Under-18s v Exeter (A) | Preview
It has been two weeks since Argyle’s Under-18s last played, and they are back in action on Saturday morning with a Devon Derby against Exeter City.
The Young Pilgrims have won both their games this season, without conceding a goal. They opened with a 2-0 victory at Cheltenham Town, before a 4-0 home win against Forest Green Rovers. This weekend, they look to continue their 100% record about 45 miles up the A38.
With no game last weekend, manager Darren Way ensured that some players got some valuable family time in, and that plenty of the squad were on hand for a high-quality first-team fixture against Southampton at Home Park.
“The players that live in accommodation hadn’t been home for a while, so it was a good opportunity for them to see their families,” Darren told Argyle TV.
“We did see the first-team game, which was an incredible game to watch, with a high level of detail. Sometimes our players need to see that, and experience that, because they know the challenges and standards that we set, and the reasons why.”
The game against Exeter brings with it the geographical history between the sides, but Way played down the rivalry aspect of the fixture, and stressed that his players are plenty used to playing against City, having progressed through various age groups in which the fixture is a very common one.
He said: “A number of the players have been at the football club for a long time, so they are used to playing derbies now. As coaches, we need to make sure we stick to our principles, not let the game be overcome with a little bit of doubt, or a little bit of fear. We’ve got to make sure we got to these games and are brave, and play the Plymouth way.”
Freddie Issaka and Caleb Roberts, two under-18s who have professional status at Argyle, played a large part in the first-team’s pre-season build-up, are now back with Way’s side. Both players were on the bench for Argyle’s first-team season opener against Huddersfield Town, then played a part in the Carabao Cup win over Leyton Orient.
Roberts signed a new professional deal last week, committing him to Home Park until 2025. Way says Caleb’s contract is a great day for all associated with Argyle’s Academy.
“It gives everyone who has worked with Caleb over a number of years reward to know that it has been recognised. We’re not talking a one-year contract, we’re talking three years, and Caleb deserves that, with his technical ability, that little bit of devilment that he has got, that little bit of pitch personality; it’s nice to see for everyone involved in the Academy.
“There are improvements [within the team] every week. From the time we started the journey, some of the areas that we are working on are definitely improving.
“It’s nice to have Caleb and Freddie back with the players; the players enjoy that. You can see what Freddie and Caleb bring to the team. The experience they get with the first team they bring back to the 18s. We’re all growing together and loving every minute of it.”
