Under-18s Report | Argyle 3 Newport County 0

Argyle's Under-18s continued their 100% record this season with a 3-0 win over Newport County in the Youth Alliance Cup. 

The Young Pilgrims were due to play Newport the previous weekend, but the game was postponed because of an unplayable pitch in South Wales. The sides agreed to switch the fixture to Tavistock, the following week, and it was Argyle that prevailed. 

The Greens went down to ten men when Joe Hatch was sent off for two bookings, but were soon in front, as Freddie Issaka scored from the penalty spot, striking low and hard to the goalkeeper's left. 

Issaka made it two with a goal of his own making. A Newport defender looked in control as the ball dropped from the sky, but Issaka's pressure told, and the backless was short. Freddie nipped in, got to the ball before goalkeeper and defender, and stroked the ball into the empty net. 

With five minutes to go, Sam Lord rounded off the scoring, following up smartly after the County goalkeeper had parried a shot into the air. 

The victory means a game against Cheltenham Town in the next round for the Argyle Under-18s, who are currently under the management of James Bradley, following Darren Way's move to Fleetwood Town. 

After the Newport game, Bradley said: "Newport came with a fantastic gameplan, to stifle our opportunities in the final third, which they stuck to really well. After the sending off, the game opened up a little, which helped our attacking players to flourish and get a bit more space, and it resulted in us scoring three really good goals. 

"The players are full of confidence at the moment, and rightly so. We've scored some fantastic goals this season, and that's another clean sheet which is really important. The old saying is that goals win you games and clean sheets win you leagues. It's important that we keep on top of both boxes; make sure we are clinical in the final third, and ruthless to stop goals going in at the other end. 

"The players want to play as many games as they can. This win means we are into the quarter-finals, and we have a home draw against Cheltenham. A big part of what we have talked about before the game is a chance to win silverware. That's what all teams want, and it is a big incentive for the boys. 

"We're not going to get too carried away with our start. Next Saturday, we have a tough fixture at home to Portsmouth, and we know the challenges they provide. We are in a really good position at the moment, but there is still lots of work to do."