Argyle Ladies 2 Newquay 1

AN enthralling local derby provided the setting for the Argyle Ladies second successive win of the season.

The competitiveness  of recent seasons was once again in evidence as both teams went into action.
 
Manager Kev Rose made just one change to the squad, bringing in Sarah Stacey in place of Chelsea Easton, whilst keeping the starting eleven being the same as last week.

Argyle began well, forcing the visitors deep into their own half. In the opening period the tackles were coming in thick and fast, and in the physical battle Argyle had the upper hand.
There were numerous free kicks at this point and play was constantly interrupted.

Real goal attempts were at a premium, but Argyle came closest to opening the scoring when a Laura Perrett effort struck low down on the post with the keeper scrambling across her goal line.

But Argyle were stunned to fall behind in the 40th minute when a hopeful ball over the top towards the right of the box was picked up by the Newquay forward who slotted the ball past the advancing Nicky Lipscombe.

Newquay were delighted to get to the break a goal to the good against the run of play, as they had absorbed a lot of pressure from the home side.

Argyle were to be rewarded just five minutes into the second half, though, when Steff Beck played a neat pass to Ellie Dory on the right wing. Ellie controlled the ball and crossed for Emily Mousley to finish from  the edge of the six yard box.

On the hour mark, Argyle were awarded a hotly disputed penalty when Laura Perrett was fouled near the edge of the box.  Rebekah Rose coolly converted to the 'keeper's right to give the Pilgrim's a deserved lead.

Newquay came back strongly in their search for an equaliser, however, and the home defence had to be at their best to keep them at bay.

Argyle had a great chance to seal the points ten minutes from time when Mollie Taylor was played through the middle, only to shoot at the keeper who saved easily.

After the game, manager Kev Rose commented: "As a team, we worked extremely hard for each other to win the ball back in what was a very physical game.

"I was very pleased that we kept our discipline and stuck to the game plan. Our squad is young, enthusiastic and willing to listen and as their manager I can ask no more."