PLYMOUTH Argyle bounced back from their heavy FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend by beating Cheltenham Town 3-2 away in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.
It was the Pilgrims’ first win of 2024 and has moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone.
The Greens had been 1-0 down at half-time after Emily Owen had fired the hosts in front on 30 minutes.
But the visitors really upped their performance after the interval and took control of the game.
Fern Orchard pulled them level within the first minute before Charlotte Whitmore, playing her 50th game for the club, scored twice within three minutes to put Argyle 3-1 up.
Phoebie Poole did pull a goal back for seventh-placed Cheltenham, but Argyle were able to hang on for a valuable three points.
In the South West Women’s Premier Division, Marine Academy Plymouth were beaten 4-0 at home by Bristol Rovers in the top-of-the-table clash.
The teams went into the match sitting first and second in the standings, but Rovers, who have only been beaten once all season, showed their class in the first half at Manadon to lead 3-0.
They took the lead in the 14th minutes through Abigail Todd after Marine had been denied at the other end.
Zoe Fielden-Stewart then scored with a stunning long-range effort to put them 2-0 up.
That became 3-0 just before the break with an effort from Laura Curnock.
In wet and windy conditions, Marine Academy did close Rovers down a lot better in the second period but struggled to create any clear-cut chances and the visitors added a fourth in the 66th minute courtesy of another from Fielden-Stewart.
Rovers have now moved three points clear at the top with three games in hand.
In the same division, Liskeard Athletic moved up to fifth thanks to a 2-0 home victory over bottom side Frampton Rangers.
Georgie Talbot put Liskeard ahead just before half-time and Chloe Williams doubled their lead in the second period.
In the South West Western Division, Saltash United’s away match against title-rivals Helston was postponed after a pitch inspection.
In the Devon League Premier Division, leaders Plympton battled hard for a vital 4-3 away win at third-placed Bradworthy.
Lois Igalawuye netted twice for Plympton to go with strikes from Codie-Al Cleugh and Charley Putman.
In the Devon League South & West Division, title rivals SB Oak Villa and Horrabridge Rangers continued their good form.
Unbeaten Oak Villa triumphed 17-0 at bottom side Tavistock.
Tavistock battled hard in the first half and kept the score down to 6-0 but there was no stopping Oak Villa after the interval.
Vicky Jasper netted five times for the visitors, with Libby Williams and Rachel Finch both bagging four. Becky Rickards scored twice, while Emilia Heyes and Katelyn Berry were also on target.
Leaders Horrabridge, who have played two more games than Oak Villa, won 8-3 away at Lakeside thanks to goals from Heidi Davies (2), Katie Cox, Leesa Grainger, Kirsty Jones, Jessica Oaten, Leah Parnell-Moses and Carleigh Boyce. Ellie Nayler (2) and Mollie Dring were on the scoresheet for Lakeside.
Plymouth Marjons won a thrilling game with Plainmoor 7-5 on Sunday. Anna Fraser scored a hat-trick for the students, to go with strikes from Sophie Donald, Aimee Marrow, Samantha Seldon and Rosie Kenny.
In the same division, Elm United won 4-1 at home to Paignton Villa.
In the Cornwall Women’s Division One, Saltash Borough beat Penryn 3-1 at home, with Harriet Howell scoring twice for the hosts.
In Cornwall Division Two, Callington Town lost 2-1 against Wendron.
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