Saltash Utd 1 Argyle XI 2

ARGYLE'S Development side came from behind to defeat Saltash United at the Kimberley Stadium.

Academy manager Kevin Hodges, pictured, was pleased with the performance and with the calibre of opposition his side had faced.

Kevin said: "It was extremely hot which made it hard for the lads but the worked hard.

"It was another excellent workout as these games are great for the players' development.

"We have been fortunate that the teams we have played this pre-season have conducted themselves very well.

"There have not been any silly challenges or anything of that kind which made this a worthwhile exercise against a Saltash outfit that always make us feel welcome."

With manager John Sheridan and his assistants, Sean speedy right winger Solomon Wheatley caused the Saltash defence several anxious moments in the early stages.

First, he hit the bar from 12 yards before testing the home 'keeper with a close range header 14 minutes later.

The hosts, who finished sixth in last season's Calsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division, broke the deadlock on 23 minutes when the Greens' defence hesitated, allowing Lewis Young to net with a 15-yard volley.
 
It was slightly against the run-of-play when Argyle's hard-working skipper, River Allen, levelled just before the interval direct from a well-struck, low, 20-yard free kick, after Kieran Asumadu-Sakyi was brought down.
 
Hodges made a number of substitutions in the second half and it was one of his replacements who supplied the all-important finish for the visitor's winning goal.

Nathan Ewings, a midfielder from the Pilgrims' Community football education programme, had only been on the pitch for five minutes when he sealed victory with an opportunist goal in the 65th minute.

He ghosted into the home penalty area and side-footed home a right-wing cross from 12 yards to secure a win the Greens deserved for their improved second half display.
 
Argyle: Andrew Hannah (Jake McCabe, 70), Mason Hughes, Tom Moxham, River Allen, Will Sargeant, Nathan Summers, Solomon Wheatley (Teagan Rosenquest 85), Keiran Asumuda-Sakyi, L. Rooney (Ethan. Stark 45), Jake Miller (Nathan Ewings 60), Joshua Hutchinson (Jason Vincent 70, Lambert Keise 85).