Oxford United Under-18's 4 Argyle 4

The EFL Youth Alliance League draw specialists struck again as Argyle recorded their fourth draw in their four league games to date this season.

The result was especially frustrating as the young Pilgrims as they had built up a 3-0 first half lead only to concede four goals in the second half. Dan Rooney's late goal salvaged a point, but the game still felt like a chance missed. 

"The first half was probably the best we have played this season," said Argyle coach Shaun Taylor.

It took just 16 minutes for Argyle to take the lead; Alex Fletcher's drive was saved by the U's goalkeeper but Aaron Taylor was alert as he snapped up the loose ball to lash it into the net.

Fletcher's fine run, eight minutes later, took him into the home box where he was unceremoniously felled. He took the spot-kick himself, sent the 'keeper the wrong way, and Argyle lead 2-0. 

The third goal came on the stroke of half time as Josh Richards corner found Callum Rose, whose header flying high into the top corner of the goal.

Defensive lapses saw Oxford score in the 62nd, 70th, 72nd and 78th minutes to take the lead, but the young Pilgrims showed great spirit. They came back into the game again and the impressive Fletcher's fine run saw his final pass put in Dan Rooney. Rooney sent in a fierce shot that hit the inside of the near post, flew across the goal-line and snuck inside the opposite post.

Argyle had a couple of chances to win the game but the found the home 'keeper in excellent form and this topsy-turvy encounter ended honours even. 

Argyle: Mike Cooper, Tom Purrington, Callum Rose, Jordan Bentley, Ryan Law, Aaron Taylor (Billy Craske 78), Josh Richards, Dan Rooney, Connor McAuley, Alex Fletcher, Alex Battle (Luke Jephcott 75).

Substitutes not used: Max Childs, Elliott Crawford.