Under-18s Report | Swindon Town 2-1 Argyle

A last-minute goal from Swindon Town’s Liam Hutt handed Argyle a second defeat in three games in the Youth Alliance League.

The Robins’ 2-1 victory came via goals from Hutt and Dani Gonzalez, with Tegan Finn getting one for the Greens, now places the sides equal in every table statistic in league play.

Argyle started on the front foot, winning a penalty in the opening two minutes after Kian Burch was fouled inside the area. The hosts’ keeper Lucas Myers made a great save down to his right to deny Cole Fisher from the spot and seemed to give his team all the momentum as, just two minutes later, they took the lead.

Gonzalez picked up the ball and fired a low effort past the stretching Dan Holman, before turning off in celebration and being surrounded by his teammates.

For the remainder of the first half, both sides hunted for the game’s next goal. Swindon came closest through Harry Cray, but the winger dragged his effort wide of the far post after creating space inside Argyle’s 18-yard box.

Like the first 45 minutes, neither side could create any clear-cut chances for a long spell after the restart. Just past the hour mark, Swindon ramped up the pressure and nearly had a second goal. An excellent save from Holman and missed efforts at goal kept Swindon’s lead at just one.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Argyle were awarded their second penalty of the game, following a trip inside the area. Finn stepped up to take the spot kick and saw his initial effort saved by Myers, but the Greens’ number 10 was able to follow in and tap home. 

Just as it seemed the points would have to be shared, Swindon found the piece of luck needed to win the game. Hutt’s cross-turn-shot from the right wing missed everyone in the box and crept into the goal off the far post, sending the Robins into elation. 

Argyle Head Coach Jamie Lowry said: “The game was very disappointing. We weren't at the races, and I think missing a penalty after a couple of minutes potentially set us back and we didn't deal with the moment of the game.

“We were far from our usual standards which we set ourselves in terms of performance, but that is something we haven't said very often this season, which is a credit to the players. It was an off day today from us, so it's something we need to bounce back from going into the next game.”

Argyle: 40 Dan Holman, 2 Toby Haley (15 Billy Devlin), 3 Joe Mwaro (14 Sam Hayman), 4 Seb Campbell, 5 Jensen Ireland, 6 Joel Sullivan (capt), 7 Cole Fisher, 8 Sam Lord, 9 Kian Burch (16 Frankie Maund), 10 Tegan Finn, 11 Fletcher Poole. Substitutes: 23 Jack Flower, 17 Toby Maclean