Argyle Under-18s return to Youth Alliance League action on Saturday morning when they host Luton Town.
The Young Pilgrims head into the game having enjoyed a rare full week on the training pitch, amongst a busy fixture schedule that last saw them draw 3-3 with Bristol Rovers.
Head Coach Jamie Lowry has been pleased with the additional time to work with his squad, ahead of another hectic period, including matches across five different competitions
He said: “It’s been really refreshing actually. It’s something that the boys have needed – to be on the training pitch a little more and to for us be able to get some proper work into them.
“We’ve had a really productive and enjoyable week as a group, made even better by the fact that it’s been half-term. That has meant that the under-16s have trained with us, so having those extra players involved has really helped.
”It’s been a really positive week and we’re looking forward to take that into the weekend.”
Argyle made an outstanding start to their league campaign, winning each of their opening eight fixtures, but the last couple of outings have provided a different test for the squad.
After a loss to Northampton Town and a draw away to Bristol Rovers, Lowry believes his players can take away a great opportunity to develop.
“It’s important for them to learn and grow. To win our first eight games in a row was fantastic, but now it’s about learning how to get back to that level, both individually and collectively,” he said.
“We’ve spoken a lot over the last couple of weeks about being one or two goals ahead, then conceding and allowing teams back into games. That has been a big focus of our work this week, and the lads will now have a good chance to respond to those recent setbacks on Saturday.”
Despite currently finding themselves in 17th place with no league wins this season, Lowry believes the Hatters will present a tough test, especially if they bring a full squad to Devon.
He said: “Luton are always a top category three side and they’re usually up around the top end of the league. Every time we play them, whether we’re away or they come down to us, it’s a really tough game
”I think their league position this season is perhaps a little misleading, with players also playing for their Under-21s. They had a really good FA Youth Cup win at Stevenage on Monday too, so we’re expecting a difficult challenge.”
Saturday’s game also comes just three days before Argyle’s own FA Youth Cup fixture, with the competition providing another exciting opportunity for the Young Pilgrims to show their quality at Home Park.
However, Lowry is keen to ensure his players remain concentrated on the immediate task of overcoming Luton, before looking ahead to the cup.
“I’ve got Tuesday in the back of my mind with regards to selection and preparation, but for the players, it’s all about Saturday,” he said. “We need to focus on what we’ve been doing this week and get back to what we did well during our good league run. My job is to make sure the lads are fully focused and ready for this game.”
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Watch Lowry's full interview with Argyle TV here.