PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Pompey Academy advanced into the second round of the FA Youth Cup with a 3-0 victory over Plymouth at Home Park.

Adam May fired them ahead before the break, while late goals from Kaleem Haitham and Calvin Davies added a gloss to the scoreline.

That secured a trip to either Gloucester, Cirencester or Bristol Rovers in the next stage, which must be played by November 21.

Paul Cook and Leam Richardson made the trip down to Devon and watched the Blues get off to an impressive start.

The hosts looked nervy and Liam Knowles back-pass that was intended for his keeper went out for a corner.

A Davies cross then caused concern in the Pilgrims back-line, resulting in Cory Havery getting down low to claw the ball away.

Pompey’s skipper was involved again moments later when he rode several tackles before finding May, whose long-range effort was saved.

And Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain thumped a shot wide as the Blues dominated possession in the opening stages.

Davies’ deliveries were proving to be a particular menace and one from the right somehow evaded all of his team-mates.

Plymouth did eventually forge an opening of their own when Jack Calver sent a 25-yard strike flying narrowly past the post.

Play then started to become scrappy as both sides tried to impose themselves, although it was still the Blues who were enjoying the territorial advantage.

And that nearly paid off when Jez Bedford collected a long-ball and jinked past a challenge, only for Harvey to once again come to Argyle’s resuce.

But Pompey did break the deadlock in first half stoppage-time. A Davies corner was sent back to the right-back, who beat a defender and delivered a low cross that MAY converted from close range.

Half Time: Plymouth 0 Pompey 1

Daniel Rooney sent a shot over the bar as the hosts immediately set about trying to find a leveller after the restart.

The same player then saw an effort hit a Pompey defender and fly wide as Plymouth slowly moved through the gears.

When the action switched up the other end, Liam Sayers could only head straight at Harvey following good work from Davies and May.

But that was only a brief respite for the Blues, who were soon on the back foot again and a melee in their box led to the ball being scrambled to safety.

Argyle were now totally bossing the tie and Jordan Bentley saw his strike deflected narrowly off target.

Pompey were living dangerously as their opponents won a succession of corners and it seemed like only a matter of time before the pressure would prove too much.

But they suddenly broke clear on 86 minutes, with HAITHAM advancing on goal and firing a shot into the far corner.

He was then bundled over in the box deep into stoppage-time and DAVIES stepped up to complete a good night’s work for Mikey Harris' side.

Plymouth: Harvey; Palfrey, Bentley, Knowles, Roberts, Vincent, Taylor, Calver (c), Battle, Rooney, Fletcher (McAuley 87)

Subs not used: Cooper, Richards, Rose, Ryan

Pompey: Bass; Davies (c), Saidy, Widdrington (Wakley 86), McDowell; Oxlade-Chamberlain, May; Joseph-Buadi, Bedford (Scutt 81), Haitham; Sayers (Bradbury 76)

Goals: May 45+2, Haitham 86, Davies 90+3
Booked: Davies, Bradbury

Subs not used: Hall, Woodward

Referee: Scott Jackson