PLYMOUTH Argyle’s Cornwall Alliance squad hosted Watford and for the first time we used our new home at Hayle FC, with fantastic facilities that really enhanced the match experience for the players.

The game began with a scrappy opening, neither side dominating possession, lots of long balls and transitions not helped by the blustery wind.

Argyle Cornwall started to gain more composure and took control of the ball for long periods, with the midfield trio of Harrison Murrells, Sonny Dover and captain Lewis Clapham dictating play.

Lots of work had been done in training on variations of attack and the front three of Scott McElwee, Cam Searle and Will McMeikan were doing this well, and on a number of occasions McElwee and Searle had half-chances, but failed to capitalise.

The deadlock was broken just before half time as Ross Williams was adjudged to have pushed the Watford striker, for the second week running a harsh penalty to open the scoring.

Argyle Cornwall started the second half with a great tempo and energy, substitute Jake Yates was denied in a 1v1 with the rebound not falling kindly for Clapham as the Watford defence cleared. Moments later, Argyle Cornwall deservedly equalised through a huge up and under after a bit of pinball, McMeikan claiming the goal, the Watford ‘keeper could only watch as the ball dropped into the top corner from 40 yards.

Argyle Cornwall were forced to make changes with injuries to Murrells, Yates and substitute Ben Gibbs who had only been on for 10 minutes. With five minutes to go, Watford’s continuation of long balls and long throws led to their winner.

Argyle Cornwall could not clear the first ball and the visiting striker hooked in from two yards, with nothing that debutant Callum Richards could do in the Argyle goal.

A draw would have been fair but the pleasing aspect was that training is being taken into the games and in each game we have been the better footballing side, we just need each player to grow by about six inches and we’ll get the win we deserve.

For more information on the Football Education Programme based in Cornwall, please contact mike.foley@pafc.co.uk

The Argyle Education squad based at Home Park enjoyed better fortune in a comfortable 5-0 triumph in the quarter-finals of the Devon Midweek Cup.

Two goals from Reece Thomson, a penalty by Jack Reid, substitute Kieran McDonald also on target and a cracking volley from Ewan Morgan was enough for a terrific day at the office.

For more information on the Football Education Programme based at Home Park, please contact lee.britchford@pafc.co.uk

You may also like