Argyle’s seven-goal victory over Maidstone United, at Home Park secured the Greens' passage into the second round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Ella Stephens, Ellie Noble, and Charlotte Whitmore all scored a brace each, with Giota Papaioannou also finding the back of the net in the varying conditions in PL2.
Whilst confidently scoring in front of goal, Argyle’s defensive strength meant another clean sheet this season, much to the happiness of Head Coach Marie Hourihan, who could not help but have an eye on Wednesday’s league game away at Exeter City.
“The priority coming in today was to come through unscathed and get into the next round,” Hourihan told Argyle TV. “We wanted no injuries, going into a three-game week, and to progress into the next round. I thought we did that really well today. In the first half, we had several goals ruled out for offside, so after 15 minutes, we were thinking, ‘when is it going to drop and when's it going to change?’
“However, as I said, I thought our approach was excellent. It’s always difficult when you're playing against a side that sits in a deep block and will require a bit of patience, but I thought our football at times today was very good. I’m delighted with the calibre of goals that we've scored and the consistency to want more goals.
“Momentum is key, and winning is a good habit. We were at home again, so it's an important factor that we continue our form at Home Park. Our approach had to be spot on, even when playing a team in a lower league than ourselves, but that doesn't take away from what we are trying to do here. The win was the most important thing, and we've come away with no injuries or problems, which gives us a good starting point going into Wednesday.”
Two notable names featuring for the Greens were Tamara Wilcock and Shana Dolbel. Wilcock started for the first time as a Pilgrim, after following Hourihan down to Devon from Stoke City in the summer, whilst Dolbel, a member of Argyle’s Under-18s squad, made her first-team debut as a second-half substitute.
The Greens’ Head Coach was delighted with both of the players’ performances out on the pitch, smiling whilst explaining her thoughts.
She said: “I brought Tamara to this football club for one reason and one reason only: she's a difference maker. She's a fantastic player and we knew it was going to be a process to get to this point, but now we're delighted to have her in the squad. We know that she can provide those moments on the pitch that we’re looking for.
“The Under-18s have been exceptional since I've come into the football club. It is important to remember that they're 16 years of age and they're playing at this level, already. The exciting thing for me is that in the next 12 to 18 months, the progress those players are going to make is huge. They’re rightfully in this first-team squad, and for Shana, specifically, to come on and get her debut today is fantastic.”
