18s v Exeter

THE first Devon Expressway Derby of the new season went Exeter City's way after Argyle lost their opening EFL Youth Alliance match 1-0.

The Pilgrims enjoyed a lot of possession but paid for a lack of attacking threat after the visitors to Langsford Park scored from a first-half free-kick.

The game was just two minutes old when Exeter's James Dodd fired in a left wing cross which saw Lewis Wilson connect with a powerful, close range, header which Argyle goalkeeper Harry Townsend showed great reactions to turn the ball on to the crossbar.

The young Grecians were to open the scoring, on the half hour, as skipper Will Dean's cross was headed home, from close range,  by the unmarked Wilson.

Argyle's one first half chance came on 41 minutes but Klaidi Lolos saw his drive deflected wide.

There was a visible difference in the young Pilgrims after the break as they came more into the game, although it was Exeter who had the chances with Townsend making a great save from Dean's 20-yarder and Jordan Dyer sent a header wide of the home goal.

As the game entered the last half hour it was Argyle who were pushing their visitors back into their half with Klaidi Lolos looking dangerous.

The big striker saw his angled drive saved by Felix Norman before the Exeter 'keeper once again denied Lolos,to give the Grecians all three points.  

Argyle: Harry Townsend, Joe Seery (Finley Craske 80), Reuben Collum, Rio Garside, Michael Peck, Tom Purrington, Jude Boyd (Ollie Tomlinson 65), Adam Randell, Klaidi Lolos, Rubin Wilson (Sam Wickins 75), Aaron Goulty. Substitutes not used: Max Childs, Owen Price.

The Under-16s were also in action against the Grecians and drew 1-1, thanks to an Owen Raven penalty.