HEREFORD-based youngsters had their first taste of action in the EFL Community & Education Football Alliance League with an opening season game at Plymouth Argyle.

The Cheltenham Town Development Centre (Hereford) education programme took a team of 14 players on the long trip south for the tough fixture.

Plymouth Argyle dominated possession and it was about maintaining their shape and discipline out of possession for the young Hereford youngsters.

The experience of the hosts was shown by the way they moved the ball and they took a 2-0 lead into half-time.

One of those first half goals was a unfortunate own goal by James Wagstaff when he tried to head an incoming cross away but could only divert it into the bottom corner past Levi Harding.

During the second half the Cheltenham Town Development Centre (Hereford) side grew into the game and created some good openings.

Goalkeeper Josh Small had a game to remember against the experienced Plymouth forwards pulling off three outstanding saves.

Despite the goalkeeper's heroics in the 75th minute Plymouth broke the visitor's lines and put the game out of sight by taking a 3-0 lead.

The score-line flattered the hosts who scored two late goals in the 90th and 92nd minute to make the final score 5-0 to Plymouth Argyle.

"Plymouth have always had a strong academy youth set up and have been running their teams in the Football Alliance league for a good number of years," said manager Andy Bevan.

"It was a tough day but in all fairness a deserved win for our hosts, we certainly learnt plenty and it was a fantastic experience. All the players were a credit to ourselves."