For the young shot-stopper, it is a return to familiar territory…
Lee relishing Devon homecoming in EFL Trophy
Harry Lee will be among the most familiar faces when Crystal Palace’s Under-21s arrive at Plymouth Argyle for their second EFL Trophy tie tomorrow night.
Exeter’s biggest rivals are Plymouth
—Harry Lee
Born in Torquay, the U21s ‘keeper spent a decade coming through the ranks at Exeter City before gaining further experience on loan with several Devon-based non-League clubs.
Now, he returns to his home county in Palace colours – and there is an obvious reason why this fixture carries a little extra spice.
“Obviously, being from Torquay and playing for Exeter, Exeter’s biggest rivals are Plymouth,” Lee said. “It’ll be good to go down there and hopefully we can beat them.”
I’m feeling really good
—Harry Lee
The trip to Home Park comes at the end of an encouraging opening to 2026/27 for both Lee and the Young Eagles.
Palace were unbeaten through their first four games, with a draw at Arsenal followed by victory at Aston Villa and statement 2-1 wins over Paris Saint-Germain and Swindon Town.
Saturday’s narrow defeat to Blackburn Rovers brought that run to an end, but Lee has been one of the standout performers during the opening weeks.
At Villa, he produced a superb eight-save display to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 Premier League 2 victory.
He then saved a penalty against PSG as Palace began their Premier League International Cup campaign with a 2-1 win.
“I’m feeling really good,” Lee said. “I think I’m finally showing the consistency that I’ve been trying to aim for.
“And being one of the oldest as well, I think that’s helping. I can bring my experiences to the table.
“So yeah, I think that’s probably what’s helped me being starting really well. I’m really, really happy with it.”
We were really good against Swindon
—Harry Lee
The EFL Trophy offers Lee and his fellow Young Eagles the opportunity to test themselves against senior opposition from across League One and League Two.
Palace made a winning start to the competition last week, coming from behind to beat Swindon Town 2-1 at the Nigel Eady County Ground.
Antwoine Hackford put the hosts ahead against the run of play, but Caleb Kporha levelled in first-half stoppage time before Seb Williams completed the turnaround with a superb 25-yard finish.
Reflecting on the victory over Swindon, Lee felt Palace deserved their reward after responding strongly to going behind.
“I thought we were really good,” he said. “Personally, I think we played them off the park.
“Obviously, they scored a lucky goal, but the boys replied really well to that and I think we deserved the win.”
The EFL Trophy is really good for youngsters
—Harry Lee
And the ‘keeper believes the wider experience of the competition is just as valuable for Palace’s young players.
“It’s a really good competition for the youngsters. We get to play in big stadiums in front of more fans than what we usually would do.
“The competition is always tough because we’re playing against men’s teams.
“It’s just really beneficial for the young players.”
Be there in person
Tickets can be purchased by calling 01752 907700 or visiting the Home Park Ticket Office from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, or 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Additional fees apply: £0.75 per ticket online, £1.50 per ticket by phone and £1.50 per ticket in person.
Away supporters will be situated in the Barn Park End of Home Park.
Plymouth Argyle’s stadium is cashless, meaning food and drink kiosks accept card payments only.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £10
- Over-65s: £5
- Under-23s: £5
- Under-18s: £5
- Under-14s: £5
- Under-8s: £5
- Wheelchair Adult: £10
- Wheelchair Over-65: £5
- Wheelchair Under-23: £5
- Wheelchair Under-18: £5
Watch the action live
Unable to make it to Plymouth?
Every EFL Trophy fixture is available to watch live on Sky Sports+ throughout the competition.
The match will be available to stream in the UK via Sky Sports+, the Sky Sports app and NOW.
Follow Palace online
Follow live commentary throughout the game on our Academy X page, with updates from Home Park.
After the final whistle, a full match report and reaction will be published in our Academy news section, while highlights will follow on Palace TV+.
Match details
Plymouth Argyle v Crystal Palace Under-21s
- Tuesday, 22nd September
- 19:00 BST
- Home Park
- EFL Trophy
- Buy tickets here