Academy Report | Argyle 2 Oxford United 3

The unbeaten start to the season for Argyle Under-18s in the Youth Alliance League came to an end on Saturday morning, with a narrow defeat to Oxford United at Millennium Fields.

Argyle led in the first half through Caleb Roberts, but two second-half Oxford goals turned the tables. Henry Donovan grabbed an equaliser for Argyle at the death, and it looked like a point had been salvaged, but Oxford went straight up the other end to snatch the victory.

Manager Darren Way had a very young squad at his disposal with Will Jenkins Davies continuing his involvement with the first team, while Freddie Issaka and Joe Hatch are both on duty in Croatia with the Wales Under-17s in their European Championship qualifiers.

Argyle began strongly, with a powerful cross from Lewis Colwell just failing to find the head of Jack Endacott.

The game was a very physical encounter, but Argyle continued to look for that opening goal which finally came on 34 minutes when Caleb Roberts converted a fine left wing cross.

Oxford attempted to hit back before the break but they were denied by goalkeeper Zak Baker who made a brilliant save to keep his sheet clean and maintain Argyle's lead at the break.

The Young Pilgrims went in search of a second goal but were caught out on 59 minutes as Oxford restored parity and, with the wind in their sails, the visitors took the lead on 71 minutes, leaving Argyle to attempt to rescue their unbeaten league record.

Endacott and Colwill both had chances to level before Donovan rose to head home what looked like the goal that would earn a precious point.

Unfortunately, Argyle were still celebrating as Oxford found a third goal to take the points with almost the final touch of the game.

Argyle: Zak Baker, Jensen Ireland, Joel Sullivan, Jack Matthews, Oscar Halls, Cole Gibbings, Lewis Colwell, Finley Wilkes (Gene Price 70), Henry Donovan, Caleb Roberts, Jack Endacott. Substitutes: Tegan Finn, James Morley (gk), Jadore Lawson, Kian Burch.