Argyle Ladies 2 Bedford Ladies & Girls 1

Argyle Ladies 2 Bedford Ladies & Girls 1

Argyle Ladies left it late on to see off Bedford Ladies & Girls to progress to the next round of the FA Women’s Premier League Cup.

Manager Kev Rose made three changes to the side that beat lost 2-0 to Lewes Ladies in their opening league game of the season. In came Phoebe Baker, Aoife Aherne and Nicky Lake.

Argyle started the game on the front foot creating numerous chances in the first 15 minutes, however it was Bedford who had the chance to take the lead on 22 minutes when Argyle centre back Natalie Volpini was judged to have fouled the Bedford striker. The resultant penalty was put well wide of Becky Kyle’s post.

Bedford did take the lead on 27 minutes with a great strike after the Argyle defence failed to deal with a long throw. On 37 minutes Argyle had the chance to draw level when they were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately, Rebekah Rose normally clinical from 12 yards sent her strike over the bar.

Argyle came out a different side in the second half increasing the tempo along with quality possession of the ball. They had a great opportunity to draw level after an Ezme Wells cross was put well over the bar by an on rushing Rachel Javan.

That disappointment was short lived when on 73 minutes they finally equalised. Rachel Javan broke into the penalty area and saw her shot rebound off a Bedford defender to Becky Atkins who calmly lobbed the ball over the keeper into the empty net.

The goal galvanised Argyle who put relentless pressure on the Bedford defence as they looked for the winning goal. With the game destined for extra time, Argyle were awarded a corner in the 89th minute. Quick thinking from Becky Atkins took a short one to Ellie Dorey who returned it to Atkins, who then sent a delightful cross for Natalie Volpini to smash it in from 3 yards.

Argyle’s Assistant Manager, Travis Rowland spoke after the game, “We were very disappointed with our first half display. We were slow out of the blocks and needed to look after the ball in the final third a little better. Bedford’s counter attacking direct approach caused our centre backs problems in the first half.” He continued, “After we made a few tactical changes at half time we looked far more comfortable in the second period and deserved our victory.”

Team: Kyle, Lake, Middleton, Volpini, Baker, Aherne, Rose, Atkins, Wells, Javan, Dorey. Subs: Hackford, Pope, Hugh, Phillips.