Super Cup v Chivas

VICTORY over Chivas Guadalajara must rate as one of our youngsters' finest for some years in the Northern Ireland Super Cup and was great revenge for last season's controversial defeat by the highly-rated Mexicans.

Oscar Massey (pictured) scored for the second game in succession to earn a win which sees Argyle now face reigning Junior Section champions Antrim on Wednesday in a winner-takes-all encounter at Castlerock (3pm).

The more experienced and physically advanced Chivas, who had drawn 1-1 with Antrim 24 hours earlier, started strongly, forcing our young side to defend, which they did with some aplomb. Alfie Wotton, son of assistant manager Paul, was the first to show, with a splendid tackle on Andre Puertos as the striker looked favourite to score.

Lewis Moyle was called into action as Puertos bent a 20-yard free-kick around the Argyle wall only for the goalkeeper to make a fine diving save.

Argyle continued to defend resolutely, with central defender Finley Craske in tremendous form, before his side shook their opponents by taking a 25th-minute lead.

Midfielder Sam Wickins made a good challenge in midfield to surge past two players before finding Oscar Massey, cutting in from the left-hand side of the area to bend a cracking drive around Sebastian Perez and inside the far post.

Massey then appeared to be bundled over as he burst into the box, only for appeals to be ignored but it was at the other end that Moyle had to be alert as he made a fine close-range save from Carlos Arenas.

The Argyle management changed their team's shape at half-time and they looked a far more solid unit after the break and were marginally the better side for the rest of the match.

Wickins made a great run down the right before firing in a low cross that just evaded Massey at the far post before Moyle made another fine save to deny Puertos.

Argyle were now looking solid at the back although Craske did make a fantastic block to divert a Puertos effort over the crossbar.

The final whistle saw scenes of jubiliation from the players and staff, which were well deserved.

Coach Chris Harrison said: "This was an absolutely superb performance from start to finish.

"The players certainly came of age today as the players were asked to keep their shape and that was maintained throughout the game."

When asked about the coaches decision to change that shape during the game, he explained: "We were aware that something wasn't quite right, so we made changes and the players immediately adapted to it and it worked in our favour.

"There were a lot of leaders out there today and it wouldn't be fair to single out anyone as they were all over the pitch.

"Chivas were a strong opponent which makes it a more satisfying result as, although they enjoyed a lot of possession, we grafted and were aware that if we had a chance then we would score, and, thankfully, that is what happened.

"The lads will celebrate for a little bit but then we will get their feet back on the ground and go again tomorrow."

Argyle: Lewis Moyle, Angel Waruih, Matthew Bartlett, Brandon Pursall, Finley Craske, Alfie Wotton, Rudi McKinnon (Alfie Hudd 50), Oscar Massey (Theo Cadby 51), Samuel Wickins, Jack Smart (William Jenkins-Davies 39), Oscar Halls. Substitutes (not used): Carlo Garside, Charlie Elkington, Zak Baker, Harvey Taylor.