Argyle Under-18s are hosting just their second home game of the season on Saturday at 1.30pm, when they face Milton Keynes Dons in EFL Youth Alliance League South action.
Jared Rendle’s close-range goal handed the Greens an important three points away from home against Barnet last week, shifting Argyle up to 12th in the league table.
After playing their only other home game at Harper’s Park, a return to Millennium Fields is on the agenda for Head Coach Jamie Lowry’s side, which he sees as a positive and something that can turn into a strong run of winning matches.
“We’re really looking forward to the game on Saturday,” Lowry told Argyle TV. “Off the back of last week's positive performance and result, it's nice to be back at home and look to build on where we are. We now have back-to-back games at home, so it's important that we take advantage of that.
“Barnet was a massive result and performance for us. We spoke about it after the game, about how it's something we need to build on. Getting that clean sheet as well was really important, with it being the first one of the season, so now, hopefully, it gives us that confidence we need at the moment to take that into Saturday.
“There was a really good atmosphere in the dressing room after, which is important. I think they need to have those moments with all the traveling, which has been really tough to start the year. There's no better adrenaline or feeling after you've given everything on the pitch for 90 minutes, and then you come away with three points and a really good performance. It's something that I used to really enjoy and thrive off as a player. You need to make the most of that little buzz you get after winning. There’s no better feeling.
“Last year, we lost one game at home. We've already lost one, so now that's our thing to go and build on. It's important that we set a tone and make it our place. It’s important that we assert our dominance from the start.”
Through four games this season, MK Dons have picked up seven points, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth in the opening game of their campaign, then being unbeaten since.
Lowry is aware of the threats the opposition possesses, but believes Argyle can play to their strengths to nullify the Dons and pick up points at home.
He said: “MK Dons have had some good results, and some not-so-good results, but they’re a real technical side, who like to try to pass the ball. It's important that we have good defensive shape and create some nice patterns and exciting play at the top end of the pitch.
“It's important that we nullify the ball, so when we're in possession, we can try to look and play forward when possible. We need to go into the game with that clean sheet mentality, defend as a team, and make sure we're doing our jobs properly.”
