Lowry positive ahead of Bromley test

Argyle Under-18s Head Coach Jamie Lowry believes his side have put a previous heavy defeat behind them and are in a positive position to face Bromley in the South Youth Alliance League on Wednesday. 

A 6-1 defeat to Cheltenham Town in Gloucestershire at the end of August was a shock to the system, but a week of preparation and reflection places Lowry and the Greens in good stead before the tie at Millennium Fields. 

“We are really positive after a good few training days,” Lowry told Argyle TV. “We had no game at the weekend, so we were able to get an extra training session in and give the boys the work they needed. We’re looking to react after our last result. 

“Cheltenham was really disappointing. In the first 45 minutes, we didn't compete or work hard, didn't do the nitty-gritty side of football, and conceded from four set plays. It was better in the second half, but we didn't take our chances and conceded two poor goals at the end. 

“To go and perform like that and be 4-1 down after 45 minutes, because of our own downfall and not doing the basics of football, was very disappointing, but it’s been and gone now.  

“That’s what we spoke about. We had a bit of a debrief on Wednesday with the boys, got them in, watched the game back, reflected, and then said, 'that's that done.' Now, it's on to the next one and how we respond and react.  

“We spoke about what the lads wanted to do better and what they want to improve on. We keep saying actions speak louder than words and that's our motto going into Wednesday.” 

Both sides are yet to claim their opening league win of the season, which might add pressure on some of the players. Lowry believes a positive reaction and performance can easily be seen after a strong week of preparations. 

“Maybe a little bit [of pressure is added]. I think it's just for our boys to react. Especially with us playing at home and Bromley having to travel a long distance like we do many away games, but it's something that the boys need to know.  

“They need to come up with a performance after the last outing. It’s about going into the game with the right mindset, wanting to do the basics right and work hard, wanting to run and compete, and then our quality will show in the right moments when we get in the right areas.”