Perks previews huge home clash with Gwalia
Argyle return to FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division action on Sunday when Gwalia United visit Home Park.
Two victorious, exciting performances against Billericay Town, in the FAWNL Cup, and Poole Town, in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, have placed Ryan Perks' side in good stead, and he continues his belief that results in the league will soon come.
The Greens’ Head Coach believes that a difficult start to the league campaign can be turned on its head, but only through continued hard work and understanding of what needs to be done in November.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into league action,” Perks told Argyle TV. “I think it's really important that in these next two games, against Gwalia and Cheltenham Town, we get some positive results, especially with both being at home. We've had a difficult start at Home Park this season, so we want to put on a positive display and get three points for the fans who come along and watch.
“I think the girls have been confident, even though the results haven't been going our way in games. Our performance levels have been pretty good for most of the season. We’ve had a couple of dips in performances and that's probably even been in cup competitions - and we've won those games. We’re going in with confidence on the back of two positive results and we need that momentum to continue into the league.
“I think they’ve just got to do the basics right: outwork Gwalia, compete, and win first and second balls. That's going to be essential in both games. They're both tough oppositions. They work hard without the ball, so we've got to match that energy and then play the football we want to play.
“We've set the girls a target and want to win both games. I think it's vital for the season and, again, to build momentum and keep going. This is the time of year we normally kick into gear and start picking up results. Hopefully, that can continue, and we can get the three points on Sunday.”
Squad rotation was a feature ahead of Sunday's game against Poole, with Perks making five changes to the starting line-up from the previous game. Luckily for the Greens, an almost full squad is available for the important league tie, including Ellie Sara returning from an illness.
He said: “Ellie's back in training, so she'll be back in the squad this weekend. Amii's [Kearley] back as well, so she’ll be back amongst it. The only player not available is Grace [Smith] and she's getting there slowly.
“It's going to be difficult. We're going to have to leave players out of the squad again and some players have done themselves justice in the game last weekend. Fern [Orchard] came on, scored two and had a positive impact. She's banging on the door to get in the starting 11.
“We did rotate the team last week, but we also relied on making some changes at important times. For example, Ella [Stephens] coming off the bench had a positive impact and she will be back in the starting 11.
“She's been a breath of fresh air, a great signing and a little hidden gem to be fair. We’ll pick the team we feel is best to get the three points on Sunday.”
A key feature of Home Park games is the continuous support the Green Army gives. Perks sends a thank you message for the help at home games this season, but also to get behind the girls against Gwalia United.
“We need them to be that 12th player,” Perks said. “Get behind the girls and cheer us because we need it. We want the three points just as much as they want them, so Green Army, be as loud as you can and just carry us over the line. We appreciate all the support, no matter where we are.”
