Argyle Under-18s are set to have a busy final month of the season, with several games in quick succession, starting with a Devon Derby clash against Exeter City.
Recent form has not gone in favour of the Greens, with a 1-0 win against Portsmouth being their only win in four, despite performances being positive in the mind of Jamie Lowry.
The Argyle Head Coach has been impressed with training ahead of the midweek battle up the A38, but is aware that anything can happen in football, especially on derby day.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Lowry told Argyle TV. “The boys have spoken about all week and are excited to go up against our rivals and, hopefully, off the back of the last performance, come out with the right result.
“Something we pride ourselves on is being the best local team, and when we do play against them, we want to come out on top and ensure we hold the bragging rights. From the boys' point of view, they’re coming up against friends and people they've played against throughout the years growing up in the Academy, so it's really important that we do have that competitive edge about us, play on that line and without stepping over it and giving silly fouls or yellow cards away.
“Form going out the window with it being a derby is something we have to control with our performance. They maybe haven’t been where we expect them to be recently, with conceding poor goals, but that's something that we've addressed with the lead into the game.
“We need to be a bit more aggressive in our press, a little bit tidier and more focused at the back and not make silly individual errors.
“They've trained well so far this week. We want them to train how they play. It's important that we have that level of consistency, so we've really driven that home this week. Recently, when it comes to a game, we lose a little bit of focus, or we play really well in possession, but then concede some poor goals out of possession.
“We have to value some bits a little bit more and be a little bit cleaner when we're in possession, but also a little bit more aggressive and more focused out of possession, to succeed.”
Over the past few weeks of the season, second-year scholars have been out on loan plying their trade in local men’s football.
Lowry is delighted for his squad’s opportunities in and outside of Argyle, and credits the attitude of the scholars whilst away from Home Park.
He said: “The boys have had a great taste of men's football. They've really enjoyed it. It's been different for them in understanding the styles of play, but with everything, the boys have learned from their experiences, and it’s something they've enjoyed.
“I've seen a good attitude from the lads, which is the most important thing. When they go out there, we want them to represent the club, first and foremost, in a positive light and then just enjoy the challenge.”
