PLYMOUTH Argyle extended their unbeaten run to 12 league and cup games with a 5-1 home victory over Welsh side Gwalia United on Sunday and a 1-1 draw away at Devon rivals Exeter City in mid-week.
The three points the Pilgrims picked up at the weekend has moved them back up to third in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division behind AFC Bournemouth and Watford.
Argyle, who also have to play Gwalia United at home in the League Cup later this month, did the damage in the second half on Sunday, scoring four of their five goals.
Fit-again summer signing Tamara Wilcock opened the scoring with her first league goal for the Pilgrims with a fine half-volley after two efforts had been blocked by the visitors.
After the interval, Wales international Tianna Teisar added a second with a header at the far post.
And not long later, Argyle made it 3-0 when Ellie Noble fired into the corner of the net after picking the ball up off Wilcock.
Gwalia pulled one back courtesy of Casi Gregson, but the Pilgrims finished strongly and Charlotte Whitmore added two in six minutes to cap a fine win and performance.
In mid-week, Argyle had gone behind in the 72nd minute away at Exeter City, but levelled just seven minutes later courtesy of Teisar to pick up a valuable away point.
In National League Division One South West, Marine Academy Plymouth gave title-chasing Bristol Rovers a hard battle at Erme Valley, but were narrowly beaten 3-2.
Rovers took the lead after just eight minutes when TJ Gauvain stuck a foot out and slid the ball home after Marine Academy had failed to clear a corner.
But the home side equalised seven minutes later with a clever effort from a tight angle by captain Samantha Drewery, which looped into the top corner.
Both goalkeepers then made good saves, with Ellie Bishop just denied after a good run and shot down the left.
Rovers, though, went back in front in the 25th minute with a freakish goal. Abby Hately made break from deep and got a shot away. However, it did look like Marine were going to clear the ball, but it somehow went into the net off a home player.
And just before the break, Rovers made it 3-1 with a tap in from close range from Ruby Scahill after a cross from the right.
The game was held up for 10 minutes in the second half due to an injury to a Rovers player and both teams struggled to find any real momentum on a pitch that was heavy in parts.
But Marine Academy did come to life late on and Lucy Soloway pulled a goal back and then the home side threw everything to try and get an equaliser in the dying minutes, but it would not come.
Marine had also suffered narrow frustration on Thursday evening when they were beaten 4-3 away at fourth-placed Bridgwater United. Drewery (2) and Kelsey Blight scored their goals in Somerset.
In the South West Women’s League Premier Division, Saltash United made it back-to-back wins over Frampton Rangers.
Just a week after beating them 1-0 away, the Ashes triumphed 2-1 at home on Sunday.
Hayley Ranachan and Beth Prouse scored their goals, with Shannon Francis replying for Frampton.
Plympton, Drake FC, Plymouth Marjon and Plymouth True Blue all progressed in the Devon Women’s League Cup on Sunday.
Premier Division side Plympton triumphed 12-2 over lower league Tavistock at Manadon.
Isabelle Firth netted six of Plympton’s goals, with Daisy Canning, Sam Metters, Crystal-Mae Pollock, Libby Williams, Melissa Yabsley and Izzy Rogers also scoring.
Drake FC triumphed 6-0 at home against Lakeside Athletic, with Molly Yeatman bagging four goals. Cerys Morgan and Emma Guest were also on the scoresheet.
Marjon beat Shaldon Fire 3-1 at home thanks to goals from Fraya Jackson, Rosie Kenny and Phoebie White.
Plymouth True Blues upset Devon South & West leaders Horrabridge Rangers 2-1. Maisie Allison and Angel Goucher scored for the home side, with Katie Cox replying for Rangers.
However, there was cup disappointment for Elm Fusion, who were beaten 2-1 at home by Plainmoor. Abigail Hyndman netted Fusion’s only goal.
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