THERE was disappointment for Plymouth Argyle as they slipped to a 3-0 defeat at third-placed Oxford United on Sunday in the FA Women’s National League Premier Southern Division.
The Pilgrims sit in the relegation zone and so will need to start putting some wins together soon to close the gap on the sides above them.
However, despite the loss at the weekend, manager Ryan Perks was positive after the match and feels his team are progressing.
“I was really pleased with how the girls performed,” he said. “I thought the scoreline flattered the opposition. The girls dug in for the full 90 minutes.”
Argyle, who were missing former England defender Jemma Rose and top scorer Natasha Knapman, went behind on 20 minutes to a Rachel Panting goal just after they’d had a good chance themselves.
And just before half-time, Oxford extended their lead when Riva Carsley fired in after Hannah Mackenzie had hit the post with a header.
The hosts sealed the match in the 56th minute when Beth Lumsden bagged a third for Oxford.
However, there was more joy for Argyle’s under-23 team who beat neighbours Saltash United 3-0 at Kimberley Stadium to stay top of the South West League Western Division.
Yet the match was far closer than the scoreline suggests, with the Pilgrims scoring twice in injury-time to seal the victory.
When the game was 1-0, Saltash hit the post and had a goal disallowed.
Wensday Wise bagged two of Argyle’s goals, with their other coming from Emily Mousley.
In the same division, Liskeard Athletic remain third after a 3-1 victory at Liverton United. Chloe Williams bagged two for Liskeard, with Ezme Wells getting their other.
Devon League side Activate continued their good season by reaching the Devon Women’s Senior Cup semi-finals with a 12-1 away win at Bradninch.
Stacey Tonk hit four goals for Activate, with Amy Wise getting three and Steph Warren two. Becky McMullin, Kirsty Jones and Saskia Moore also got on the scoresheet.
But there was disappointment for Signal Box Oak Villa who missed out on progressing through to the last four after losing 5-1 at West Exe Park Rangers.
In the Cornwall Women’s League Division One, Sam Metters hit five goals for Saltash Borough as they beat neighbours Saltash United Development 8-0. Molly Gill, Cody Cleugh and Lucy Johnson were also on target for Borough.
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