Something Brewing

The Greens were edged out by just one goal in a thrilling 4-3 clash with the Exiles, who were managed on the day by former Pilgrim Warren Feeney, and saw their striker Aaron Collins bag all four goals. Argyle's goals came through Louis Rooney, Tyler Harvey and Deane Smalley. 

Argyle's line-up featured three under 18 players in their starting 11, whilst first team squad members Aaron Bentley, James Bittner, Ryan Brunt, Tyler Harvey, Ben Purrington, Louis Rooney and Deane Smalley also started. “We had three under-18 players in the starting 11 and they’ll get good experience from that," said Craig. "It’s another step on the way up their ladder.

“There’s been a few guys come back from injury long-term. Deano: it was really good to see him. I thought his performance was really good, he looked like his old self. Louis Rooney playing wide right, gives us a threat. [Ryan] Brunty through the middle, after a fantastic goal the other day and Tyler [Harvey] playing where he enjoys playing.

“It was a bit end to end today. For all the hard work we did, then a couple of minutes later they would equalise or they would go ahead and we fought hard to equalise.

“We’re disappointed with losing the goal with two minutes to go but they were a threat up top and we found it tough defensively.

“I thought it was a good game. They [Newport] came and they were decent, there were one or two experienced players in their team and trying to get that balance is always what you’re looking for in a team. They were a threat going forward and you can see why the boy Collins is rated highly, he was a threat all day to us.”

Although the Pilgrims were on the end of a disappointing result, performances from Louis Rooney and Smalley were impressive, according to Brewster. “I thought [Rooney] was a threat today. He looked hungry, he looked sharp and strong. He was a threat to them.

“He’s [Smalley] played a couple of Peninsula games on a Saturday morning and got another 80-85 minutes under his belt which will do him the world of good. I thought he looked bright today."