Youth Alliance Ends in Defeat

Oxford 7 Argyle 1

THIS was not the manner in which Argyle's youngsters would have wanted to finish their EFL Youth Alliance fixtures, as Oxford extracted ample revenge for the 4-1 defeat the Pilgrims had inflicted on them in the very first game of the season.

This high-flying Oxford side adapted to the awkward conditions far quicker than their visitors and were 3-0 ahead after 20 minutes.

Argyle did improve for the rest of the first half, with Rubin Wilson forcing a good save out of the home goalkeeper before Isaac Burdon spurned a good chance by firing straight at the Oxford custodian.

Oxford took 10 minutes of the second period to add a fourth goal and a further two, in five minutes, left Argyle stunned and facing a 6-0 deficit. Sixteen-year-old Oscar Massey did pull a goal back on 70 minutes only for Oxford to complete the scoring five minutes later.

Argyle will now play in the Merit League Two, which will commence on Saturday, February 15.

Their league will also consist of Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Newport County from the South-West Division, while Luton Town, Gillingham, Leyton Orient, Barnet and MK Dons provide the opposition from the South-East Division.

Argyle: Harry Townsend (Tyler Coombes 70), Isaac Burdon, Ollie Tomlinson, Alfie Wotton (Brandon Pursall 60),  Carlo Garside,  Charlie Miller, Jude Boyd, Jeremiah Medine, Rubin Wilson, Scott Crocker (Oscar Massey 60), Finley Craske.