Forest Green Rovers 3 Argyle Ladies 2

ARGYLE Ladies slumped to a second successive South West Combination League defeat with a disappointing 3-2 reverse in Gloucestershire.

The home side cruised to a 2- 0 lead after 22 minutes, as Argyle struggled at the back. Rovers were on the front foot, with former Argyle player Sarah Stacey proving to be a handful.

The Pilgrims were giving the ball away far too easily when not under pressure, but they did create some efforts on goal in the second part of the half. Laura Perrett had a shot blocked by a last ditch tackle, while Chloe Bassett just failed to get on the end of a Jodie Chubb pass following good work on the right by Ellie Dorey. 

Ten minutes into the second half Argyle conceded a third goal, failing to clear a corner.

A change of tactics saw skipper Katie Middleton move from central defence to partner Emily Mousley up front, with midfielder Jodie Chubb dropping into defence.

Argyle began to come more into it, and just after the hour mark managed to get themselves back into it. Mousley powered down the left wing an sent over a great cross, Bassett shot against a post from six yards and Perrett was on hand to poke the rebound home.

The game was evenly contested at this point and another goal got the Pilgrims right back in it. Mousley’s miscued header found its way into the net at the far post from a Becca Rose corner.

Argyle were unable to find an equaliser in the dying minutes against a tiring Rovers side who had worked hard for their deserved victory.

With close rivals Swindon Town and Chichester city both winning, the Pilgrims slip to 3rd spot in the League.