Argyle’s Under-18s moved into second place in the South Youth Alliance League table with a comfortable 5-1 win over Newport County. 

A brace from Jensen Ireland and goals from Harry Shield, Jared Rendle and Seb Campbell propelled the Greens to another victory, extending their unbeaten run in league play to eight games. 

Newport struck first, with Corey Evans tapping home a cross in the 11th minute, after an error on the ball from the Greens. 

This confidence for the Exiles didn’t last long, however, as Argyle scored three goals in eight minutes, all coming from corners. The first was the pick of the bunch, as Shield volleyed the ball home from the set-piece into the bottom corner, bringing the game level on the 20-minute mark. 

Three minutes later, the Greens had the lead through captain Ireland. The defender picked up the loose ball inside the box, after a cross into the area, and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving Newport’s Fraser Needham still and staring on his line. 

It was nearly three goals in as many corners for Argyle, but Kian Burch watched his header ricochet off the bar and out for a goal kick.  

Rendle, one of five under-16s in the starting 11, added his name onto the scoresheet when he tapped home another loose ball in the area, adding further misery to an already dejected Newport side. 

Within 10 minutes of the second-half restart, Argyle added their fourth through Campbell. After some neat play on the left flank, a surging Fletcher Poole picked out the arriving Campbell, who placed the ball into the back of the hosts’ net with ease. 

The Greens continued to play forward-thinking football and looked for more goals in the remaining half-hour. Substitute Frankie Maund came close, just eight minutes after coming onto the pitch, but watched Needham make a low save to deny him. 

With just under a quarter-of-an-hour left in the tie, Argyle scored their fifth, once again from a corner. Ireland headed home Billy Devlin’s ball into the area, securing his brace and the three points on the road. 

Head Coach Jamie Lowry said: “This was a really good win, especially given the team we had was a very young squad. Jensen [Ireland] was captain, with Harry [Shield] and Dan [Holman] being the only other second-years and they did really well with supporting the lads and driving everyone on. I thought they were excellent leaders and led by example, so I’m proud of them. 

“All the under-16s that started did well and worked hard, gave everything and competed, so again, I’m pleased for them. Starting five under-16s is a big thing and all the scholars supported them well. 

“We made a slow start in the game and conceded through an individual error but got on top of the game and found our feet. We scored from set-pieces and managed the game until the end.” 

Argyle will now face Bristol City in Under-18s Professional Development League Cup action on Tuesday, 3 December at Millennium Fields. The game was originally meant to be played in November, but poor weather postponed the tie. 

He said: “Tuesday’s game against Bristol City will be tough. We played their under-17s last week, so we know what to expect from them regarding how they want to play and compete against us. It’s a really good challenge for us. They’re doing well in their league but we’re looking to continue our good performances as well. 

“With the week being a Saturday-Tuesday schedule for them, we need to manage their workload, but are happy they’re playing lots of football. We’re looking forward to a good challenge at home.” 

Argyle: 40 Dan Holman, 2 Joe Mwaro, 3 Harry Shield (12 Lewis Flowers, 75), 4 Billy Devlin, 5 Jensen Ireland (capt), 6 Sam Hayman, 7 Fletcher Poole (15 Joe Rapson, 75), 8 Sam Lord, 9 Kian Burch (16 Frankie Maund, 58), 10 Seb Campbell, 11 Jared Rendle. Substitutes: 14 Ollie Evans, 23 Jack Flower (gk).