Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper trialist Freddy Hall endured a baptism of fire in last night's pre-season defeat at Torquay United.

He jumped off the bench after just 35 minutes to replace the injured Romain Larrieu, but Hall's first task was to pick the ball out of the net when Torquay carved open Plymouth's defence to score seconds later.

According to Plymouth's website (www.pafc.co.uk), Hall was then at fault for the Gulls' second goal when he came for a long throw-in but failed to reach it, taking out one of his defenders in the process.

The host's third goal was from the penalty spot in the latter stages of the 3-1 defeat.

Hall, who will miss Bermuda Hogges' double-header against Northern Virginia Royals, has been in outstanding form for the PDL outfit this season.

And the 23-year-old will be praying Pilgrims' boss, Peter Reid, will give him another chance to prove himself between the sticks during their pre-season programme.

Reid, a former Sunderland boss, is searching for a keeper to compete with the League One side's first choice shot stopper Larrieu.

Last month Hall kept a clean sheet in front of former Plymouth manager Paul Mariner who watched their match against Reading United at BAA Field.

Hall was meant to attend trials at Charlton Athletic at the start of the year on the recommendation of ex-Newcastle United keeper Shaka Hislop but was unable to go because of personal reasons.

Ex-Trinidad international Hislop, who also played for West Ham and Reading United, coached Hall at Quinnipiac University and believes he has the ability to carve out a career in English football. With Hall striving to win a contract in the UK, Tahj Bell, his understudy, will be handed his second successive start for the Hogges against the Royals on Friday night.

Hogges' head coach Scott Morton yesterday urged the teenager to take his chance in Hall's absence.

"Freddy has done a great job for us this season and has been a great role model for Tahj," he said.

"But Tahj now has an opportunity and he has to take it with everything he has."

The Bermuda Under-20 national team keeper has been the 'next cab in the rank' behind Hall for most of the season but has impressed Hogges' coaching staff in his two appearances this term.

"Tahj did well for us in our victory over the Royals away and I'm sure he can build on that performance," Morton said.

"Nothing less than a high standard performance will do from Tahj and I know he will bring it.

"Sometimes it's difficult when you have been waiting for your chance for a long time but we have full confidence that he will deliver for us."

Hogges take on the Royals on Friday at 8 p.m., and on Sunday at 6 p.m. Both games will be played at BAA Field.

n See live coverage of both Hogges' games at www.royalgazette.com