Plymouth Argyle's youngsters ended their week away at a training camp with two very hard fixtures against the cream of Academy Clubs, writes Mike Sampson.

Their first game was at Alsager College against reigning FA Youth Cup holders Manchester City, who triumphed 5-1 on the day thanks, in part, to two very dubious penalty decisions.

Argyle faced a City side packed with internationals, while Head of Youth Coaching Mike Pejic fielded several first-year apprentices, along with three schoolboys, during the game.

The Greens' only goal of the game came on 26 minutes when Joe Mason – who was the Pilgrims' best player on the day – collected Ashley Hodgkinson's pass, only to be brought down for a penalty, which he duly converted.

Twenty-four hours later, Argyle were in Liverpool to take on another internationals-laden side; and this time they fared a little, better going down 5-2 in a much tighter game.

Mason was once again on target for the Pilgrims, and he turned provider to set up Josh Grant for the second late in the game.