THE FA Cup quarter final clash between Plymouth Argyle and Watford was more than a special game for one football mad youngster from Stoke Climsland. It was a day seven-year-old Harry Duddridge will never forget because the lucky lad was the Argyle mascot at one of the club's most important games for years. In a game that went out live on BBC TV, Harry came out of the tunnel hand-in-hand with Argyle captain Lilian Nalis, leading out the home club to be greeted by the roar of a 21,000-strong crowd. After shaking the hands of the match officials, the opposing captain and mascot he enjoyed a kick about with the Argyle players before leaving the pitch to watch the tension filled cup tie. His mother Jo, father Mark (a Middlesborough fan) and brother Joseph were watching proudly from special seats behind the director's box in the grandstand. Jo told the Times: 'He had an absolutely great time, Harry really enjoyed himself. We wrote in about six months ago and they rang about three days before to ask if Harry would be available for the match. 'They took the boys to the changing rooms, he collected their autographs and the players were really lovely. Both families got to walk around near the pitch, it was a terrific experience.' Jo said she was particularly impressed with Lilian Nalis, who took time to kick the ball around with Harry, even though the game was just about to kick-off. Harry had his picture in the match programme, was presented with a badge from the match referee and later given a certificate of the occasion by the directors. Jo said Harry's brother Joseph told his parents he would have loved to have been a mascot on the day as well — even though he doesn't like football! Young Harry, who attends Stoke Climsland Primary School, plays for the Plymouth Argyle development team at Duchy College, and his mother says he would love to play for the Pilgrims. His favourite players are Argyle midfielder David Norris and Barcelona ace Ronaldinho. Jo said that when her son told all his friends Harry was going to be the Argyle mascot in the quarter final they were all really excited for him. They must have been very understanding because none of Harry's pals were left feeling 'Green' with envy — Argyle lost the match 1-0! ABOVE: Harry with Argyle captian Lilian Nalis, their Watford opposite numbers and match officials. Pic by Dave Rowntree
