Perks previews cup trip to Maidenhead

Argyle Women Head Coach Ryan Perks and his side hold a positive mindset ahead of Sunday’s FA Women’s National League Cup tie against Maidenhead United. 

The Greens travel to York Road to face the Division One South West side in the first round of the competition, with Argyle previously beating Bridgwater United and London Bees in qualifying rounds to secure their current position.  

Perks was delighted with his side's performance in league action against Billericay Town in their previous game, despite the result, and is hoping to continue forward positively. 

“I think we're all staying positive,” Perks told Argyle TV. “The performance was very good last weekend, although the result didn't go our way. We've had some reflection time and watched the game back, and it was a positive performance. We've just got to get better in that final third and take our chances.  

“We're creating lots of opportunities. I would be more concerned if we weren’t. We've worked on that this week in training and, hopefully, we get plenty of opportunities to showcase that in the game on Sunday.  

“It takes a little while for the group to click. We've brought in a few players, a few of whom haven't had many minutes over the last 12 months, so they're starting to get up to speed now. 

“The understanding between the players is growing. I think all the players are starting to play the way we want them to play and do the things we're asking them to do in training, and they can see our ideas coming out on the pitch. Although the results haven't been what we want, our performance levels are improving week by week and I think results will start coming.”

In previous cup fixtures this season, a rotated Argyle side has prevailed. Despite not being the main goal for the year, Perks will look to continue winning ways whilst granting more players game time. 

He said: “We always seem to do well in the cup games, and we have in previous years. It gives you a nice little break from the league, but also allows you to rotate players a little and have a look at different ideas.  

“The cup is not our main focus, but we compete still. We want to go as far as we can in it. That's no different this year. We'll treat Maidenhead with the respect they deserve, and we'll go into the game and look to win and progress into the next round.   

“Taya [Pomfret] still won't be involved this weekend. She's back in light training, under precaution. She probably could get involved, but we won't use her with a busy week coming up in the league the week after. Georgia Wilson won't be available as well but everyone else should be fit and ready to go.  

“We will do a little rotation in the starting 11, but not too much. If we look back to the previous round against Bridgwater, we changed a lot and almost got caught out. We want to build a bit of confidence and get that relationship building with players. There will be a few changes, but not too many.”