Plymouth Argyle Under-18s...1 Swansea City Under-18s...3

ARGYLE failed to carry their winning league form into the Football League Youth Alliance Cup at Millbay Park.

However, their interest in the competition remains alive after the opening first round group game.

There are six clubs in the group and, after everyone has played each other once, the top four proceed to round two.

The young Pilgrims included Curtis Nelson, an unused substitute for the first team against Peterborough United last Saturday, at centre-back.

Argyle's attacking right-back Jack Stephens went close to breaking the deadlock with a fierce drive that brought a full-length diving save from visiting 'keeper Ollie Davies.

The physically stronger Swans always looked dangerous and took the lead on 33 minutes when left winger Thomas Da Silva finished a neat move with a crisp shot from 15 yards.

The Pilgrims were often too frantic and hurried with their passing but a moment of composure from midfielder Luke Young led to their equaliser three minutes before the break.

Latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, the Greens' skipper set up midfielder Jordan Copp, who unleashed a 20-yard drive into the net.

Hesitant defending when dealing with a corner led to the Swans regaining the lead six minutes into the second half, through a header by centre-back Matt Whatley.

Striker James Loverage added the visitors' third with an angled 20-yard drive in the 74th minute.

Argyle's in-form right winger Jed Harper-Penman will be disappointed not to have made better use of two late chances that came his way.

First, he shot tamely at Davies when well placed. Then he fired another into the side-netting.

The Pilgrims do not have a league fixture this weekend.

Their next outing is a trip to Bristol Rovers on Saturday-week in the Youth Alliance Cup.

Argyle: Jack Ord, Jack Stephens, Curtis Nelson, Jordan Pearce, Connor Clifford, Luke Young, Jed Harper-Penman, Jordan Berry, Matt Rickard, Jordan Copp (Lewis Coombes, 79), Jake Baker. Subs (not used): Jared Sims, Isaac Vassell, Dan Hart.