Argyle Women picked up three points to end their regular season on Sunday afternoon, with a 4-1 victory away to Real Bedford.
After Issy Bryant put the hosts in front before the break, the Greens reacted with second-half goals from Paris Dalton, Olivia Francis, Tianna Teisar and Tamara Wilcock to secure the comeback for Marie Hourihan’s side.
Now, a play-off final awaits. Argyle have been on the FAWNL main stage once already this season, having lost the FAWNL Cup final to Bournemouth. Now, the Pilgrims have a chance to right some potential wrongs in a winner-takes-all match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a WSL2 place on the line.
Hourihan spoke last week about focusing on one game at a time, and was pleased with the reaction from her side in Bedford. Now, though, all eyes turn to a Bank Holiday Monday affair at the Pirelli Stadium, the home of Burton Albion.
“We had it confirmed a little bit ago now that we were in the play-off final, but now that we've played the final game this season and have finished on 52 points, we just have to reflect on what a monumental achievement it is,” Hourihan told Argyle TV. “To go from 20 points last season to 52, in the space of time that we've done it in, is phenomenal.
“The second-half performance was excellent. The first half, not so much.
“I think some choice words at half-time were said, but the players reacted well. Our intensity levels were so much better in that second half, and all-round energy as well. The pitch was a little bit sticky; we needed to move the ball quicker. The combinations we had, especially in the final third, the timing of our runs, and everything really, were a lot better and well-coordinated.
“To score four goals, with two or three of them being superb team goals as well, was really pleasing and now we need to carry that into next week’s play-off game.
“We've done what we did today on many occasions this season, so I know the capability and resiliency to be able to react and get themselves back into games is there. The pleasing thing is now there is a group of players that understand what they need to do to succeed, but sometimes it does take a little bit of a kick in the teeth to get that reaction.
“We must say fair play to Bedford, however, because they took their opportunities in that first half, and gave us something to think about. We took it on board and managed to implement that in the second half really well.
“I know in football it's so easy to just think about the next game, but you've got to put into context what's been achieved this year. Looking at this time last year, Argyle had to win a game to survive relegation, and now, we've won the final game of the season and just missed out on top spot by a point. The sheer amount of work that's gone into this year, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch, needs to be remembered.
“It's hard to do that when you're in the moment, but I think taking a step back now, the run that we had in the cup and the phenomenal league form that we've had this season - there's been a lot of positives. The amount of players who have stepped up and visibly risen in confidence, but also been able to go and perform, is another thing that must be talked about.
“We will be back in on Tuesday, and thought will go into the play-off match against Wolves. They are going to bring a massive challenge to us, after they've had a fantastic season, finishing on 61 points. That is some going to not win the league with that points total, but we've proven before, when playing a Northern Division team earlier in the season, what we've got.
“We know what to expect, and we've experienced that occasion, so we need to use all the experiences now that we've built up across this season to make sure we go in and play that game, rather than the occasion.”
The Green Army travelled in their numbers to Bedford, to get behind Argyle as they have done all season, sharing a celebratory moment with players and staff after the match had concluded.
Praise was given to them by Hourihan, with a call to continue their support into one of Argyle’s biggest games in their history.
She said: “I think if you wanted me to sum up the success this season, for me, one part would be the fanbase we have grown, and that has driven women's football momentum in the area. Looking at the bigger picture, there's a real appetite for women's football in Devon, and certainly with our team now that we’ve got our own fan base. That’s something that doesn't just happen by luck.
“It’s something that we need to celebrate. Again, we fully expect going into this play-off game that they're going to play a massive part. It is in Burton, yes, and it's another journey, yes, but we've grown to love a coach journey, really! Their support is going to be imperative to us and massive to help us get over that line in Burton.”
