Exeter 3 Argyle Ladies 8

ARGYLE ladies produced a devastating second-half performance to see off their Devon rivals Exeeter City in this second pre-season game.

Argyle were without Becky Dandridge, Ebony Dover and Kayley Lane, who are away on holiday but included 16 year-old Beth Everson from the Development team. Also travelling was another promising youngster in Kiara-Jade Robins and newcomer Holly Cole.

Argyle started on the front foot by taking a two-goal lead through Mollie Taylor and Helen Bleazard, only for Exeter to level the scores at half-time.

Despite the hot conditions, Argyle took control in the second half and regained the lead in the 53rd minute when Holly Cole finished off a fine move. Four minutes later, good work by Natasha Knapman led to her setting up Amber Pollock, who fired in at the near post.

It was 5-2 when Jessica Jones’ run and shot was parried into the path of Knapman, who made no mistake. Exeter had a brief respite when they converted a 70th minute penalty. Three minutes later, Danni Wyatt poked the ball in from 12 yards after being played in by teenager Everson.

Argyle weren't finished, as in the 80th minute, Pollock produced a neat touch and finish, leaving Jones to complete the scoring by chipping the goalkeeper from 20 yards.

Manager Dave Leonard said: “We can’t get carried away with the score but it was a really good game and Exeter were better than the score would suggest.

“It was a good 90 minutes which was what we needed and a good work out against a very good Exeter side, who have recruited well. We have got to get out of the habit of conceding sloppy goals down to our poor transition, that is one of the things I have to get out of us.

“There were good parts though, we scored five goals in the last 20 minutes, so our fitness was excellent. Bringing on young Beth Everson for her senior debut makes it something special. She came on and provided an assist for one of the goals, when you look at players like that ,the future is bright.

“I would like to thank Exeter for putting on the game and the hospitality they gave us.”

Argyle are back in action tomorrow (Sunday), when they travel to Bishops Lydeard, while the Development team visit Cheltenham Town.

Argyle squad: Trialist in goal, Faye Ivall, Katie Middleton, Mollie Taylor, Helen Bleazard, Jessica Jones, Amber Pollock, Leah Burridge, Natasha Knapman, Danni Wyatt, Ellie Bishop, Beth Everson, Kiara-Jade Robins, Holly Cole.