ARGYLE Ladies marched into the final of the devon Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of fierce rivals Exeter City.
Leah Brooks, Rhianne Parsons, Rebakah Rose, Laura Perrett and Sophie Drake were on target for the Pilgrims who now face Cullompton Rangers Ladies in the final.
With captain Kate Hine a late withdrawal due to a bout of Tonsilitis, the armband was passed on to midfielder Aoife Aherne. Also reinstated to the defence was Leanne Griffiths, having recovered from a knock that kept her out of the last match. These were the only two changes from the side that performed so heroically at Forest Green three weeks ago.
The Ladies began the game on the front foot and set about their task with relish, using the flanks to good advantage with both Laura Perrett on the left and Rhianne Parsons on the right making telling contributions.
In the twelfth minute, Argyle pushed forward on the left side. Becky Rose crossed a fine ball that was just too high for the jumping Perrett, but luckily Brooks followed in to head home and give the greens the lead.
Exeter were not downhearted at this reverse, and indeed came back strongly, urged on by a loyal band of supporters. Twice during the half they created chances that with a little more composure may well have brought them an equaliser. They played with a confidence and fluency typical of a team at the top of their league.
Meanwhile, Argyle's early promise evaporated into mediocrity, as they struggled to string passes together. Indeed many simple passes failed to reach their objectives, and this encouraged their opponents even more.
Though having more of the ball than their opponents, the Pilgrim's were unable to increase their lead, and the management team of Rhys Sullivan and Andy Hughes were glad to hear the half time whistle, and a chance to put some things right in the dressing room.
In the second half, Argyle upped the tempo and went about their business with more purpose, and five minutes in, Parsons finished off a move to net the second goal.
More of the game was being played in the Exeter half now and on the 55 minute mark, Rose, who had earlier been booked for leaving the field without the referees pemission, scored the third goal .
Four minutes later and Perrett found a clearance at her feeet and promptly sent it back into the net from 25 yards, a good habit she is forming of late.
The two substitutions followed shortly after, with both players making their presence felt oagainst a tiring City defence.
On one occasion Rachel Javan was denied a shot on goal when she burst through the middle only to have the keeper smother the ball at her feet.
Sophie Drake made good progress down the right flank, outstripping the defenders and getting in crosses. Indeed it was Sophie who finished off the scoring in the 83rd minute , netting from close range.
All credit also to Exeter, who kept going right to the final whistle, and who proved to be a tougher nut to crack than some had maybe expected.
All in all a satisfactory result, and a cup final to look forward to , but the girls will have to improve their all round performances as the season moves towards it climax, and the top matches they still have to play.
After the game Manager Rhys Sullivan said:"I am of course pleased that the girls have won through to another final.
"There was however little in the overall performance to commend.
"I would however like to single out Tash Knapman for her hard running in leading the line, Charlie Carter for her improvement in the second half, and Leanne Griffiths, to whom I give the man of the match award for a solid all round performance.
"I will however be looking to the girls to up their collective game in the trip to Swindon next week , and for the remainder of the season."
With thanks to Colin Fenn
