Gillingham U21 1 Argyle 0 - AET

Gillingham U21 1 Argyle 0 - After Extra Time

Under 21 Premier League Cup
First qualifying round

Gillingham 1 Argyle 0

ARGYLE exited the Under 21 Premier League Cup at the first hurdle in the cruellest fashion, when a late own goal condemned them to defeat at Gillingham.

The match was in the final minute of extra-time, and heading towards a penalty shoot-out decider, when young Pilgrims’ defender Mason Hughes diverted a shot from Marcus Freiter past his own goalkeeper, James Bittner.

Argyle fielded a team containing five youngsters who have played in Sky Bet League 2 this season including Nathan Thomas and Ben Purrington, who starred in Saturday’s 2-0 Home Park victory over Hartlepool United.

Purrington was substituted by Callum Hall at half-time and Thomas, who netted the Pilgrims’ second goal against Pools, gave way to Jake Miller midway through the second half.

Argyle (4-4-2): 1 James Bittner; 2 Mason Hughes, 5 Aaron Bentley, 4 Will Sargent, 17 Tom Moxham; 7 Nathan Thomas (11 Jake Miller 70), 6 Ollie Norburn, 8 River Allen, 3 Ben Purrington (14 Callum Hall half-time); 10 Louis Rooney (Jason Vincent full-time), 9 Tyler Harvey. Substitutes (not used): 15 Jason Vincent, 16 Jamil Roberts, 23 Andrew Hannah (gk).

Referee: Aji Ajibola.