PLYMOUTH Argyle were knocked out of the FA Women’s National League Cup on Sunday as they went down 3-1 away at Chichester & Selsey.
The Pilgrims, who had beaten Exeter City in the last round, had plenty of chances to win the away tie, but were unable to take them and the hosts scored twice in the final 10 minutes to progress in the competition.
Neither side were able to find a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes as the first half ended 0-0.
The Pilgrims had really pressed early on in the game and were disappointed not to go in front.
And they paid for not taking their first half chances straight after the break when an Emma Alexandre shot deflected in off Argyle defender Jemma Rose.
Greens striker Natasha Knapman was only denied a quick equaliser by a last-gasp tackle, but she did eventually bring the sides level on 61 minutes after a good ball by Sophie Perrin.
Rose and Lydia Huntley both came close with headers for Argyle before in the 80th minute the hosts, who had been under quite a lot of pressure, were awarded a free-kick on a rare attack that Megan Fox fired home.
The Pilgrims had to push all out looking for a late equaliser but as they did they were caught in the dying seconds when Chichester substitute Sarah Saunders got through on goal and beat Argyle goalkeeper Poppy Soper in a one-on-one situation.
However, there was better news for Argyle’s under-23 side who beat Liverton 6-3 at home in the South West Women’s League Western Division.
Megan Bishop and Wensday Wise both scored twice for the young Pilgrims, with Sophie Reynolds also adding one to go with an own goal. Helena Ruffles (2) and Charlotte Dymond scored for the visitors.
In the Devon Women’s League Western Division, Activate moved to the top of the table after an impressive 11-1 home victory over Plainmoor at Devonport High School for Boys.
Activate have now won all five of their league matches this season.
There was never any doubt they were going to ease to a victory on Sunday as they scored twice within the opening 10 minutes and led 5-0 at the break.
With Heidi Davies leading the way, the goals continued to flow in the second half and they went 11-0 up before Plainmoor, who showed plenty of spirit despite being out-classed, scored a late penalty.
The dangerous Davies ended a good afternoon with six goals, while Stacey Tonkin bagged a hat-trick to go with further goals from Rebecca McMullin and Amy Wise.
The club afterwards described their performance as their ‘best of the season’.
Signal Box Oak Villa also continued their good form by beating Teignmouth 3-1 away in the same division.
Shannon Workman got two of Signal Box’s goals to go with one from Iona Smart. Villa sit third in the table with five wins out of six.
Saltash United and Liskeard Athletic both progressed through to the second round of the Cornwall FA Women’s Cup on Sunday.
Saltash United beat Mousehole 7-1 thanks to goals by Hayley Ranachan (2), Katie Mace, Dee Newman, Yas Franklin, Alex Hugh and Jade Bryan.
Meanwhile, Liskeard edged out St Austell 2-1 in a tight affair at Lux Park thanks to two goals from Chloe Williams.
In the Cornwall League Cup, Saltash Borough enjoyed a 6-1 victory over Wadebridge. Sam Metters bagged a hat-trick for Borough, who also had Moya Gillen, Abbey Shapland and Lucy Johnson netting.
In Cornwall League Division One, Saltash United Development overcame neighbours Callington Town 2-1 away thanks to goals from Mia George and Rebecca Kench.
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