Ladies Welcome Dons

SUPPORTERS of Argyle Ladies fans are reminded that Sunday’s National League Plate Second Round tie against AFC Wimbledon has been changed to Marjon and a midday kick-off.

With goalkeeper Ben Kyle likely to be out of action for anything up to two months with a hand injury, Argyle can call on versatile captain Kate Middleton who donned the gloves for last week’s Devon Senior Cup tie win at Feniton to fill the void. Middleton is no stranger between the sticks, as she has stood in on a number of occasions and has been a very reliable deputy.  

Argyle manager Dave Leonard said: “We have been on the look out for Kyle’s replacement and we hope to have her back for the visit of Crawley Wasps in January but in the meantime Kate is in goal. If we can get her back for the Crawley game I will be delighted. I have got somebody lined up but it is going to take a while.” 

Argyle are also without midfielder Jessie Jones who is on holiday but there is better news for Kayley Lane who missed the last two games through injury. 

Leonard said: “We are looking forward to the tie as I think we can do potentially well in [this competition] and we will make hay while the sun shines. Having a home draw helps as we haven't had a lot of them lately. We'll look to win and then get into the next round and get another home draw.”  

This will be only Argyle's third home game in their 12 matches played this season and the girls would really appreciate the fans turning up to watch. The last time we met, Wimbledon won the first match of the 2016/17 season 3-2 in the League Cup. Wimbledon then came to Plymouth to knock them out of the in the second round of the FA Cup 3-0.

Leonard will not be taking this game lightly, as the 'Dons' are having a highly successful season in National League Division One South East, having won eight and drawing the other three. Argyle will have to be aware of joint top scorers Helen Ogle and Karie Stanley who have scored six goals each so far.  

Leonard will not be taking anyone from the Development team but will rely on a squad of 14 players: Kate Middleton, Bow Jackson, Faye Ivall, Ebony Dover, Leah Burridge, Helen Bleazard, Zoe Cunningham, Amber Pollock, Natasha Knapman, Steph Beck, Lydia Huntley, Mollie Taylor, Becky Dandridge and Kayley Lane.  

Argyle’s Development team will be hoping for good weather for the visit of Exeter & Tedburn Rangers as this will be their first match for a month. The game is a 2pm kick-off at the Manadon Hub.

The Pilgrims will be looking to extend their league and cup winning run to six matches and once more the team are prepared and are looking forward to getting their season up and running. The coaching staff are well aware that once more they have to get the balance right with the youth and the more experienced players.  

Manager Rob Bonney commented: “These kids are really putting the pressure on us with their performances and attitude in training. It's a good headache to have but one we must manage in the correct manner.  

“They all have a bright future in front of them but they must continue to apply themselves, the way they are at the moment. A few of them have already been called over to train with the first team and they can see from those sessions the standards they need to reach.  

“First of all though, they need to get to grips with adult football and continue to impress in the manner they all are at the moment. We were hoping to bring the really impressive midfielder Immy Crawford into the squad but unfortunately she has had a re occurrence of her knee injury. Coming into consideration will be young goalkeeper Maisie Frickleton who is another needing game experience.” 

Squad: Maddie Walsh, Rachel Heron, Maisie Williams, Kiara Robins, Beth Everson, Lucy Solloway, Hannah Brock, Rachel Javan, Isla Brumhead, Ellie Bishop, Dani Wyatt, Maddy Leppard, Nelinha Barros,  Chardonnay James, Beth Cowd, Nicola Champion, Dee Newman, Kiara Robins, Maisie Frickleton.