Under-18s v Newport County (A) | Preview

Another week, another opportunity for Argyle Under-18s to extend their unbeaten start to the season as they travel to Newport County in the Youth Alliance League.

It is not long since the sides met in cup action. In a game played at Tavistock on 15th September, Argyle were reduced to ten players with the scores goalless, but still managed to come away 3-0 winners thanks to two goals from Freddie Issaka and one from Sam Lord.

Jamie Lowry’s young Pilgrims will be without Issaka this Saturday, as he is away with Wales Under-19s, and the suspended Jack Matthews, but with a record of played seven, won seven from the season in all competitions, they have every reason to go into the game confident.

Confident, but not complacent.

“We address complacency often when we have our meetings,” said Lowry. “We often speak about it in analysis, or before training, just guarding against complacency.

“We ask: ‘what has got you here? Why are you doing so well?’ and the answer is hard work and consistency.

“Now, with seven wins out of seven, we are there to be shot at. Everyone is up for playing you, and wants to put in a performance against you. They want to be the first to turn you over.

“For us, there is no rocking up at 50 or 60 per cent. It’s 100 per cent, every time. If you take your foot off the gas, you lose out.”

Newport, in league action, have played six games, winning one, drawing one and losing the other four.

Newport have been fairly free-scoring despite their record. County have scored 14 goals from their six games, but have conceded 22, which is a divisional high.

“We will go there with the mindset of keeping a clean sheet, giving us a good opportunity to win the game. We know it is very different going to an away game; getting up early to travel is a very different mindset.

“In terms of analysis and preparation for the game, it helps, because we have recently played them and they are likely to play in the same style. They had a close game at Portsmouth last week, losing 4-3.

“Newport will bring a physical edge, a never-say-die attitude and they are a threat going forward – they are very bright on set plays, they spend a lot of time on different routines.

“If we guard against our complacency, we’ve got a great chance of winning.”