YOUTH: AFC Bournemouth 2 Argyle 2
The young Pilgrims played out a superb EFL Youth Alliance comeback from two goals down at AFC Bournemouth to rescue a point against a Cherries outfit tipped to win the division.
The first-half was a highly competitive affair, and it was Argyle who fashioned the first chance, in the 20th minute, as Charlie Miller released Rhys Shirley on goal, only for the striker's shot to clear the home crossbar.
The Cherries made their visitors pay for that miss, taking the lead on the half-hour with a low drive, from the angle of the area, that flew across Tyler Coombes and inside the far post.
Things looked bleak for the young Greens when their hosts converted a 55th minute penalty after Ethan Mitchell had been penalised for a foul in the area.
The challenge ahead looked all-but insurmountable for the Greens against a Bournemouth side that had only conceded twice in their previous eight league games, but the youngsters showed a lot of heart to come back and earn a point with only three minutes remaining on the clock.
The fight-back began when a handball in the area gave Scott Crocker the opportunity to send the home goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot on 65 minutes.
With renewed vigour, Argyle came at their hosts, and 20 minutes of intense pressure finally paid dividends as substitute Oscar Massey's shot was deflected into the path of Crocker, who calmly notched his eighth goal of the season.
Coach Darren Way did not hide his delight after the final whistle, saying: "This was a game that we should have won - but to be 2-0 down, away to the league leaders, we have to be really pleased with the result.
"The lads never ever gave up, despite conceding two goals to individual mistakes, but I was convinced that we didn't deserve to be behind.
"Mistakes will happen and players have to learn from them, especially ones that lead to goals, but to come back in the manner they did was superb.
"It was great to hear the complimentary remarks from the Bournemouth contingent towards our players and staff, and that gives you a nice feeling.”
Argyle: Tyler Coombes, Oscar Rutherford, Finley Craske, Ethan Mitchell, Brandon Pursall, Angel Waruih, Jeremiah Medine, Carlo Garside, Charlie Miller, Rhys Shirley (Oscar Massey), Scott Crocker. Substitute not used: Lewis Moyle.