Argyle Women turn their attention to the FA Women’s National League Plate this Sunday, as they welcome Arsenal PGA to Home Park in the round of 32.
Arsenal PGA, or Professional Game Academy, are the Gunners’ Under-21s side and progressed to the Plate after finishing runners-up in their group, with draws against Oxford United and MK Dons, as well as a win over Abingdon United.
Argyle entered the competition having placed second in their group with a loss to Bridgwater United and wins over Torquay United and Marine Academy Plymouth.
Head Coach Matt Green believes Arsenal will offer a different challenge to what his young side are used to, with most of the opposition’s squad around the same age.
He said: “Arsenal will bring a lot of challenges. They train four times a week as part of their programme so it’s going to be a tough test.
”Yes, the age of the players will be very similar to what we've got here. So, it's a level playing field in that respect, but we've watched games back of Arsenal and listen, they're a very good side. So, we have to be on it, we have to turn up. We have to go through the gameplan that we've been working on this week, and we have to apply ourselves well.”
Argyle’s preparations follow Wednesday night’s Devon derby defeat against Exeter City, where the Pilgrims lost 5-1 with Ali Lambe scoring. Green is keen to take encouragement from the second-half performance despite the disappointing result.
He said: “People will look at the scoreline from Wednesday night, but we will try and focus on those small wins that we can take into the rest of this week.
”In that second half, there were definitely things that we did well. The goal was certainly a confidence booster for the girls, and it came from a set piece which is something that the girls work hard on during the week – so it was great for Ali to get that in.
“Another good thing is that games of football come around really quickly and we have now got to focus on Arsenal this Sunday.”
The Pilgrims will be without new signings Millie Pullen and Libby Gimson for this weekend’s cup tie, with the pair unavailable after featuring for Lewes and Bridgwater United respectively earlier in the competition.
This situation paired with a few injuries will leave Green with limited options, but he believes his squad will be able to replicate their previous effort levels, regardless of personnel.
“We’re a little bit light on the ground, but those players that come in will give 110% for the shirt and for the club,” he said. “It’s just something that we have to deal with – that’s football. We will prepare properly, like usual, and give it a real good go.”
Despite the selection challenges, Argyle fans can take encouragement from their latest signings’ impacts. The latest of those, Gimson, made her debut against Exeter shortly after completing her move to the Greens from Bridgwater.
Green believes her experience and versatility will be valuable to his youthful team.
He said: “Libby brings a bit of experience and bit of footballing nous which is only going to benefit the youngsters that we’ve got in the squad.
“She’s another positive signing and is someone who is not just here for this year, but hopefully a few years. Libby will bring a lot of steel to that midfield and defensive area which is something that we need at the minute.”
Away from first-team preparations, four members of Argyle’s squad have received national recognition this week with Phoebe Bettey, Kiesha Walker, Brooklyn Brothers and Khloe Reed selected for the English Colleges FA (ECFA) trials.
Green believes the achievement highlights the strength of the pathway, which combines education with competitive football through the Argyle Community Trust.
“It’s a great advert for us as a football club and our post-16 education programme, run by the Trust,” he said. “It’s a joined-up approach that we as a club have with the programme and long may that continue.”
Those four players will be available for Sunday’s FAWNL Plate fixture and with a place in the next round at stake Argyle will be looking to rise to the challenge against Arsenal PGA.
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