A Danny Purdy strike in extra time was enough to give West Ham United's youngsters an impressive 1-0 away win against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Youth Cup third round on Wednesday night.
In sodden conditions in Devon, Tony Carr's men had to wait until the 104th minute of an entertaining contest before Irish youth international striker Purdy showed great composure to score. He capitalised on a defensive blunder before firing low into the net with the help of a post. The woodwork had earlier saved the Pilgrims, with Robert Hall smashing a 25-yard-drive against an upright for the closest chance of normal time.
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West Ham had gone into the contest determined to make amends for exits at the first hurdle in the previous three editions of the competition. It was always going to be a tricky tie, with Plymouth boasting England Under-17 striker Liam Head - who has already figured for the club's first team - in their ranks. However, Carr also had a strong selection including an U17 starlet of their own in Hall and in-form Cristian Montano who had scored twice in a 3-1 weekend win against Norwich City.
The fourth round must be played by Saturday 16 January 2010.
West Ham United: Loveday, Modelski (Driver 87), Craig, Sanchez, Brown, Moncur, Barrett (Purdy 99), Wearen, Abdulla, Montano, Hall (Lampe 106)
Subs not used: Mehmet, Subuola
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