Under-18s Report | Argyle 5-0 Bristol Rovers

Joe Hatch’s heroics in front of goal comfortably handed Argyle Under-18s three points on Saturday, as the forward scored all five of the Greens’ goals in a 5-0 victory over Bristol Rovers in the Youth Alliance Cup. 

The win at Millennium Fields pushes Argyle to the top of Group 6, sitting ahead of Newport County on goal difference after their opening two games. 

Both defences were on top form until the 25th minute, blocking shots and winning tackles, until a deflected effort fell perfectly to the feet of Hatch, who tapped home comfortably to give Argyle the lead. 

A quarter-of-an-hour later, the advantage was doubled. Hatch found himself in the perfect position once again to slot home his and Argyle’s second of the game, after Kian Burch’s cross was spilt by Bishop in the six-yard-box. 

After a close curling attempt from Fletcher Poole, Hatch immediately continued his attacking efforts and nearly claimed his hat-trick with another header, which ran just wide of the Rovers’ goalpost. 

Soon enough, the match ball was heading to the Welsh forward, as he completed his hat-trick, slotting home Cole Fisher’s pass across goal. 

Only a minute later, the Greens were awarded a penalty and Hatch, naturally, stepped up, converted and extended Argyle’s lead to four after the hour mark. 

In the closing minutes, four turned into five. A free kick on the edge of the visitors’ box was clipped into the area into the path of the oncoming Hatch, who flicked home past the diving Bishop. 

Head Coach Jamie Lowry was delighted with his team’s performance and their achievement of back-to-back wins for the first time this season. 

“I’m obviously really pleased,” Lowry said. “It’s a fantastic result and pleasing performance. The boys were outstanding. Out of possession they pressed, worked hard, and were ruthless in front of goal. 

“I’m delighted that Joe scored five goals in one game. It’s a pretty amazing thing to happen.  

“I said in the interview before the match that we wanted to go back-to-back with victories, and we’ve done that. We’ve hopefully gained confidence from the game moving forward into a busy week."  

Argyle Under-18s face AFC Wimbledon away from home next Saturday, 21 September in league action, after an Under-17s Floodlit Cup tie during the week.