half before Argyle got back level right at the death.

“It was tough,” said Joe, “it’s always a tough game when you play Parkway, they’re always up for it and they always make it difficult.

“It was nice to see everyone, it’s great to see all of the fans here.

“It’s always nice to score, it would have been nice to win the game obviously, but we’re here to get fit and try to play well and hopefully that one will be the first of many.”

The Argyle squad now have a six day-long warm weather training camp to prepare for.

They are heading to the south of Spain on Sunday for what will be a tough but exciting six days.

“These trips away are always really good,” Joe said, “we’re going to be worked hard but it’s great to do it in the sun.

“Going away has always been one of my favourite parts of the season really. It’s great to spend some time with the boys and get to know the new lads a bit better.

“It’ll be great to have a laugh, work hard and just get to know each other even better.”