Under-18s Report | Argyle 3-0 Cheltenham Town

Argyle Under-18s grabbed their second win of their Youth Alliance League campaign with a fine 3-0 win over Cheltenham Town. 

An in-form Joe Hatch, Fletcher Poole and Seb Campbell were the goal scorers as Argyle eased their way to three points. 

After a tight start, Argyle’s breakthrough came on the seven-minute mark, as an attack down the right side was finished by Hatch, who has been in fine goalscoring form for the Under-18s so far this season.  

Poole had a chance to extend Argyle’s lead with two chances coming in quick succession, the first blocked and then the second just not dipping in time, as it went over the crossbar. 

Cheltenham’s Sopuru Obieri had a chance to equalise just before half-time, but his two efforts were blocked tremendously by Argyle captain Joel Sullivan. 

Dan Holman then made a crucial save to deny the Robins an equaliser, before Obieri saw his cross blocked by Jensen Ireland. 

Argyle found their second goal early in the second half, with Poole making it 2-0; richly deserved after his performance in the first period. 

Argyle kept piling the pressure on Cheltenham and got their third just before the hour mark. 

Campbell, star man from the Under-17s' 7-0 thrashing of Exeter City on Wednesday night, grabbed his fifth goal in two games, shortly after coming on for Joe Hatch who came off with an injury. 

After the victory, Head Coach Jamie Lowry said: “It was a good result for us, I’m really pleased. It was probably the most complete performance we've had this season, in terms of managing the moments in games. We recognised when to slow the game down, to destroy their press, and also when we can't be on top of the game for a little spell, how to keep our shape and be difficult to play through. 

“I’m pleased with the result, three points and a clean sheet as well. It was the first one of the season, so the boys were really delighted with that. It was a real team effort from everybody.  

“Something that we spoke about recently was the team performances. We feel like we've maybe not got the results and the points that we deserve, so that was really good to see it all come together after what happened early in the season.” 

Argyle: 40 Dan Holman, 2 Lewis Flowers, 3 Harry Shield, 4 Harley Sneap, 5 Jensen Ireland, Joel Sullivan (capt), 7 Fletcher Poole, 8 Sam Lord, 9 Joe Hatch, 10 Cole Fisher, 11 Tegan Finn. Substitutes: 23 Jack Flower, 12 Joe Mwaro, 14 Billy Devlin, 15 Seb Campbell, 16 Frankie Maund.