Match Day Thread Pompey 6 v 3 Plymouth - Youth Alliance League

Academy Hit Plymouth For Six - Pompey regain top spot in Youth Alliance League.

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Pompey Academy climbed back to the top of the Youth Alliance League table with a 6-3 victory over Plymouth at Copnor Road.

The young Blues roared into a five-goal lead with just 34 minutes on the clock to stun their visitors from Devon.

Harry Jewitt-White broke the deadlock in the opening seconds and Dan Gifford quickly nodded home a second.

An Alfie Bridgman delivery then caused panic in the Pilgrims box, forcing a defender to turn the ball into his own net.

Sonny Fish and Adam Payce (pictured) also got in on the act as the first half progressed before Argyle rallied and Rhys Shirley reduced their deficit with two goals before the break.

It was not quite so eventful when the action restarted, although Gifford struck again before Shirley completed his hat-trick.

Professional development phase coach Liam Daish said: “We came racing out of the traps and were clinical in front of goal, playing some really nice stuff.

“We had spoken in the week about the importance of getting early crosses into the box because it forces the defenders to make quick decisions.

“It caused quite a few problems in the opposition area and a few of our goals came from doing just that.

“We probably could have done better with some of the ones we conceded, but overall it was a very positive performance.

“I was really happy with Izzy Kaba and Harvey Hughes at the back. When Plymouth were trying to get at us in the second half, they were really strong and it allowed us to gain back control.

“Adam also looked very bright. He’s in a good place at the moment and has either been scoring or creating goals.

“Dan, of course, deserves credit for scoring twice, while he also created one by closing down the defence. His work-rate was excellent.”

Pompey: Toby Steward; Jack.Fox, Izzy Kaba, Harvey Hughes, Alfie Bridgman (Gorman 56); Jamie Howell, Elliott Simpson, Adam Payce, Harry Jewitt-White (Mitch Aston 69), Sonny Fish; Dan Gifford (Williams 73)