FOLLOWING Argyle’s battling 1-0 victory away to Mansfield last week, defender Scott Wootton was keen to point out just how important a win it could turn out to be.
A run of games without a win had left the Pilgrims slipping down the embryonic Sky Bet League Two table, and nobody was more pleased than Argyle’s no. 5 by the Green response at the One Call Stadium.
“It felt bigger than just the three points last week, we hadn’t been on a good run, conceding a few goals,” said Wootton. “I think confidence is always better after you’ve picked up three points. After a big win last week, we feel like we need to kick on.”
He was, however, quick to emphasise how the Pilgrims need to build on that momentum.
“That [Mansfield win] will mean nothing if we don’t go and beat Scunthorpe on Saturday,” he said.
As any defender would be, ‘Wootts’ was pleased to help power Argyle to victory last week, and feels galvanised after keeping a clean sheet on the road last Saturday.
“We’d had a bit of criticism, so to keep a clean sheet, especially with their strike-force being one of the best in the league on paper, it felt like a big moment,” he said.
“It’s key. If we can keep a clean sheet at the back, it gives the attacking players more licence to go and get goals. Likewise, if they score two or three then it will take the pressure off of the defence.
“As a defender, I want to get the balance right, keep clean sheets. I think teams who keep clean sheets will always win games, especially with the talent we’ve got in the team.”
Buoyed by the win over the Stags, Scott feels that this week’s training has been very positive, and Argyle’s strategic preparation likewise.
“Training has been really good this week, as it was the week before Mansfield – we’ve had a good, tough week,” he said. “We worked hard on Tuesday, so we’d be prepared for the game. We’ll have a game plan like we always do and we’ll go and look to get the three points”.
Looking forward to Saturday, Scott is keen to continue the fight against 23rd placed Scunthorpe. Despite their poor start to the campaign, with only one win in 11, he knows they [Scunthorpe] will be eager to get a positive result and turn their fortunes around.
“They’ve had a poor start, but I’m sure they’ll be wanting to put things right,” said Scott.
“It’s going to be a really, really tough game, we’re all aware of that, but one we feel confident enough to go and get the win. They’ve got a good manager, a good set of players, so it’s one we’re looking forward to.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/2019/october/bigger-than-just-three-points/
Image courtesy of Plymouth Argyle FC