Plymouth Argyle 3, Whitby Town 2. WHITBY Town's FA Cup adventure finally came to an end on Tuesday night in their first round replay at Plymouth Argyle.

But Town did not go out without a fight, as they clawed their way back from 3-0 down to narrowly lose 3-2. And it was second division leaders Argyle, unbeaten in 17 games, who were most relieved to hear the final whistle as Whitby pressed for an equaliser.

Whitby manager Harry Dunn said: "Their manager Paul Sturrock said afterwards it was probably the hardest game they'd had all season. He admitted we were worth a draw." Dunn was justifiably proud of his players for taking Plymouth, who look like they are heading for division two, all the way.

He was delighted with his side's second half performance, as first, striker Jamie Burt volleyed in after a free-kick from Logan, and then just two minutes later, Graham Robinson scored from ten yards out, to leave Town trailing by the odd goal with 18 minutes to go. With Plymouth a man down after Evans was sent off, Town held the upperhand but despite going close through Robinson and Anderson, could not find the elusive equaliser.

Dunn admitted he feared the worst in the early stages as Plymouth started well and went a goal up early on through Bent. When Evans was sent off on 37 minutes after retaliation against David Goodchild, it seemed to galvanise Argyle even further, as they scored two in quick succession through Stonebridge and Phillips.

Though Whitby bow out, their cup adventure has netted them thousands of pounds, which Dunn said could be put towards a new stand and new playing surface.

Whitby drew 2-2 at home to Runcorn last Saturday. Runcorn went ahead early on before Jamie Burt equalised after 70 minutes. Whitby took the lead through debutante Adam Marsh with four minutes left but Runcorn hit back within a minute. Whitby have another important cup match on Saturday at home to Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy second round.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, November 29, 2001