Academy Beat Plymouth To Seal Cup Progress. please log in to view this image Pompey Academy reached the fourth round of the Youth Alliance Cup with a 2-0 victory over Plymouth at Copnor Road. They took an early lead when Adam Payce nodded a Sam Folarin cross into the bottom corner of Zak Baker’s net. And the tie was wrapped up midway through the first half, when Jamie Howell collected Elliott Simpson’s pass before firing home. The margin of victory might have been greater, with Baker making some fine saves to keep Argyle in the contest. Lead professional development phase coach Zesh Rehman said: “We made a very energetic and direct start, so we could dominate in their half early. “We took the lead inside five minutes and the move started with Harvey Laidlaw being on the front foot to win the second ball. “Sam then received a pass from Gabriel Kamavuako inside the box after a well-timed ball-side run. He skilfully created space and crossed for Adam, who timed his own run into the box perfectly to head back across the keeper and into the bottom corner. “It was good to see players busting a gut to flood the area consistently. Big Sam was a constant threat all game with his physical presence and work-rate pressing from the front. “We looked very dangerous on the counter-attack and created lots of chances. The second goal came as a result of forcing Plymouth into a mistake by recognising the pressing trigger of a straight slow pass into midfield. “Our midfield trio of Gab, Pacey and Elliott Simpson won their small-sided game in the middle of the pitch. “Elliott found Jamie, who drove with intent at the heart of the Plymouth defence before wrapping the ball into the bottom corner. “Our attacking players did lots of extra finishing and work on timing of their runs in the week and as a consequence, their effort was rewarded with goals. “The opposition goalkeeper also made some outstanding saves to deny Harvey from a well struck free-kick and a Spencer Spurway shot that was goal-bound. “We are showing urgency in our attacking play and intensity in our pressing all over the pitch – it would be even better if we could be calmer in possession on the regain. “It was a competitive contest that became a bit too transitional, so we must learn how to change the rhythm and tempo of the game in midfield. “The next step for the boys to learn is how to control their emotions against adverse decisions to react more positively when the opposition find ways to frustrate them. “A ‘what if’ scenario we practiced was dealing with direct play and ariel bombardment when holding onto a late lead. “Credit must got to the players for staying out of the 18-yard box for as long as possible and working as a defensive unit. All of the basic fundamentals were done well. “We were covering, clearing, blocking and stopping players from turning in key areas. We stepped up quicker when the ball was played back. “The whole team contributed to another clean sheet by limiting Plymouth to a few half-chances. We must maintain the same focus on defensive set-pieces and continue to enjoy defending. “The four substitutes who came on in the second half all impacted the game to help us protect our lead. “Spencer Spurway (pictured) deserves a special mention – playing his first 90 minutes in a year. He was an absolute warrior who embodies all of our academy values. “His pride in a clean sheet mentality and passion to be first to every ball is something I see daily. He has worked honestly and tirelessly around the clock with our physio Ninad to get himself fit and available. “Spencer has connected the whole group to become stronger together with his positive manner. He is a core part of the leadership group and is well respected among his peers and staff. “We focused on three key points for the game, which were being hard to play through, making forward runs and getting bodies into the box. These areas are forming a major part of our identity. “It is only the second time in eight years that the U18s had progressed to the third round of this competition, so credit to the players for going one step further than that. “With the FA Youth Cup coming up next week, we go into the game with momentum, which is really important. “It’s the first time the majority of our players will experience a three-game week, so everyone must recover well and be ready to play their part for the team when called upon.” Pompey: Malachi Osei-Owusu; Brian Quarm, Josh Dockerill (Jack Fox 60), Simon Spurway, Harvey Laidlaw; Gabriel Kamavuako (Mitch Aston 76), Elliott Simpson (Maxwell Hurst 76), Adam Payce; Koby Mottoh, Jamie Howell (Adam Murray 76), Sam Folarin
