FA Youth Cup Report | Everton 0-1 Argyle U18s
Argyle Under-18s are in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup after a historic 1-0 win at Everton.
It was a sensational opening 120 seconds that paved the way for 88+ minutes of grit, determination and passion to get over the line, and into the last eight of the famous competition.
From the outset of the game, the Greens pushed forward and won a first-minute corner. From this, Kian Burch was fouled in the area, and Argyle were awarded a penalty.
Cole Fisher stepped up to convert the spot-kick to give Argyle a dream start, taking the lead against the three-time winners of the competition.
Just six minutes later, Everton showed what they are about with an attack that got Joshua van Schoor through, but Jensen Ireland set the tone for the night with a superb challenge, and it would not be the last time he or a team-mate would put their body on the line.
That said, Argyle did not settle for their single goal. Tegan Finn forced one save from Douglas Lukjanciks, before the Everton keeper produced an even better stop to deny a curling effort from Fletcher Poole.
Lukjanciks would later save well from Burch, too, while at the other end Dan Holman made several saves and a series of excellent claims from crosses, with Joe Mwaro and Ireland again – twice - making brave, timely blocks to take the game in 1-0 at half-time.
The second half saw a similar pattern emerging, with Everton trying hard to come back, and Argyle holding firm. Billy Devlin was the latest to make an excellent late intervention, blocking an effort on the line and, although Mwaro and Finn carved out chances for the Greens, it was defensively where the important work was to be done.
Everton forward Braiden Graham was often at the heart of matters, with Argyle preventing him on several occasions, and Seb Campbell heading off the line as the Toffees’ pressure intensified.
But Argyle were not for passing. The heroic Young Pilgrims kept the best and most important clean sheet of their fledging careers – so far – to ensure progression to the next round.
Argyle will now face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, which is due to take place before 8 March.
A huge congratulations to Jamie Lowry, all the coaches and of course all the players. Well done, everyone!
Photo - Everton Football Club