Way keen for Rovers response

Argyle’s youngsters will be looking to bounce back after bowing out of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup last weekend, when they return to league action on Saturday.

The under-18s take on Forest Green Rovers in the EFL Youth Alliance League, keen to build on the good run of form shown already this season.

Prior to their cup exit to Exeter City on penalties last weekend, the Academy had recorded back-to-back wins against Newport County AFC and AFC Bournemouth.

With those results and the performance against the Grecians last time out, manager Darren Way is positive his side can respond.

He said, “The lads never give in.  We have spoken about ‘bouncebackability’ this week and every time we have asked the players to do it, they have given us that.

“So, hopefully we can expect a good performance on Saturday.”

As well as the usual weekly routine, the Academy players were given some specialist training last week when they were put through their paces by the Royal Navy.

The squad and coaches had a military experience on Bigbury Beach and had to take part in a number of exercises used by the Navy for new recruits.

Darren said that it was a hugely beneficial opportunity, “It was brilliant for character building and is something that we’ve been trying to do for a very long time

“We did a session on emotional intelligence beforehand which was really, really good.

“I think the rewards are massive for us and we are very thankful for the Navy for allowing us to do that.”

It is hoped that the extra training, not just on fitness but on team bonding and mental strength with benefit the players in the long run.

This weekend, their clash with Forest Green is an opportunity to put some of those new skills to the test.

The visitors are without a win so far in the new EFL Youth Alliance campaign and were beaten the last time they came to Devon, losing 4-0 at Home Park.

Although Way is confident his side can repeat that performance, he is expecting a different sort of challenge.

He said, “We played against them last season and they have made quite a few changes.

“They play a different system to when we played them last time and they have a new manager.

“I think in terms of us, playing the Plymouth way, that doesn’t change. We need to make sure in terms of our players, that we stick to our responsibilities.

“If we get our players performing then normally, we win and thankfully we have been on the right end of that more than the wrong.”