Argyle U18 1 Forest Green 0

ARGYLE opened their Youth Alliance account with victory at Langsford Park where the scoreline did not match the performance.

Rio Garside's goal was the nominal difference between the sides, but Argyle dominated and could have won by more goals. 

In the end, they had goalkeeper Harry Townsend to thank as his late, late penalty save gave the Young Pilgrims the win. 

Argyle, who had Finley Craske making his full debut, looked good going forward, especially in the first half, with striker Klaidi Lolos giving the visiting defence a hard time.

Lolos saw a volley fly narrowly wide, a goalbound shot blocked and a near post header cleared off the line as the Rovers goal had a charmed life.

Aaron Goulty then showed good feet before seeing his rasping drive hit the underside of the Rovers crossbar and bounce out.

Adam Randell's left foot drive also went close to breaking the deadlock but it was not all Argyle as the Pilgrim's defence had to be aware of Rovers ability on the break.

It took Argyle eight minutes of the second half to eventually find a way to goal as Garside cut in from the right to hit a low drive across the Rovers goalkeeper and inside the far post.

Ruben Wilson fired just wide before Michael Peck's shot came back off the post, but it was Rovers who finally threw everything forward to give Argyle an anxious end to the game.

Seven minutes of stoppage time had been played when the referee harshly adjudged Goulty to have fouled in the box but justice was done as Harry Townsend dived to his right to make a fine save from the penalty.

Academy Director Kevin Hodges said: "We kept good possession, creating numerous chances which made this a pleasing display allowing the lads to deservedly claim their first three points of the season,' said Academy Director Kevin Hodges."

Argyle: Harry Townsend, Finley Craske, Reuben Collum, Adam Randell, Michael Peck, Ollie Tomlinson, Mani Skett (Rubin Wilson 55), Rio Garside, Klaidi Lolos (Oscar Massey 80), Aaron Goulty, Jude Boyd. Substitutes not used: Joe Seery, Max Childs, Brandon Purcell.