Oxford U18 1 Argyle 0

A young Argyle side put up a spirited performance against table topping Oxford before going down to the narrowest of defeats at the Oxford Sports Club ground.

Coach Kevin Hodges included four schoolboys in the starting line-up in goalkeeper Cory Harvey and midfielders Jack Calver, Billy Palfrey and Jake Miller.

With no first team game Hodges was able to included Ben Purrington in the centre of his defence.

Left winger Callum Hall sent a shot over the bar in an early Argyle attack and, on the half-hour, Harvey distinguished himself when he saved a point blank header from Marvin Eptuchka.

On 42 minutes Greg Hackett what proved to be the winning goal when he cut in from the right wing and beat Harvey with a low drive from 20 yards.

The Pilgrims had a lucky escape, midway through the second half, when left winger Sam Humphries hit the post with an angled drive.

At the other end Miller's driving run in to the Oxford area ended with a fierce shot which forced the home 'keeper to make a fine diving save.

During the second half Hodges gave three more schoolboys their debuts bringing on striker Alex Fletcher, defender Liam Knowles and midfielder Ben Stear.

In the closing stages Purrington headed off the Argyle goalline to deny Oxford a second goal.