Match Preview | Oxford under-18s vs Argyle Academy

Darren Way’s young Greens look to bounce back away to Oxford United on Saturday after their defeat to Forest Green Rovers last weekend.

Argyle sit two points above Oxford in the EFL Youth Alliance league and a win for Way’s side would propel them to rest level on points with Devon rivals, Exeter City.

Way reflected on the quality of the opposition and what his team need to do to walk away with three points, “Oxford are always a difficult test.

“We’ve got to deal with the one-v-one duels all over the pitch and to make sure we compete and be physical.

“We’ve got enough to make sure we come out of this game in credit.

“I’ve seen a lot in training this week to say we have had a good reaction.”

The home side will be playing their first league game since the Christmas break on Saturday with their last game ending in an exciting 4-4 draw with Exeter City.

The young Greens had an opportunity to get the defeat from last week out of their system, with a number of players featuring in a midweek, behind closed doors, game with Torquay United.

Way felt that it was beneficial to the team, “It was good for the management, the new staff had the chance to come and watch the young players.

“We’ve created a good reputation with first-team staff, and I thought they conducted themselves well so that was really pleasing and really rewarding.

“Now we turn our attention to Oxford.”

Argyle are looking to rebuild their form after last Saturday’s result ended a run of five games unbeaten in the league.

Way believes in the quality of the performances his side has produced, “There were a lot of positives to take last week.

“Going 1-0 up, we dominated and controlled the game for large periods in the first half, but I felt when we scored, we became complacent.

“You have to concentrate for 90 minutes plus, only then you’ll succeed and that’s what it takes to win a football game.”

Oscar Rutherford’s opener just before the hour mark looked to have put Argyle in the drivers' seat after they controlled much of the game up until that point.

However, Forest Green Rovers struck twice with 16 minutes left and left Argyle fruitless.

This weekend’s away trip is the second in three consecutive away trips for the young Greens and an opportunity for the academy to return to winning ways.

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