Plymouth Argyle turn on the style in defeat of Torquay United

Torquay United were unable to hold back a rampant second-half performance from Plymouth Argyle, conceding five goals in a 6-0 pre-season loss at Plainmoor.

There was little between the sides in the first period, United going close through Jordan Young, but Argyle grabbed the lead with a low drive from Xavier Amaechi. The second period was a one-sided affair, as Amaechi, Bim Pepple, Joe Edwards (2) and Bali Mumba completed the scoring.

On a balmy summer’s evening, both sets of fans again served up a fabulous a tremendous atmosphere in what is becoming a pleasant July tradition, although Argyle almost upset the home mood with a poked early effort that needed clearing off the line.

The opposite wingmen of Dylan Morgan and Bali Mumba gave a demonstration in dribbling skills, but neither could find the end product. Top defending from Jordan Dyer thwarted another Argyle foray, with Amaechi looking particularly sharp for the visitors.

Gradually, the Greens were gaining control of the ball, moving it sharply around the midfield, but when that spell was interrupted, Jordan Young embarked on a trademark cut inside from the left and a low strike that almost shaved the near post.

Amaechi, however, was not in the mood to bask in the Torbay sunshine, as he received a neat cutback on the edge of the box to strike a low first-effort beyond the reach of James Hamon.

Despite that setback, it was a decent enough first half for the Gulls, but they were then rocked by a double sucker-punch immediately after the break.

Brenda Wiredu almost found the corner with a powerful header but there was no stopping the impressive Amaechi, who required no second invitation to whip a fine strike into the roof of the net, and Pepple made it three from the next attack, slamming home from close range.

The Gulls were struggling to hold back their visitors and more incisive play out wide carved out room for Edwards to score from close range. Two further goals in the dying stages rubbed salt into the wound but it is only pre-season.