Keynsham Ladies 0 Argyle Ladies 3

EMILY Mousley notched a fine hat-trick as Argyle Ladies cruised to a 3-0 victory over Keynsham on October 20.

A somewhat depleted squad of just 12 players made the relatively short journey to North Somerset as the Pilgrims sought to continue their winning run that would keep them at the top of the league.

Argyle began the game on the front foot, and soon made their pressure count as Mousley opened their account after just four minutes. A 30 yard pass out of defence by Alex Hugh found Chloe Bassett down the right, and after a neat pass inside Mousley slotted home.

Bassett was in the action a couple of minutes later as her low cross from the right just evaded the onrushing Ellie Dorey. Even at this early stage Argyle were well in control and playing some of their best football of the season on the slick 3G surface.

It was no surprise when they increased their lead in the 20th minute. A brilliant short passing move, which started with a throw out from goalkeeper Phillips and continued through the midfield area, ended when midfield dynamo Becca Rose slotted a through ball for Mousley to run onto and smash a left foot drive past a motionless home keeper.

The third goal followed three minutes later. More controlled passing by Argyle allowed Mousley to complete her second hat trick of the season from 10 yards. Argyle were rampant during this period of play and Keynsham had no answer to the visitors precise play. Argyle really should have buried the home side under a deluge of goals, as chances continued to come. Bassett drove the ball just over the bar, Rose saw her 35 yard effort crash against the bar and Dorey was foiled by the keeper when one on one. The home goalkeeper was having a splendid game and saved her side on several occasions.  

Having had a chance to regroup, Keynsham upped their game in the second half and commanded a little more possession, though were unable to make it count in the final third. Argyle's defence, marshalled by captain Katie Middleton, dealt easily with their sporadic attacks, with keeper Phillips having little to do.

Argyle continued to create opportunities from the wings and through the middle, but a combination of slack finishing and good play from the home keeper prevented the visitors from adding to their score.

Indeed Argyle were so much in control that a 0 - 10 scoreline would not have been out of the question, or, to quote a popular TV game show, the match was 'just another day at the office'.
 
Player of the match this week is awarded to Becca Rose. Most good things about Argyles play involved her, and she controlled the midfield area throughout.

The next match is on Sunday, November 3 when the team travel to Truro City as they enter the FA Cup.