Way wants another strong showing

Darren Way’s young Greens look to further strengthen their grip as EFL Youth Alliance Merit League One front runners on Friday, as they travel away to ninth placed Stevenage under-18s.

A win in the Academy’s final away game of the season would mean they would require a minimum of five points from their last three games to secure top spot.

With a final three home game stretch, Darren said, “It’ll be good for the run in and having to travel because preparation is a key part of winning football matches.

“They’ve got to travel four or five hours and then play a game and travel back.

“It’s a huge amount of discipline involved in making sure we are in the right mindset when we get off the bus.”

Life in Merit League One has seen Argyle unbeaten so far and that good form was continued last week, at Harpers Park, with a 3-0 win against a strong AFC Wimbledon under-18 side.

“It was a very good performance witnessed by all the first-team staff, which was very pleasing for staff, but two for the players who put in excellent performances,” Darren said.

Oscar Massey’s injury time goal sealed a much-earned victory for the Greens, but Darren now turns his focus to Stevenage, a side with one win from their five outings in the league, and what it will require to make sure the squad keep up the pace, “It’s making sure the squad stays focused.

“We always respect the opposition; they’ve got some excellent individual players that have got that little bit of brilliance.

“We’ve had one occasion where the opposition can embarrass us and we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

It has been a year of improvement for the Academy, highlighted by a triple win against Devon rivals, Exeter City, and now their trailblazing position in the Merit League.

Darren closed by passing his praise onto the squad that have soared above expectations, “They’ve been very good throughout the second part of the season with an excellent work ethic and a real togetherness, so that makes life a lot easier.”

You can follow goal updates of Friday’s 2pm kick-off on Twitter @PAFCAcademy