PLYMOUTH Argyle’s dream of playing in Women’s Super League 2 remains well and truly alive after AFC Bournemouth were beaten 2-1 away at Real Bedford at the weekend.
That result means Argyle need just one point from their final match against Real Bedford to claim runners-up spot in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division and secure a place in the end-of-season play-offs.
They might not even need a point if Bournemouth, who are six points behind with just two games to go, slip up to either Lewes or champions Watford.
The play-off final will take place at Burton’s Pirelli Stadium on May 4 and if the Pilgrims do make it, they will face either Burnley or Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Burnley and Wolves are still locked in a battle for automatic promotion with just one point separating them with one game to go.
Marine Academy Plymouth had already guaranteed their place in the FA National League Division One South West the previous week with a 2-0 victory over Abingdon United.
On Sunday they played leaders Moneyfields at Ivybridge and produced what they described as a ‘spirited display’ before losing 3-0, with the title-chasers scoring late goals.
In the South West Women’s Premier Division, Saltash United were narrowly beaten 2-1 at home by AEK Boco.
Bethany Prouse scored the Ashes’ only goal.
It was a third successive league defeat for Saltash, but they should be safe as they are three points above Frampton, who sit in the final relegation spot and the Dorset side only have one match left to play – away at Forest Green Rovers. Saltash, meanwhile, have three games still to play and only need a point to guarantee safety.
Plympton are on course for the Devon Premier title after they beat Crediton United 3-1 away thanks to goals by Lilly Williams, Daisy Canning and Samantha Burnham.
Their title hopes were helped by second-placed SB Oak Villa’s 3-1 defeat away at Tiverton Town. Georgia Tibbs scored Oak Villa’s only goal at Ladysmead.
Plymouth Marjon are looking like they are going to win Devon South & West.
They currently sit in second spot, five points behind leaders Elm Fusion, but they do have six games in hand.
They showed their ability by beating Lakeside Athletic 23-0 on Sunday.
Phoebe White scored seven goals for the students, with Siana Goddard bagging five and Samantha Cox and Ellie Pearce scoring four apiece. Mille Everson, Aimee Kilpatrick and Maria Marasescu were also on target for Marjons.
Elm Fusion also enjoyed a comfortable win on Sunday as they beat Tavistock 7-1 away. Abigail Hyndman netted a hat-trick for Fusion, who also had Michelle McGuire, Mia-Mae Lawrence, Kayleigh Lazarus and Talisha Shawcross on the scoresheet. Ashley Ford scored Tavistock’s only goal.
Horrabridge Rangers remain in third place after they beat Elm United 5-0 away with Vicky Jasper bagging a hat-trick.
Drake FC stay in fourth place after they drew 3-3 away at Plymouth True Blue. Angel Goucher scored all True Blue’s goals, while Amy Neale (2) and Erin Rumble netted for the visitors.
Elsewhere in that division, Hunter District were beaten 5-2 at home by Plainmoor. Harriet Howell and Danielle Schofield scored for Hunter.
In Cornwall Division One, Callington Town beat Wendron 7-1 thanks to goals from Lily Grimes (3), Robyn Clavey (2) and Sian Jonas.
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