After a start to the season full of wins and plenty of goals, Argyle Under-18s season hit its first bump with a Devon Derby defeat to Exeter on Tuesday.
Head Coach Jamie Lowry was not pleased with the result or performance, but sees this Saturday’s game against Bristol City as a great opportunity to react positively.
The Young Pilgrims meet Bristol City in the PDL Cup, in the group stage of a competition that includes not only Category 3 Academies like Argyle, but ones from a higher level, like the Robins.
On Exeter, Lowry said: “We're disappointed with the performance and, obviously, the result, but the performance is the main focus and part of the development. Compared to the levels that we've set ourselves and how we started the season, we were well short of that and that was the most disappointing thing.
“This is a reflection opportunity. We spoke to the boys this morning about it and why did it feel a little bit flat. I could sense it was a little bit quieter than normal and didn't feel as intense as we had been in previous games. We had a big reflection piece on that and spoke about that after the game.
“We’ve had four fantastic performances in the league, and the under-21s game. Then it's part of football that we had a little bit of a dip and were not quite at it. It's how we pick ourselves up and go again the next game.
“It’s all part of their development and learning, individually and as a group.
“I’m looking forward to [playing Bristol City]. It's something that gives us a different variety in the games programme with Category 2 clubs being in it. We've got Bristol City in our group, we've got Cardiff in our group, who are two different games to what we normally have.
“It's something that we're going to have a real good go at, and the boys have set themselves a target of qualifying from the group this time.
“Bristol City are a good side, Cardiff are a good side as well, both Cat 2 teams, so they give us a real different level of games programme to what we would obviously initially have in the Youth Alliance."
Under-18s full-back Joe Mwaro was in action on Tuesday, but not with Lowry’s side. Mwaro, 17, played the full game as Argyle’s first team took on Premier League Coventry City in the Carabao Cup.
Joe caught the eye with his performance, showing poise beyond his years. Lowry was watching on, proudly, along with Mwaro’s academy team-mates.
“I'm really proud of him,” said Jamie. “You have the relationship with the boys - they're like your kids for two years! - so when they're going through the ups and downs, you feel it with them.
“All the boys sat together, cheering him on. It was really exciting; a proud moment for not just myself but all the academy, all the lads.
“I thought his performance was fantastic. It was great for the boys to see that. There were opportunities and to actually show how calm he was. I thought it looked like he'd played 50, 60, 70 games at first-team level, his composure was that high.”
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You can watch Jamie Lowry's preview, in full, on Argyle TV here.
