Argyle Women’s hunt for top spot in their FAWNL Cup group continued on Sunday, with a convincing 5-1 win over Bridgwater United.
Goals from Olivia Francis, Phoebie Poole and Charlotte Whitmore, as well a brace from captain Imy Crawford, secured the Greens three points, with a late consolation goal coming for the visitors from the penalty spot.
After a three-game week consisting of three victories, Head Coach Marie Hourihan was delighted with the way her side performed, after not playing to their fullest strengths in the opening 45 minutes.
“Six points on the board this week puts us in a really good position now in our group,” Hourihan told Argyle TV. “I think in the first half, we were a little bit slow to get going. Although we were 3-0 up at the break, some of our detail on our passing and body shape, when we received the ball, was a little bit off, but in the second half we came out in the first 10 minutes with a lot more intent and scored a couple more goals to settle the game.
“I said to the group that it shows how far we've come that we can still hold a lead not playing our best, but also on the flip side it shows the standards that we need to maintain. We return to league action next weekend, and we need to be at that level and remain relentless in our approach. It was more so a reminder to the players, because the reaction in the second half was really positive and, at times, the football we played was very good.
“It was good to see all the front three getting on the scoresheet and they will take great confidence from that. We spent a lot of time talking about taking our opportunities from distance and today we were getting in some really good areas and getting our shots off. Last week, Ellie Noble scored her effort against Billericay Town and now Imy today, so it’s pleasing to see what you're doing on the training pitch come off in games.
“We’ve got to take the confidence and momentum from that into Wimbledon next weekend. Full focus now turns to getting back on the training pitch on Tuesday.”
Argyle completed the loan signing of Bristol City forward Tianna Teisar on Friday evening. On Sunday, the Welsh forward was thrown straight into the mix, playing 30 minutes off the bench. Hourihan had nothing but positive words for Tianna’s debut in front of the Green Army at Home Park.
She said: “It was really good to get Tianna game time today. It's been a little bit of a whirlwind stint, coming in on Friday and having just one session with the group, getting used to all of the players and also how we want to play. There's a lot of information for her to take on board, but it was good to see her on the pitch.
“She’s got great energy, great enthusiasm, and just caused problems for Bridgwater. She’s a different type of forward that we've got now, so we've added that extra variety to our top line. For me, it's really good to have that profile of player now to pick as well.”
