Swindon Town Under 18s 2 Argyle 2

ARGYLE'S youngsters were left awaiting their first victory in the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League One after surrendering a two-goal lead in Wiltshire for their second draw in three games.

"Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities in difficult conditions," said Academy Manager Kevin Hodges. "We are a little disappointed that we didn't extend our lead in the second half when we were playing against the wind and if I'm honest then this was an opportunity missed."

The young Pilgrims opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Alex Fletcher latched on to Dan Rooney's 25-yard free kick to fire home and the Greens' top scorer was on target again eight minutes later.

Alex Battle made a good run down the left flank before crossing the ball in for Fletcher to meet with an overhead kick that flew into the corner of the home net.

Unfortunately Argyle could not hold on to that lead until the break as Swindon pulled a goal back on 40 minutes when the visiting defence lost possession on the left flank and the subsequent cross was tapped home at the far post.

Swindon required 12 minutes of the second period to restore parity as a low cross was parried by goalkeeper Max Childs for the ball to be forced home in the ensuing scramble.

Swindon were reduced to 10 men on 80 minutes, after a player had been sent off for dissent, giving Argyle the chance to pile forward but they could not take any of the chances they created.

Argyle: Max Childs, Harry Hodges, Callum Rose, Elliott Crawford, Ryan Law, Matt Ward, Dan Rooney, Cameron Sangster, Connor McAuley (Aaron Goulty 78), Alex Fletcher, Alex Battle.