Argyle continued their forward progress and hunt for promotion on Sunday afternoon after beating top-of-the-table rivals AFC Bournemouth away from home.
Una Lue’s 92nd-minute winner was the decider in the 2-1 win at the Ringwood Community Hub. Phoebie Poole had put Argyle ahead in the first half with a composed finish, but the advantage was soon cancelled out by a Kelci Bowers header in the 22nd minute.
Now, the table looks more open. Bournemouth, with two games in hand, sit in third, six points behind Argyle, but will have to face leaders Watford on the final game of the season.
Oxford United at Home Park and Real Bedford, away from home, are the remaining games for the Greens this campaign. However, prior to those, an FAWNL Cup final battle at MATRADE Loftus Road awaits on Saturday.
Head Coach Marie Hourihan ensures her side approaches each game with full focus and in isolation, but could not hide a smile when speaking to Argyle TV after the full-time whistle on Sunday afternoon.
“It was definitely a rollercoaster of a game,” Hourihan explained. “I thought we started the game really well. They are a difficult side to play against on a small and narrow pitch, so we had to adapt to that, but I thought we did so well and scored the opening goal.
“Our game management after that was maybe a bit questionable and allowed them the opportunity to put balls into our box, which we know they're good at, and a strength of theirs, and they got the equaliser from it. We had to ride a bit of a storm, so we must give them a bit of credit.
“Towards the end of the first half, they came back into it, but we had a couple of opportunities as well on the transition. We knew that in the second half, especially with playing downhill, we'd have the majority of the possession and control, with it being about managing the game and not giving away silly set plays and opportunities for them to put crosses into our box.
“We came out, set the tone and had them pinned in. We created more than enough opportunities to win the game in that second half, and at this stage of the season, it's about getting over the line. I think the players adapted well to the conditions.
“We were tested at times, and they had a bit of momentum after the equaliser was scored, so to show that resiliency and find a winner, after Tamara [Wilcock] and Una came on and affected the game so positively, was really pleasing from my perspective.
“The emotions were running high after the winner. I think [earlier in the game] there were three or four times where we thought the ball had crossed the line or we were going to score and we didn't. We were thinking in our heads: ‘is it going to be one of those days?’ I’m thankful the players kept persevering.
“We had the momentum. You could sense it was coming, and I’m just delighted that they've been able to take that chance because I think we fully deserved it. It was 90 minutes of hard work.
“I don’t think they've been beaten here for over two years. They're in that position in the league table for a reason because they’re a very good and combative side, and they made it difficult for us, and we knew that.
“I thought we really rose to the occasion, and players stood up to that challenge. I’m delighted that we've come away with the result.
“Next week is a different game, a different type of game. It's at Loftus Road on a big, nice pitch. For us to come here and battle as we did, and then in the second half to really try and allow our football to do the talking, I thought was really pleasing.”
