Under-15s at Southampton
ARGYLE went down to a 5-2 defeat at Southampton in the Under-15s Premier League Cup but a final score that was very harsh on the Pilgrims, given their general play against a strong opponent.
"The scoreline did not reflect our performance or the part we played in a game in which Saints were more clinical than us," said Academy manager Phil Stokes.
This was Argyle's second game in the Under-15s Premier League Cup and once again they were up against a Category One Academy. The young Pilgrims started brightly and were a goal up after nine minutes, when Freddie Issaka headed home from a corner.
Southampton grew into the game and were level on the half-hour, when they got in behind the Pilgrim defence to square the ball and leave a striker with an open goal in which to score.
Argyle finished the half strongly but failed to convert two one-on-one situations and had to be content with a level scoreline at the break. Once again, Argyle started brightly with the Saints’ goalkeeper forced to make two fine saves before the home side struck four times in a manic 10-minute spell.
The youngsters, now facing a 5-1 deficit, could have been forgiven for giving up the contest but instead came back at their hosts. They were rewarded with a 65th-minute penalty, with Oscar Halls converting after Ryan Downing had been felled in the area.
The Pilgrims now take on Swansea, at their Landore Training Ground, on Wednesday, November 27, with a 6.30pm kick-off.