PLYMOUTH Argyle were unable to shock FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division leaders Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday in front of nearly 11,000 spectators.
The second-from-bottom Pilgrims battled hard but went down 3-1 at the title-chasing side.
The home team, cheered on by a record crowd of 10,807, took the lead in the first minute when Lucy O’Brien tapped in front close range.
They then increased their lead to 2-0 in the 26th minute with a header from Natasha Thomas.
Twelve minutes into the second half they made it 3-0 when Sophie Peskett pounced on a rebound after Argyle goalkeeper Lily Felgate had blocked a shot from Ella Rutherford.
But the visitors kept going and had some good spells and they did get a deserved goal when Charlotte Whitmore fired in from long-range in the 83rd minute.
Argyle remain in the bottom two, one point behind Billericay Town, with two games to go.
The Pilgrims host AFC Wimbledon before ending their league season away at Gwalia United.
Billericay also have to play Wimbledon but away, while their remaining home game is against Oxford United.
Marine Academy Plymouth reached the final of the Devon Premier Cup by beating Feniton 6-1 away on Sunday.
Kelsey Blight (2), Beth Overton, Carmen Morison, Maisie Powell-Rider and Samantha Drewery scored for South West Premier Division leaders Marine.
They will now play Plympton in the final at Coach Road on April 25.
South West Division One South leaders Plympton dropped valuable points on Sunday when they were held to a draw away at Sticker.
Isabelle Firth netted twice for Plympton, with Dionne Igalawuye also on target but it was not enough for the three points.
Second-placed Saltash United have closed the gap on them as they beat Yeovil Town 3-2 at home on Sunday.
Liv Lennox, Beth Prouse and Morgan Friend scored for the Ashes, who are now just three points behind Plympton with a game in hand.
The two sides meet in a crucial match at Kimberley Stadium next weekend.
In the Devon Women’s League South & West Division, Horrabridge Rangers kept up the pace at the top with a 4-1 home win over Plainmoor.
Elm United stay in second place as they came from behind at half-time to beat Lakeside 2-1 at Tor Bridge on Sunday. Crystal Pollock and Zoe Coad scored for Elm, with Lexie Hembry netting for Lakeside.
In-form SB Oak Villa made it four wins in a row with a 6-0 victory over their neighbours Signal Box at Manadon on Sunday.
After a scoreless opening 30 minutes, Oak Villa scored three times in the final 15 minutes of the first half to take command of the game. They then added three more after the interval.
Kiri Pethick (2), Saskia Brisley, Sophie Donald, Mia Dulling and Natalie Shekhdar were Oak Villa’s scorers.
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