ARGYLE Ladies smashed Devon rivals Bideford Town 5-0 in the second round of the Devon Cup.

Manager Rhys Sullivan, fresh from a New York break, opted to give an Argyle debut to striker Rachel Javan, a recent signing from Devon rivals Cullompton Rangers in a 4-4-2 formation.

Michaela Phillips was again in goal, protected by a back four of Charlie Carter, Leanne Grifiths, Captain Kate Hine and Nat Bavister. Starting in midfield were Rhianne Parsons, Becky Rose, Aoife Aherne and Laura Perrett.

It was also a first for the strike pairing of Tash Knapman and new girl Rachel Javan. The subs this week were Leah Brooks, Chelsea Easton and Sophie Drake.

Although out of action for a month, the girls were soon on the attack as they sought to impose themselves onto their lower league opponents.

Knapman and Parsons had shots saved by the home keeper, and Aherne had another effort diverted, while Perrett shot narrowly wide.

The pressure on the home goal was non-stop, and in the 15th minute Argyle took the lead when Becky Rose broke into the box to shoot home.

A few minutes later, and new girl Rachel Javan notched her first goal for the Pilgrims when she finished off another attack.

Five minutes later, and Tash Knapman saw her effort hit a post with the keeper beaten. Just before the half hour mark Argyle made it three when midfielder Aoife Aherne converted.

The Pilgrims were in complete command of the game, although to their credit, Bideford kept trying to play football against superior opponents.

The second half continued with Argyle having 70% of the possession, and keeping the home defence at full stretch. The pace of their attacks had defenders constantly back-pedalling, as they were penned into their own half.

On 52 minutes Tash Knapman scored the goal of the game when she turned inside the box and struck a sweet shot past the helpless keeper. With the game safe, the manager was able to use all 3 substitutes to give them much needed play time.

Argyle continued their onslaught, but some indifferent finishing coupled with an excellent display by the home keeper, prevented them from running into double figures.

Becky Rose scored the fifth and final goal ten minutes from time, slotting home from eight yards.

All in all a satisfactory afternoons' work, and some much needed match time that will have benefitted all concerned.

With thanks to Colin Fenn