Our U18 side are in action this weekend against Plymouth Argyle, looking to put a disappointing 5-1 loss against Bristol Rovers behind them ahead of Saturdays match at Velodrome Way.
We preview Argyle’s last five matches, previous fixtures between the two sides and a lowdown on the backroom staff ahead of our important fixture against the Devon-based side.
Previous Fixtures
Last season, County’s U18’s played Argyle three times - drawing the first fixture and then winning the next two fixtures during the 16/17 season.
The fixture was twice hosted at Lliswerry School last season, with a 2-2 draw in August contributing to a 6th place finish in the Youth Alliance League South.
A 3-0 win at Lliswerry school in February put the Young Exiles on their way to winning the Merit League 1 for the first time in their history.
Backroom Staff
Plymouth’s academy is currently lead by academy manager Kevin Hodges – an ex-player who has over 500 appearances and 81 goals for The Pilgrims.
Head of academy coaching is currently occupied by former co-caretaker for Argyle’s first-team in 2013, Kevin Nancekivell.
Former Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Plymouth keeper Rhys Willmot is in his second spell as academy goalkeeping coach – after working with the first-team as a goalkeeping coach, before re-joining the academy set-up in 2015.
The ex-professional keeper was born in Newport – he worked his way through Arsenal’s youth sides before making his first-team debut in 1980.
Last Five Fixtures
Plymouth’s U18 side have had a good run of results in their last five games, picking up nine points from a possible twelve in the league.
They were knocked out of the Youth Alliance Cup by Luton Town after a 2-0 loss away from home earlier this month.
Argyle’s other loss came against Yeovil Town in their last match – falling to a 3-0 defeat at home.
Match Details
The match will take place at Lliswerry School – where the Young Exiles will look to pick up a win against The Pilgrims at home.
If you aren’t headed to Kenilworth Road this weekend, come down to Velodrome Way and support the future of the club this weekend! (11AM Kick-Off – Pitch 2, NP19 4RA)