S'hampton Saints 3 Argyle Ladies 4

THE Argyle Ladies ran out 4-3 wins over Southampton Saints in their penultimate game of the season.

On possibly the poorest playing surface of the season, they set about the home side with real purpose and went a goal up after 20 minutes when Emily Mousley neatly sidestepped her defender and got a firm low shot across the home keeper and into the corner of the net.

Argyle continued on the front foot, Saints attacks being easily dealt with by the defence, leaving Michaela Phillips in the Argyle goal largely a spectator.

As half-time approached, Argyle increased their lead, Ellie Dorey supplying the pass for captain Katie Middleton to power another drive to beat the diving keeper.

The Pilgrims got a wake up call on the hour mark when following a poor clearance, Southampton broke through to get a goal back. 'Keeper Phillips got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep the ball out.


On 66 minutes, Mousley, Argyle's top scorer, shot over the bar when well placed.
Argyle restored their two goal cushion when Middleton put Bow Jackson through for a cool finish and her first of the season.

The goal of the match extended Argyle's lead two minutes later when a fine passing move ended with a pinpoint low cross from Mousley on the right finding Rachel Javan racing in to side foot the ball home.

At 4 – 1 the game should have been well won, but a late rally from the home side aided by some questionable defending allowed a further two goals.

The first was an accurate lob over the advancing 'keeper Phillips before Michaela was helpless again shortl after, when a rasping shot from the edge of the box gave her no chance.


The home side almost equalised with the last kick of the game, but their direct free-kick went harmlessly wide.
 
Argyle's young side are now assured of a third place finish with just one match to play on May 19 at Weston Mill against the current league leaders.
 
Manager Kev Rose selected Bow Jackson as player of the match.

A sound defensive display was followed by a dynamic stint in midfield for the final third of the match. Bow may quite easilty have notched a hat trick, but had to be content with just the one goal, her first ever for the senior team.