WOMEN: Argyle Reach Cup Final

Plymouth Argyle Women will play old rivals Exeter City in the final of the Devon Women’s Senior Cup.

The Pilgrims reached the showpiece event after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Buckland Athletic, equalising five minutes from time to take the tie to spot-kicks, while Exeter beat Marine Academy Plymouth 3-2 in the other semi-final. 

A bright start from the Greens was rewarded when Emily Mousley opened the scoring midway through the first half but Argyle were pegged back by former Pilgrim Natasha Knapman. 

Buckland edged in front with a second after the interval and the tension was rising before Wensday Wise popped up with a crucial leveller on 85 minutes, forcing the drama of a penalty shootout. 

It was a shame to decide such a great game with the lottery of spot-kicks but it was Argyle who held their nerve, emerging with a 5-3 victory in the shootout, with teenager Rosie Shipp scoring the winning penalty. 

“I’m buzzing for the girls, it’s been a difficult season and a difficult transition from last summer, so probably an over-achievement to reach the Devon Cup Final,” said manager Ryan Perks. 

“The girls have worked hard all season, done everything we’ve asked from them and they did a great job, nullifying Buckland’s better players for large parts and staying calm in a pressure situation. 

“Although we scored late on, I feel like we thoroughly deserved to go through. The girls kept their nerve in the penalty shootout and our last two spot-kicks were scored by teenagers, which is brilliant for them. 

“The players deserve the credit they will get over the next couple of weeks. The average age of our squad on Sunday was only 21, while Buckland have an experienced side of good players.  

“I’m really proud of the girls.” 

The final will be played on Sunday, 30 May at Coach Road in Newton Abbot.