Argyle Under-18s extended their EFL South Youth Alliance League unbeaten run to seven on Saturday, returning as 6-1 victors against Bristol Rovers.
A hat-trick from Cole Fisher, a brace from Jared Rendle and a goal from Harley Sneap pushed the Greens to a fifth victory in their last seven games of league action, and lifted them to second in the league table, although other teams do have games in hand around them.
Starting the game on the front foot against a side they beat 5-0 in a different competition earlier this season was important, and that is exactly what the Pilgrims did.
Argyle put the Gas under pressure from the opening whistle and took the lead just before the half-hour mark through Fisher. The midfielder latched onto Harry Shield’s cutback across the box and gave the visiting side the lead. Minutes later, the lead was doubled when Fisher curled a free-kick into the top corner of Jaydon Bishop’s goal.
Rovers pushed back in the final minutes of the half, creating opportunities in front of goal and through corners but the Greens’ defensive line held strong, halting all attacking phases and efforts.
Half-time substitute Rendle took his chance in the 50th minute, just five minutes after coming onto the pitch, pouncing onto a mistake at the back from Rovers and scoring Argyle’s third goal.
Rovers fought back and scored a goal of their own in the 79th minute when Kian Hill found the back of the net from outside the area, but in the final 10 minutes of the game, the Greens kicked into top gear and secured the victory and three points.
Rendle, Sneap and Fisher all scored in eight minutes, with the latter claiming the match ball with a spot-kick in the dying stages of the tie. Rendle similarly tapped home Argyle’s fourth to his first, whilst Sneap linked well with Tegan Finn on the right wing before adding his name to the scoresheet.
After the game, Head Coach Jamie Lowry said: “Today was a really good result. The boys had a tough week with three games in seven days, but playing on Wednesday and Saturday was a good test physically and mentally.
“Despite the result, we were probably a little off our levels for where we should’ve been, but that’s a little expected after playing Wednesday and putting in such a big shift and playing well. Loads of positives to take though, with scoring six goals and there were some strong passages of play, good performances and it’s another three points”
Midfielder Fisher said: “As a team, I thought we performed really well today and retained possession consistently by moving the ball, which gave us a big foothold in the match. Defensively, I thought we aggressively pressed high up the pitch, resulting in us regaining the ball in their half several times and leading to chances at goal. Despite winning, we are still slightly disappointed to concede and not bring home a clean sheet.
“We’ve spoken about these away games as being really important for us to pick up points in and help us climb the league table, so I'm pleased to help contribute to our win by scoring a hat-trick, but most importantly help us get three points.”
Argyle Under-18s are back in action on Saturday, hosting Bristol City in the final Group G game of the Professional Under-18 Development League Cup.
Argyle: 40 Dan Holman (gk), 2 Joe Mwaro, 3 Harry Shield (16 Sam Hayman, 57), 4 Harley Sneap, 5 Jensen Ireland, 6 Joel Sullivan (capt), 7 Cole Fisher, 8 Sam Lord, 9 Kian Burch (15 Jared Rendle, 45), 10 Tegan Finn, 11 Fletcher Poole (14 Oscar Dean, 62). Substitutes: 23 Jack Flower (gk).
Goals: Fisher 29, 35, 89, Rendle 50, 81, Sneap 87.
