UNA LUE scored an injury-time winner as Plymouth Argyle kept alive their title hopes with a 2-1 away victory at third-placed AFC Bournemouth in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.
The Pilgrims looked like they might have to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw at Ringwood Town’s ground on Sunday.
But two minutes into added-on time, substitute Tamara Wilcock has hit a great long-range effort that the Bournemouth goalkeeper has pushed on to the crossbar, only for Lue to fire home the rebound.
The late strike by substitute Lue brought scenes of joy from the Argyle players and coaching staff as it keeps the second-placed Pilgrims firmly in the title race. They remain one point behind leaders Watford, who have played a game less, but crucially they are now six points ahead of Bournemouth, who do have two games in hand.
“The emotions were running high,” admitted Argyle’s head coach Marie Hourihan after the last-gasp victory.
“I think there were three or four times we have thought we were going to score, but we didn’t, and you are kind of thinking in your head it is going to be one of those days.
“But the players just kept persevering, we had the momentum and you could sense it was coming. I was just delighted they were able to take that chance because I think we fully deserved it.”
Phoebie Poole had put Argyle ahead in the 18th minute when she got behind the home defence and slotted the ball home.
However, Bournemouth levelled pretty soon with a long-range header from Kelcie Bowers.
Both teams have chances but could not take them, until Argyle’s substitutes linked up to work their magic in injury-time.
Marine Academy Plymouth were unable to upset third-placed Bristol Rovers in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West.
They were beaten 3-0 away, with Annys Turner, Chloe Snook and Ruby Scahill scoring Bristol’s goal.
Marine Academy stay in eighth place and they are eight points clear of the relegation zone.
There was also disappointment for Saltash United in the South West Women’s Premier Division.
They were beaten 2-0 at home by Pucklechurch.
The Ashes probably had the better of the first half, but the visitors took the three points home thanks to two second half goals.
In the Devon Women’s League Premier Division, leaders Plympton continued their push for the title with a 5-0 home victory over Bradworthy.
Ashleigh Gavican-Lapthorn (2), Crystal-Mae Pollock, Bella Brown-Tunnell and Libby Williams scored Plympton’s goals.
In Devon South & West, Plymouth Marjon boosted their title hopes by beating leaders Elm Fusion 3-0 away.
Samantha Cox, Aimee Kilpatrick and Phoebe White netted for Marjon, who are only five points behind Elm Fusion now but with six games in hand.
Drake FC remain third after they beat Lakeside Athletic 6-0 thanks to two goals apiece from Eleanor Cranch, Jaz Bonney and Erin Rumble.
Fourth-placed Horrabridge Rangers enjoyed a 7-0 home victory over Hunter District, while Plymouth True Blue beat Tavistock 8-0 away. Lily Hands scored a hat-trick for True Blue, with Angel Goucher, Leah Johnson, Ella Knapman, Shanice Kelly and Lily Daw also on target.
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