MARINE Academy Plymouth boosted their South West Women’s League Premier Division title hopes with a 3-1 home victory over Forest Green Rovers on Sunday at Manadon.
Leaders Marine needed an impressive second half performance to beat Rovers, who had started the day in second place.
Forest Green led 1-0 at the break, but Marine really upped their performance after the interval and deservedly picked up all three points.
The visitors made a dream start and took the lead after less than three minutes when Martha Campbell scored from a corner.
Forest Green’s corners were a real threat and they thought they had increased their lead in the 21st minute when they had the ball in the back of the net again for a set-piece, but the effort was ruled out for a foul.
Marine were struggling to keep hold of the ball in the opening 35 minutes and their goalkeeper was called on to make a good save on the half-hour.
But just before the break, they started to finally get going and they took that into the second period, which they dominated.
Abbie Woodward pulled Marine level after less than four minutes of the second half when she pounced at the far post after a dangerous ball across the box.
Five minutes later, the home side went in front when Kelsey Blight scored with a great free-kick.
Blight then wrapped up the three points seven minutes from time when she beat the off-side track and beat the goalkeeper.
Marine are 11 points clear at the top, but Torquay United, who moved up to second on Sunday, do have four games in hand.
Forest Green dropped down to fourth after the loss.
In South West Division One South, leaders Plympton continued their 100 per cent record with a 3-1 home win over Helston Athletic.
Bella Brown-Tunnell, Dionne Igalawuye and Sam Matters netted for Plympton.
Second-placed Saltash United kept on their tails with a 1-0 away victory at Feniton. Bethany Prouse scored the only goal of that contest.
Plympton are five points clear at the top, but Saltash do have a game in hand and the two clubs also still have to play each other twice.
In the Devon League South & West Division, Horrabridge Rangers stay top after beating ever-improving Tavistock 4-1 at Fillace Park.
Elm United moved up to second after a 3-2 away win at Lakeside Athletic.
Mia-Mae Lawrence netted twice for Elm, with Ella Griffiths netting their other goal. Angel Goucher scored both Lakeside’s goals.
Meanwhile, Saskia Brisley and Mia Dulling were on targets as SB Oak Villa beat Plainmoor 2-1 away.
Plymouth Argyle were not in action at the weekend, but they will play Devon rivals Exeter City away in the FA National Women’s League Southern Premier Division on Wednesday evening.
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