Argyle Under-18s completed the Devon Derby double on Tuesday evening, with a 2-1 victory over Exeter City at Elburton Villa.
The re-arranged EFL Youth Alliance League South fixture first went in favour of the Grecians, but Frankie Maund’s header and a late goal from Toby Rider left the Greens victorious under the lights.
The game started quite slowly, with an early chance for Jared Rendle being easily saved by Marshall Murray in the visitors’ goal but, just before the 20th minute, Exeter led.
Harry Appleton converted from inside the Argyle 18-yard box, after stealing the ball from the Greens following a high press, much to the happiness of all his teammates but not those in attendance in Elburton.
One should have become two for Exeter, but luck was on Argyle’s side. Ise Awordinde had his shot blocked out of play for a corner, with the resulting delivery picking out Jack Bellotti, wrestling with a player in green, at the back post. Somehow, the Exeter forward put the ball over the bar and not in the back of the net.
The next action of the game was, in fact, a goal, with Argyle drawing level. An inswinging corner saw several bodies attack the ball, with a bundle ensuing and a leveller being found, thanks to the head of Maund.
In a similar fashion to the first half, the initial stages after the restart saw little to no action, which continued as the minutes crept by. Substitutions came and went, speculative or blocked efforts were seen, but then came the winner.
Two substitutes linking together – James Sharpe and Toby Rider – ended with the latter latching onto a header, driving forward and confidently slotting home into the far corner, before being mobbed by teammates.
Exeter had a chance to hit the target with the final kick of the game, but it was dragged wide, with Argyle picking up three points in the Devon Derby when the full-time whistle was blown.
Argyle: 23 Leo McCormick, 2 Dylan Williams, 3 Malachi Davy (12 Joe Mwaro, 79), 4 Joel Tolcher, 5 Sam Hayman (capt), 6 Toby Maclean, 7 Alfie Vosper (15 Tashall Sandhu, 75), 8 Harry Locke (16 James Sharpe, 75), 9 Frankie Maund, 10 Seb Campbell (14 Toby Rider, 58), 11 Jared Rendle. Substitute: 1 Charlie Pawley (gk).
Goals: Maund 35, Rider 86.
