Argyle’s penultimate home game of the season takes place this Sunday, when the Greens host Cheltenham Town at Home Park (3pm).
Argyle are in a rich vein of form at the moment, picking up points in the league and awaiting their trip to the capital to play in the FAWNL Cup final, but in Head Coach Marie Hourihan’s eyes, each game needs to be approached as it comes.
“We’re heading into the home straight now,” Hourihan told Argyle TV. “Cheltenham are in a position where they’re going to be looking for points, and we’re expecting a challenging game.
“The previous game at their place was a difficult and awkward game for us, very physical, and finished 2-0. It was a tight game overall. We anticipate a very similar encounter, so we have to be ready and prepared for that.
“Cheltenham can definitely play. They've got players on their frontline who are technically very good and can hurt you. I think we need to be aware of that threat. For opposition teams stopping our threats, they generally sit in blocks against us, especially at Home Park, so we need to be prepared for all outcomes. Primarily, following last week's game against Lewes, it's crucial for us to maintain that momentum and establish our rhythm early, thereby putting ourselves in a strong position.
“In the league positions, we are chasing, so every game matters, and to stay in that mix, we have to make sure that we follow through and get maximum outcomes from these games.
“We can't look any further ahead because if we do, then we'll be in a position where it's out of our hands. We have to make sure that we take this opportunity this weekend.”
Three consecutive two-goal victories and clean sheets,over Exeter City, AFC Wimbledon and Lewes, have kept confidence and belief high, which is something that has been seen in training amongst an almost fully fit squad and staff.
Hourihan explained: “The squad has got good energy about it. The excitement is building as we get through this month, and especially with it being another home game. The players love playing at Home Park, and the energy has been really positive. We've had quality sessions and time on the pitch this week, so, from my perspective, we've been able to prepare properly.
“We're in a good position right now. Everybody is fit and available, which I think was shown for the last time last weekend with the strength of our bench. We’re in a good position on that front, and now it's about picking the right team for the game.
“Since the turn of the year, the support has been phenomenal at Home Park, and the energy that it brings to the players is infectious. They turn up to the games with a smile on their faces because they know what the atmosphere is going to be like in the game, and it really pushes them and makes them rise to the occasion as well.
“At the end of the game, when you're seeing the amount of little boys and girls that are wanting to get in the signatures of our players; it just creates a really good environment and one that supports what we're trying to do as a club.”
