ARGYLE Ladies Manager Ryan Thomas described the night as,"the best in my time here as manager", as the Pilgrims won their second trophy of the season last night after defeating a strong Bournemouth side 4-1 in the final of the SW Combination League Cup at Huish Park, Yeovil. The trophy is added to the County Cup they have already bagged this season, and sees the club win two trophies for the first time in their history.

After the disappointment of losing out on promotion to the National Premier Leagues at the hands of an impressive Reading outfit, the young Greens were keen to show their ability on a 'grander-than-usual' stage, and started the game at full throttle.

Rachel Pitman and Chloe Roberts both looked lively in the early stages, and it was Pitman who almost broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, but after rounding the keeper her effort was cleared off the line. Just two minutes later, and with the Pilgrims in the ascendancy, Laura Perrett found space on the left hand side of the box but her rasping drive was brilliantly saved by Bournemouth's Rachel Simkin.

However, after getting onto the front foot, the young Argyle side then seemed to retreat and allowed Bournemouth to get back into the game. With Krystal White causing problems with her pace in a lone striker role, both Jemma Rose and Katie Middleton were called into action on numerous occasions to avert a Bournemouth side now growing in confidence.

Indeed they should of taken the lead midway through the first half, but Kirsty Bell dragged her shot wide after a succession of corners. After weathering the storm, Argyle began to get their foot onto the ball much more and once again looked an attacking threat in a now very entertaining game.

After being released by the industrious Becky Atkins, Pitman's goal-bound shot was expertly tipped onto the bar by Simkin. However, she was not to be outdone, as she gave the Greens the all-important lead in the 38th minute - firing in off the far post after being put through by strike partner Roberts.

It was evident that the next goal was going to be crucial in settling the tie, and only five minutes into the second half, Middleton played a superb 40 yard ball through to top-scorer Roberts who rounded
Simkin and applied the finishing touch.

Pitman almost immediately made it three, but Simkin once again foiled the young England striker. It seemed that all Argyle needed to do was maintain possession, but, after giving away a soft free kick, the arrears were reduced on the hour mark.

The ball was quickly played to the dangerous Lyndsey Roe who found the unmarked Bell. Her header was well saved by Argyle's Jade Tregale, but with the Pilgrims defenders caught napping, Michelle Keehan fired in from close range.

With Bournemouth on the back of an impressive run of form, it seemed that the game would now become a real cup tie, but a mistake from the hugely impressive Simkin in the 67th minute effectively ended the tie.

Full-back Nicky Lake found space on the right and her low, driven cross could only be parried into the net for her first goal of the season - albeit one that would usually be reviewed by the dubious goals panel.

With players tiring and the game now stretched, Pitman capped off a good display deep into stoppage time with a close range finish following good work from substitute Helen Kukor and Roberts. Captain Katie Middleton lifted the cup in front of a noisy Argyle crowd to complete a memorable night for the Pilgrims.

A delighted Manager and captain (Ryan Thomas and Katie Middleton) spoke after the game. After interrupting a phone call from a joyous Chairman Ross Symons, Thomas said: "The girls were fantastic tonight, it was probably one of our best performances this season, and winning two trophies is the perfect reward for all the hard work this group of players put into representing a great club. Considering the scoreline, the strength of the opposition, and the surroundings, its definitely my best moment as manager."

An equally happy Middleton said: "Whilst winning the league was our ultimate aim, this goes a long way to putting things right. We have already begun our planning for next season, where I'm sure we'll be even stronger, but we'll enjoy tonight. I thought we played some really good football, which is pleasing for such a young side."

The Pilgrims now have three league games left in order to finish with a record points total. That starts this weekend, with a visit from an unpredictable Swindon Town side. Kick-off at Bolitho Park is at 2.00pm.

Argyle: Tregale, Lake (Evans 70mins), Hine, Aherne, Middleton, Rose, Atkins, Perrett (Parsons 85mins), Pitman, Roberts, Barter (Kukor 60mins) Not Used: Lewis, Thornton

Goals: Pitman 2, Roberts, Lake

Yellow Card: Kukor

Player of the Match: Pitman - A lively display, capped off by two well-taken goals.