Under 18s - Bournemouth 3 Argyle 1

Under 18s - Bournemouth 3 Argyle 1

A YOUNG Argyle side were left still looking for their first Football League Youth Alliance victory of the season after defensive frailties cost them dearly in this defeat in Hampshire.

The Cherries led 2-0 at half-time, and although Argyle scored midway through the second half via Luke Jephcott to halve the deficit, Bournemouth put the game beyond doubt with 13 minutes to play. 

"Bournemouth were the better side in the first half, said Academy Manager Kevin Hodges. "We have six attampts at goal but only two were on target.

"Unfortunately we conceded goals at key times, but to their credit the lads played well in the second half. We got back in the game after young Luke Jephcott scored his first goal for the under-18's.

"Some good things came out of the game with youngsters making their debuts and showing up well."

The Cherries hit Argyle on 12 minutes when a ball in behind the defence found the home forward fire through goalkeeper Cory Harvey's legs from an accute angle.

Argyle were aggrieved at the penalty award that gave the home side their second goal on the stroke of half time. Bournemouth were penalised for holding at a corner, and able to give themselves a two-goal cushion at the break. 

The visitors came back strongly after the break creating several good opportunities, and got their reward in the 67th minute when Alex Battle crossed to the far post for Jephcott to score with a good header.

Momentum was now with the Greens but they were caught again, on 77 minutes, when a Bournemouth player burst clear.Harvey was adjudged to have made contact in the area, and a second successfully converted penalty of the afternoon put the game beyond Argyle.

Argyle: Cory Harvey, Billy Palfrey, Jordan Bentley, Owen Jones, Ryan Law, (Harry Hodges 77), Dan Rooney, Aaron Taylor, Alex Battle (Billy Craske 77), Connor Macauley (Luke Jephcott 65), Jason Vincent, Alex Fletcher.