Academy Preview | Forest Green (A)

Argyle’s Under-18s are back in action this Saturday, 19 November as they play Forest Green Rovers away in the Youth Alliance League (11am). 

The Young Pilgrims arrive at this week’s game following a draw against Bristol Rovers at Millennium Fields. In a match with chances for both sides, Way’s side showed courage and purpose but unfortunately, a Rovers strike just before the final whistle meant the game ended 1-1.

Several times this season, manager Darren Way has had to dip deeper into the squad of young players as others have been called into action for the first team, and this is likely to be the case again this weekend.

“We've had a little bit of a mixed group this year,” said Way. “I think it's been interesting to watch. we've had two Under-16s play regularly for the Under-18s. I think those players have experienced the level they're going to go into and are making sure they learn from their experiences.

“We are trying to create a winning environment; everyone wants to win as a team. But we also must make sure we understand and get the balance right because we have lost on numerous occasions, which is not bad by the way, as three, four or five of our players were with the first team.

“I've really enjoyed watching the Papa Johns competition this year just because I think some of our lads have played a massive part in the programme. I have to thank the gaffer and the first team staff for involving them and allowing them to get that experience.”

Now Argyle will be taking on Forest Green Rovers who coming into the game on the back of a narrow defeat against the divisional leaders, AFC Bournemouth. Rovers are bottom of the table with only one win, but their close-run things against the Cherries proves they will no pushovers.

Argyle, on the other hand, are working to get back to the form they were carrying towards the beginning of the season. 

“Forest Greens are tough,” said Darren. “We've had some tricky games and they play on the artificial pitch which we haven't played on for some time now, so the players have to adjust,

“But the message is the same every week. We've got to make sure that every single player that we put within our match day squad is ready to perform.”