Argyle Under-18s extended their unbeaten run to three matches last Saturday afternoon, with a 1-1 draw against Northampton Town at Millennium Fields.
Now, the Greens are hunting to extend that run to four games when making the long journey to Kent to face Gillingham on the weekend.
Head Coach Jamie Lowry was disappointed with the overall outcome against Northampton, feeling his side should’ve come away with three points, but is hopeful that a positive and reactive week of training has placed them in a strong position.
“It will be a tough challenge,” Lowry told Argyle TV. “They’ve got good home form. They're a really well-organised side, are a real threat going forward, and have lots of speed. It’s important that we're well organised ourselves, solid out of possession, and are really difficult to play against. After looking back at the Northampton game, we probably need to be a little bit calmer on the ball and have a threat in the final third this weekend.
“We lacked the energy and intensity that we played with in the previous two games, but still picked up a point. That's something for the boys to learn from and to put right moving forward. The last away game at Barnet, we won 1-0, so it's essential that we continue to build on that away form as well. Our home form is quite strong, but we must also ensure we pick up points on the road.”
A 6-2 victory for Argyle’s first team over Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s in the Vertu Motors Trophy on Tuesday saw history made.
17-year-old Tegan Finn played a key role in the win for the Greens, scoring two and providing two assists, whilst Seb Campbell came off the bench, making his first-team debut and finding the back of the net to become Argyle’s youngest-ever goalscorer, aged 16 and 279 days.
Lowry, who coaches both prospects, could not hide his smile when talking about what the evening meant to him, their teammates, and the whole of the Argyle Academy.
He said: “Moments like that are why all the Academy coaches put in all the time and effort; all the evenings they coach, and all the hours and dedication on the weekends. That's a big part of it. To see them walk out on the pitch, go and score goals, and have a positive impact on the game was really pleasing. All the staff were really excited, along with the lads. It was really good after the game to see the smiles on their face and how happy they were.
“It’s exactly why we do the job. It’s why we get out of bed every morning, to try and give them the best opportunity they can, no matter whether it’s with Argyle or not. It’s obviously very nice for us and for the boys. I've shared that journey with them as well, so to see them have those moments is very good. Hopefully, it’s that incentive to go and kick on from that and think, ‘what's next? Okay, I’ve made my debut, now I need to keep moving forward, getting in the team and staying in the team.’
“It's really important for those boys to be hungry and keep wanting more.”
