Exeter City Under-18s Defeated by Plymouth Argyle in Youth Alliance Cup

Exeter City under-18s faced a disappointing defeat in their first match of the Youth Alliance Cup, losing 3-1 to Plymouth Argyle at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium in Tiverton Town on Saturday morning.

The match began positively for the Grecians as Theo Cutler converted a penalty just moments after the break, giving them a 1-0 lead in the Devon Derby. However, despite this promising start, Argyle responded with three unanswered goals to secure victory.

Under-18s chief Nicky Ajose made four changes to the lineup that lost 4-3 to AFC Wimbledon the previous weekend. Dylan Shanahan replaced Dan Layer in goal, while Luke Hodgetts, Louis Cayless, and Harry Appleton were introduced into the starting XI. Jacca Cavendish, who has recently returned from an ACL injury, kept the captain’s armband.

The first half was an entertaining affair, with both teams creating early chances. City struck the post, and goalkeeper Shanahan made an impressive save from Harry Shield’s effort. Shanahan was busy throughout the match, making crucial saves from Fletcher Poole and Sam Lord as Argyle pressed for an opening goal. Although Shields‘ chipped effort found the net, it was disallowed due to an offside decision.

City’s fortunes changed in the second half when they were awarded a penalty within minutes of the restart. Cutler successfully converted the penalty, striking it straight down the middle of the goal.

However, after missing another chance to double their advantage, Argyle equalized in the 62nd minute with Kian Burch tapping in from close range. Shortly after, Argyle took the lead when Shields, having found space, scored with a low shot past Shanahan.

Despite their resilience, City struggled to find an equalizer, as Argyle defended robustly with numerous blocks. In stoppage time, Poole sealed the victory for Argyle with a third goal, capitalizing on a defensive error from City.

The final team for City consisted of Shanahan, Cartwright, Cavendish, Cayless, Oakes, Hodgetts, Crees, Appleton, Graham, Alsop, and Cutler, with substitutes including Layer, Anthony, Wilson, and Bellotti. For Argyle, the starting team comprised Holman, Mwaro, Haley, Dean, Ireland, Sullivan, Poole, Lord, Burch, Fisher, and Shield, with substitutes Campbell, Hatch, and Flower.