The young U’s were defeated in Plymouth on Tuesday to end the season at Home Park in the Merit League.
The U18s took the long trip to Plymouth yesterday, with an early 5am start to get the journey underway. The U’s came into the game on the back of a thumping 4-1 win over rivals Swindon, but knew things were going to be a lot more challenging against a side who are looking to win the league.
Despite defeat for the U’s, the opportunity to play in a Championship stadium made the trip worth it. The 3-1 win for Plymouth took them to the top of the table with just two games of the league left.
Despite a long journey, the U’s were quick to get into the game, taking an early lead through Jack Lee once again in the 4th minute after a pinpoint cross from winger Louis Griffiths. The U’s continued to create chances in the early stages and came close to doubling their lead on a couple of occasions.
Despite their efforts, it was the hosts wo grabbed an equaliser in the 15th minute through Freddie Issaka who curled the ball past Monty Marriott.
The momentum then completely shifted and from the equaliser, the Pilgrims continued their pressure and started a phase of complete dominance, before doubling their lead in the 28th minute through a good backpost header from Joe Hatch.
Plymouth then put more pressure on the yellows defence and created three great chances before the break, however a resilient Marriott made three unbelievable saves to keep the deficit to just one goal at half time.
The second half started a lot slower than the first 45, and took 20 minutes for the next chance for either side to arrive. Plymouth then retained their dominant attacking presence but were once again denied by a stubborn Marriott in goal and a great last ditch effort from substitute Charlie Crammond.
The Pilgrims finally got their third deservedly in the 77th minute making it five wins in a row for the hosts and gave their title hopes a major boost, whilst for the U’s a 3-1 defeat ended the season.
Coach Pablo Haysham said:
“It wasn't the result we would’ve wanted today, but we knew what we were up against a very strong side and with them still going for the league, we have to factor in the amount of second years they fielded today.
"It was a great experience for the boys to get a taste of playing in a stadium, especially for the younger boys. The season is all wrapped up now, and we’re looking forward to this talented squad proving themselves next season”
Lineup
Marriott, Mole (Crammond 57), Travin, Bangurah, Lacey, Bradney, Burton, Took-Oxley (C), Lee, Snowden (Palmer-Flynn 66), Griffiths
Report by Ollie Chevallier