Swindon Town under-18s 3 Argyle 2

A last minute strike doomed Argyle's youngsters to an opening day defeat in this season's Football League Youth Alliance Southern Section, as the Pilgrims lost by the odd goal in five. 

Midfielder Dan Rooney scored twice to draw Argyle level on two occasions, but a late winner saw the Robins breasting the tape first. 

"We probably created more chances that we have for a long time," said Academy Manager Kevin Hodges, "but we then got caught with a couple of sucker punch goals. I couldn't complain at the commitment as we worked hard and had a lot of good play."

The young Pilgrims found themselves a goal down after just 12 minutes but they restored parity eight minutes later. Midfielder Dan Rooney, brother of first year professional Louis, showed good feet in the Robins area to create a yard of space required for him to find the corner of the home goal.

Swindon took just five minutes to restore their lead as a free-kick bounced over goalkeeper Cory Harvey and into the back of the net.

The second half was just 10 minutes old when Argyle levelled for the second time as Rooney intercepted a pass across goal to run on and round the Robin's goalkeeper and coolly slot the ball home.

Argyle's twin strikers Alex Battle and Alex Fletcher both had an off day in front of goal as Argyle spurned several chances and they were made to pay as the Argyle defence failed to clear their lines give Swindon the chance to snatch all three points.

Argyle: Cory Harvey, Billy Palfrey, Jordan Bentley, Owen Jones, Jamil Roberts (Josh Richards 55), Aaron Taylor, Jack Calver, Dan Rooney, Alex Fletcher, Jason Vincent (Billy Craske 75), Alex Battle.