Match report for Swindon Town (a)

THE Pilgrims completed a Central League double over bottom of the table Swindon Town on Tuesday with a 4-0 thumping at Cirencester Town.

The Greens had a mixture of youth and first team experience in their side, with five first-team players starting the match. They included: Lionel Ainsworth, Kyle Letheren, Aaron Taylor-Sinclair, Alex Fletcher and Joel Grant. 

Argyle took an early lead when Alex Battle, playing his first Central League game of the season, beat Swindon goalkeeper Archie Matthews to his right with a finely-placed shot from inside the area.

The Greens doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when Battle’s right-wing cross allowed Alex Fletcher to slide the ball home from close range. That was Fletcher’s fourth goal in the competition in seven appearances. 

Argyle had further efforts to improve their lead with good chances falling to Fletcher and Battle but they were unable to increase the advantage any further before the break.

Swindon came into the game in the first 15 minutes of the second half, gaining more possession. However, they did not really threaten the Pilgrims and they would soon pay. Argyle made it 3-0 after 68 minutes, when Ainsworth hit a low shot between Matthews’ legs to end the contest.

There was still time for Ainsworth to grab another goal. Ten minutes later the speedy winger saw an initial strike saved before tapping home the rebound. Lionel had one final chance to grab a hat-trick but he was denied by an excellent save from the Town keeper. 

The result saw the Pilgrims move into second in the South West division with four wins from their seven matches this season.

The Argyle Carlsberg South West Peninsula League team will play their re-arranged Premier Division game against Callington Town on Wednesday, March 7. The game kicks off at 7.30pm at Coach Road, Newton Abbot.

Argyle lie second in the division with 52 points from their 26 games. Callington are second from bottom with 11 points from their 20 matches.