Argyle Women will look to make it two wins from two to start the FAWNL season on Sunday, when they travel to Watford.
On Thursday night, during a cup game against Marine Academy Plymouth, Lulu Jarvis suffered a serious leg injury, which means she will be sidelined for a significant period after having an operation.
Head Coach Marie Hourihan knows how important it will be to fully focus on football come 2pm on Sunday, but the number one priority is ensuring Lulu, the rest of the Argyle squad, staff, and all involved, are okay.
“Thursday night was a difficult evening for everybody,” Hourihan told Argyle TV. “Before half-time, Lulu sustained a serious leg injury, and she got taken away in the ambulance. I went with her to the hospital, so she's now comfortable and calm, but unfortunately, she will need surgery. It’s just really important now that we rally around her and make sure she’s as comfortable as possible.
“We also need to make sure that everyone in the group is as well. It was a very traumatic evening for the players, staff and spectators. It's something that you never want to see at a game of football.
“We are here to play football, but first and foremost, we are people, so making sure that everybody's okay is of paramount importance right now, for me personally.
“Yes, it's another game, [Watford] are a very good side, but the priority right now is for everyone to be okay. We’ll be prepared and have our plans in place, but as I said, getting everybody in the right state of mind is a priority right now.
“This whole experience hasn't been nice, but you saw the unity in the group, with everyone waiting for the ambulance to get there and leave. The players and staff, everybody came together. That’s been the message – making sure we are looking after each other.”
After picking up an emphatic and confident 3-0 victory over Hashtag United at Home Park in the league opener, the Greens will be hoping Paris Dalton, Charlotte Whitmore and Phoebie Poole can replicate their action in front of goal to help propel Argyle to victory.
She said: “They're a very good footballing side. They'll like to dominate the ball. They should be in the top two in the league, as they’re well-established in this league. They've got some really good players, but we will embrace a challenge. I think where we are now as a team, we go into every day and every game ready to compete. Sunday will be no different.”
