Keynsham Ladies 2 Argyle Ladies 3

THE Argyle Ladies produced their best performance of the season to date to end the league leaders 100% record...

...a result that consolidates their fourth place in the league, and, with a game in hand on the top three, keeps them well in the hunt.

Nicky Lipscombe returned in goal, and new signing Sian Fagg was included in the squad that made the relatively short journey to Keynsham.

Argyle began well in a 4-4-1-1 formation, but found themselves a goal down on five minutes when there was hesitancy in defence that allowed a strike on goal following a ball in from the right wing.

Not to be outdone, the girls were on the offensive, and Becca Rose had an opportunity from the edge of the box but saw her shot go high and wide.

Just before the 20 minute mark, captain Katie Middleton headed  a free kick from the right narrowly over the bar.

Both teams were playing some pacey, attacking football on the 3G, rubber-crumb surface and the play went from end to end.

The Pilgrims were knocking on the door and after 25 minutes, their efforts were finally rewarded.

Left back Rachel Javan travelled with the ball and passed into the box. From the ensuing clash between Tash Knapman and the defender, the ball squirmed out to Chloe Bassett on the left wing who cut in and expertly  curled a right foot shot into the far corner beyond the desparing dive of the home keeper.

Just five minutes later and Argyle had forged a deserved lead.

Middleton foiled a home attack midway in her own half, and passed through the middle to Jodie Chubb who in turn threaded a well weighted ball for in form striker Emily Mousley to beat the 'keeper from the edge of the box.

At this point the Pilgrims were on top and enjoying the majority of the play. The home side were also determined to get back on terms, though, and did so in time added on at the end of the half to go in all square at 2 - 2.

The second half continued in similar fashion as both sides sought for the upper hand, with Mousley shooting just over the bar in one attack.

Middleton then rattled the woodwork with a thudnerous free-kick before Argyle once again regaiend the lead with Mousley working a good position inside the box to notch her second of the day.

This had been a thoroughly entertaining match played to a high standard for which both teams deserve credit.

The Argyle players are beginning to gel nicely and that bodes well for the future, the blend of youth and experience nicely balanced.

This was a real team effort in which the whole squad played its part in a notable victory, and after some deliberation Player of the Match award this week goes to 17 year old Jodie Chubb.

Normally a central defender, Jodie is settling in well to her current midfield position and her drive and energy this week just clinched the award.