Under-18s v Cheltenham (H) Preview

As Argyle meet Cheltenham Town in the Youth Alliance League on Tuesday, they do so knowing that they could secure the division title that day. 

Argyle meet Cheltenham at 1pm, with nearest rivals Swindon Town away to Bristol Rovers at 2pm. 

The Greens top the division, with 32 points from 14 games. Swindon are five points behind, with a game in hand. If Argyle win their game, then Swindon do not win theirs, the Pilgrims will win the Youth Alliance League. 

If the league is not secured on Tuesday, then attention will turn to Swindon's remaining games, one of which is against Argyle. There is the prospect of a grandstand finish to the season but, understandably, Argyle Under-18s manager Jamie Lowry would like to wrap things up as soon as possible. 

"It would be a brilliant achievement to win the Youth Alliance League," said Lowry, "and we know everything remains in our hands. 

"Whenever you are in the sort of situation, you want to wrap it up as soon as possible, but even if we win against Cheltenham, Swindon could well win their game and take things even further. 

"We've focused on the boys on doing their jobs, and not worrying about anything else. We will distil everything into 90 minutes of football, then worry about everything else later. 

"Everything we do in the under-18s programme is for the development of the players. It is about improving them, as people and as footballers, and that does not solely include winning things. However, we are trying to create that elite mentality, and so having the experience of playing in big games, with a bit of pressure, will stand them all in good stead for later in their careers."

Argyle played Cheltenham in the first game of the Youth Alliance League season, in August, and won 2-0. The sides also met in cup action, with Lowry's team emerging as 3-2 victors, but only after Cheltenham had gone in front twice. It took a winning goal from Josh Bernard in the final moments of the game to seal that particular win. 

"Although the table is in our favour, there is a lot of work to do yet," said Lowry. "Our game will not be taken for granted. Cheltenham are a really good side; they are fourth in the league, and are always difficult to play against. 

"They will be coming to us thinking that they want to spoil our party. They will be up for it, and we will need to deal with their threats, stick our game plan and try to play our football. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and so are the boys."

The game will take place at Ashbury Manor in Okehampton, with weather conditions necessitating a change of venue. Members of the public will NOT be allowed to access to watch the game, but we will have coverage, as usual, on our X (formerly Twitter) page at Twitter.com/PAFCAcademy.