Stan and Deliver

The Pilgrims recorded another win, on the road at Notts County, on Sunday, to cement their position at the top of the table, three points clear of Portsmouth and Oxford. 

"It was a thoroughly deserved victory, it was a hard place to go to," said Derek. 

"The rest of the teams had played before us and that puts an extra pressure on you because there was a lot of good results in and around the play-off places so we wanted to get the three points to stay ahead and keep the momentum going." 

Adams men now face Accrington Stanley this weekend; a side that could be described as the surprise package of the season so far. In their nine seasons in Sky Bet League 2, they have finished in the bottom half eight times, including the last four. 

They currently sit fifth, having accumulated 22 points from 12 games. They have won their last three on the road, so Derek knows this test will be a tough one. 

"They've scored goals, they've defended well and they've done well away from home this season," said the manager. 

"John Coleman has built a foundation and he's taken in players that can create - like we have. They've got Windass in their team that can score goals for them. That all bodes well for the season ahead for them. To start the season in the manner that they have is exceptional."

Frequently this season, Argyle have been praised for their attacking flamboyance and spectular goals. The win at County demonstrated their ability to be mean at the other end of the park, too. 

"We've got good defenders and goalkeeper as well," said Derek. "They're the ones that give us the spine of the team, they give us that solid foundation to play on.

"[Luke's] been outstanding for us this season. He's made a number of vital saves at good times in the game.

"The creativity - the ones that can run and score - can give us the goals." 

Graham Carey did not start at Meadow Lane, instead coming on as a second half substitution. It remains to be seen if he will be back in the thick of it this weekend.

"He's not 100% just yet," said Derek, "so we're assessing him over the next couple of days, Everybody else is getting there. Deane Smalley is probably the only one that is still recovering from injury.

"Everybody else is ready to go."