Coventry United 2 Argyle Ladies 1

ARGYLE Ladies produced a display full of character and a million miles from the one that saw them humiliated 9-1 at Coventry United in the league just a week earlier.

After a decent start, Argyle were rocked back by a dubious penalty decision and Chenise Austin converted for the hosts, but the response was swift and impressive.

Jessica Jones was the catalyst, stealing the ball in a dangerous area and feeding Helen Bleazard, who calmly slotted home to set up a cracking cup tie. Jones went close to grabbing the lead early in the second half, as Argyle took the game to Coventry.

Unfortunately, the decisive second goal went to the hosts, when a swinging cross was headed in by Amy Wathan. The Pilgrims kept working hard for an equaliser that refused to arrive but a performance that will breed confidence for the challenges ahead.

“The players are to be commended, as all 14 of them stood up to the plate to be counted,” said joint-manager Trevor Rodd. “They showed great resilience, bravery and came through the mental test with flying colours, and they should all be commended for their individual performances.”

Argyle’s development squad played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Plympton Ladies in the FA Women’s South-West League Western Division.

It was a stunning second-half recovery from the Pilgrims, battling back from 3-0 down to earn a fine draw with a brace from Gabi Alphous and then Kelly Vinnicombe slotted in a dramatic equaliser in the dying seconds.

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