Harvey impresses in FA Youth Cup victory

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE U18...3 EXETER CITY U18...0

STRIKER Tyler Harvey enhanced his burgeoning reputation by scoring the first two goals for Argyle in their FA Youth Cup first round triumph at Home Park last night.

There were a whole host of scouts from Premier League and Championship clubs at the game.

They cannot fail to have been impressed by 17-year-old Harvey, who is set to turn professional with the Pilgrims next summer.

Harvey, from Oreston, has already accepted the offer of a contract from the Pilgrims.

Argyle will now be away to Oxford United or Yeovil Town in the second round of the youth team equivalent of the FA Cup.

Their victory over Exeter was fully deserved after a good all-round team performance.

It was witnessed by an attendance of 748, plus several first team players, such as Argyle captain Darren Purse, Maxime Blanchard, Jake Cole and Alex MacDonald.

Harvey impressed with his two goals, but there were also good contributions from midfielder Andrew Elcock and lively attacker Joshua Hutchinson.

The scheduled kick-off was 7pm, but there was a 10-minute delay after a floodlight failure in the corner of the Mayflower Terrace and the Devonport End.

Argyle played with the in-form Harvey as their lone forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

First-year professional Matt Lecointe made his comeback from injury, playing in a central role behind Harvey.

Lecointe was the one player in the Pilgrims' starting line-up with Football League experience.

He had made four starts and three substitute appearances for Argyle before his enforced recent lay-off.

Harvey was involved in the build-up to the Pilgrims' first chance, which came in the 15th minute.

Midfielder River Allen miskicked his shot when he had a clear sight of goal after good hold-up play and a cross from Harvey.

Argyle's highly-rated goalkeeper Christian Walton was called into action soon afterwards.

The 16-year-old made a comfortable save from Exeter striker Matt Jay after a period of pressure around the penalty area from the visitors.

Walton has been at the centre of speculation about interest in him from Premier League clubs, including Fulham.

Exeter 'keeper Christy Pym then almost palmed a swerving 25-yard shot from Elcock into his own net.

The ball ended up clearing the crossbar, but Argyle did take the lead in the 28th minute.

Harvey cut in from the right flank and his first shot was blocked by a combination of Pym and the near post.

The Pilgrims' striker showed good alertness to follow up and score with a simple tap-in from almost on the goal-line.

Harvey had also been on target when Argyle beat their Devon rivals 1-0 in a Football League Youth Alliance Cup tie on Saturday.

The 17-year-old had another chance shortly before half-time when his low 25-yarder was saved by Pym.

Exeter sent on Josh Reid as a half-time substitute to play as a third centre-back to deal with the threat of Harvey.

But Argyle extended their lead in the 48th minute with another goal from Harvey.

A powerful long range shot from Allen was spilled by Pym and Harvey darted in to touch the ball past the 'keeper and slotted home.

Exeter almost replied immediately, however, as a header from captain Matt Grimes hit the underside of the bar after a corner from striker Ollie Watkins.

Lecointe was substituted after an hour of his comeback match and was replaced by schoolboy Callum Hall.

Harvey was booked in the 70th minute for a raised foot challenge on Pym.

Pym made a good save from Hutchinson after an excellent through ball from the influential Harvey.

Hutchinson was not to be denied a goal, though, as he wrapped up the win for Argyle in the 85th minute.

Allen came up with a great right-wing cross and Hutchinson headed home, off the inside of the right post.

It was almost 4-0 in stoppage time when Allen hit the inside of the same post with a fierce shot.

MATCH STATS

Argyle: Christian Walton; Colin Watson, Aaron Bentley, James Bradley, Ben Purrington; Andrew Elcock, River Allen; Joshua Hutchinson (Tom Moxham 87 mins), Matt Lecointe (Callum Hall 60 mins), Solomon Wheatley (Kieran Asumadu-Sakyi 90 +1 mins); Tyler Harvey.

Substitutes (not used): Andrew Hannah (gk), Nathan Summers.

Exeter City: Christy Pym; Sam Brown, Kamari Duncan, Hussein Heidari, Connor Riley-Lowe; Josh Wadham, James Byrne (Josh Reid h/t), Matt Grimes (Joseph Charles 58 mins), Jason Pope (Dean Billingsley 73 mins); Matt Jay, Ollie Watkins.

Substitutes (not used): Dan Lavercombe (gk), Alex Byrne.

Referee: Anthony Foster

Attendance: 748

Goals – Argyle: Harvey 28, 48 mins, Hutchinson 85 mins; Exeter: None