Under 18s Preview | Exeter City (A)
Argyle Under-18s Head Coach Jamie Lowry is feeling positive about his side as they head into Saturday’s Devon Derby against Exeter City.
Lowry’s side lost their first two games of the season, the second of which to a late goal against Gillingham last weekend. Jamie says he has seen good reactions from his team before, and is expecting to see one again, as the Greens meet the Grecians at Tiverton Town’s ground, on Saturday morning.
“They're a very technical side, so we'll have to be good in possession,” Lowry told Argyle TV. “When we get the ball in possession, we'll have to keep it for long periods to really work them.
“The reaction I got from the start of the second half [against Gillingham] was pleasing. Then again, it's those moments towards the end of the game which let us down and we slightly lost our way in the last five to ten minutes.
“I’m feeling positive. It's about obviously reacting and going again. We've reviewed the game and looked at the positives and negatives to go on and improve.”
The Greens may have lost their opening first two games of their South Youth Alliance league season, but Lowry hopes for a strong result after a strong week of preparation.
“The boys have had a good week,” Lowry said. “It's all about how we respond from the weekend. They're up for it. They should be with it being a Devon Derby, against our neighbours up the road. They're up for it like they are with every game to be fair.
“Hopefully, we’re at that learning stage and have picked up from the last couple of games where we've had little moments that have cost us the result. I hope we've learnt from those mistakes to improve.
“I've seen lots of positives in the games. In both games, we've probably been the better team, but had little moments that have cost us the result. We need to be more ruthless in the attacking third, and in keeping the ball out of the back of our net, or our box.
“There's plenty to improve and work on with our performance.”
In last week’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Gillingham, one positive came via the man leading the line: Joe Hatch. The forward had struggled with an injury, which left him out of pre-season action. In his first start of the season, he scored Argyle’s only goal against the Gills, which Lowry is happy with.
Jamie said: “Joe had a hamstring injury at the very end of last season, so missed pre-season in terms of being with the team. It's just been a gradual return to play with his minutes.
“The reason he was on the bench at MK Dons was just because he wasn't ready to play a full game. He started against Gillingham, and it’s great for him to get his goal, it’ll boost his confidence, and he will get sharper as he gets more minutes.”
