Under-18s Report | Portsmouth 1-0 Argyle

Argyle Under-18s ended their EFL Youth Alliance Cup group matches with a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth away from home. 

Pompey’s only goal of the game came in the first half through Tayo Singerr’s converted penalty, after Jensen Ireland’s foul in the area.  

The Pilgrims still sit on top of Group 6 but Newport, who are on the same points as Jamie Lowry’s side, have a game in hand. Argyle will have to wait to find out the results from Exeter City’s final two games before finding out if they advance to the next stage of the competition. 

Argyle dominated and created numerous chances throughout the 90 minutes. Two of the best opportunities fell to Kian Burch within the opening 20 minutes of the game. However, the forward couldn’t capitalise when inside the Portsmouth box.  

Pompey took the lead in the 29th minute, through Singerr’s converted penalty, and although Argyle immediately attacked and looked for the equaliser, they were unable to create the breakthrough they craved.  

Dan Holman was forced into a one-on-one save in the 72nd minute, which he dealt with excellently and pushed the pull away from his goal and, just minutes later, Argyle thought they had found the equaliser through Fletcher Poole. The winger latched onto the end of a ball across the box, but the exciting build-up play and finish was met by an equally outstanding save from Jake Rhodes in the Pompey goal. 

The Greens tried to find the goal they deserved in the final minutes but could not, leaving Portsmouth celebrating at the full-time whistle. 

Head Coach Lowry said: “Performance-wise, we were actually really good. The lads passed the ball well and created so many opportunities, but we just lacked the final quality with our final pass or the final shot being clinical. 

“I think the stats showed that we had 20 shots at goal compared to their six, so that shows how dominant we were. It is frustrating to be so in control and on top of the game, manage it really well, and not win. 

“Overall, however, there are lots of positives to take away with how we created chances and the way we passed the ball well.” 

Argyle: 40 Dan Holman, 2 Joe Mwaro, 3 Harry Shield, 4 Oscar Dean (14 Billy Devlin, 68), 5 Jensen Ireland (capt), 6 Sam Hayman, 7 Fletcher Poole, 8 Sam Lord, 9 Kian Burch (12 Toby Maclean, 68), 10 Seb Campbell, 11 Jared Rendle (15 James Sharpe, 77). Substitutes: 23 Jack Flower (gk).