Match Day Thread Plymouth 3 v 2 Pompey - Youth Alliance League

Pompey’s Youth Alliance League title hopes received a massive blow after they were beaten 3-2 at Plymouth.

Josh Dockerill’s deflected finish had cancelled out Oscar Halls’ opener for Argyle to ensure the sides went in level at the break.

And victory looked on the cards for the Blues when, moments after the hosts had struck the woodwork, Jamie Howell beat Zak Baker at the keeper’s near post.

But Harley Sneap and Cole Gibbings both netted in the final eight minutes to ensure the points would be staying in Devon.

Assistant professional development phase coach Sam Hudson said: “It was a spirited performance, but a disappointing outcome, especially because we conceded from three set-pieces.

“Two of their goals also came so late in the game after we were winning 2-1 and that makes it extremely difficult for us to now win the league.

“Plymouth made the brighter start and had a lot of possession, although didn’t really threaten too much from open play.

“But they scored from a free-kick and for the third game in a row, we equalised pretty quickly after conceding the first goal.

“Josh was great with and without the ball for us and showed excellent character to lead the build-up for us, while also defending with fire in the belly.

“It was proving to be quite tight, but for the first 30 minutes of the second half, we were the better team and created a lot of chances.

“We scored to take the lead and could have had a few more goals because we were dangerous in the final third.

“Jamie had struggled to get into the game during the first half, but looked a lot quicker with his decision making and benefitted from that.

“Uncharacteristically for us, there were some moments when we didn’t have enough bodies in the box to capitalise on those chances. That’s something to reflect on.

“Then there were periods when it was backs against the wall and perhaps we could have been more assertive after going ahead.

“Plymouth threw people forward and we conceded some unnecessary fouls and to let in two late goals was so frustrating.

“It means we’re unlikely to win a trophy and while that’s not the be all and end all, we want to establish a winning mentality in these players.

“On the bus home, it was at least pleasing to see that academy graduate Harry Jewitt-White had come on to make his league debut for the first team. That was great to see.”

Pompey: Bastian Smith; Jack Fox, Josh Dockerill (Kevin Bosaka 89), Brian Quarm; Koby Mottoh, Mitch Aston (Gabriel Kamavuako 67), Adam Murray (Elliott Simpson 67), Harvey Laidlaw; Adam Payce; Jamie Howell, Sam Folarin