Argyle confirmed their place in the final of the Boys’ Junior SuperCup on Thursday afternoon with a 3-2 victory over County Antrim at the Riada Stadium.
Head Coach Dan Thompson was forced into one change, with Freddie Lewis missing out through suspension, but the Greens continued their fine run of form in Northern Ireland, despite going behind early.
Eight minutes into the game, Antrim took the lead with a diving header at the back post and, for the remainder of the first half, it seemed as though a second might be coming. Argyle survived, however.
After a break and reset at half-time, the Greens came out fighting and, within a minute of the restart, had a leveller. Freddie Thatcher’s cross from the right wing caused issues for defenders inside the area, with the ball somehow finding the back of the net.
No-one cared how the goal was scored; celebrations ensued, and a determined nature was on show in the immediate minutes that followed.
At the 50th minute mark, the lead was found, much like the first. Will Harris’ dangerous delivery from the right flank was bundled home by what seemed to be a player in yellow, but the advantage was now in favour of Thompson’s side.
Four minutes later, two became three. Thatcher was picked out perfectly with a pass into the box and a first-touch finish followed, curling into the bottom corner, and extending the Greens’ lead.
Antrim managed to get a goal back, despite Harry Woodruff making an excellent reaction save with his feet, but it was not enough to find a leveller through the final 10 minutes and additional time of the game.
As the full-time whistle blew, chaos erupted with hugs and cheers coming from all Argyle players on the pitch as they secured their place in the final two.
Argyle will face St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday, 31 July, at the Coleraine Showground, with the game kicking off at 3pm, in the Boys’ Junior SuperCup Final.
