Argyle return to FA Women’s National League action on Sunday as they welcome Hashtag United to Home Park.
The Tags arrive in Devon under recently-appointed Head Coach Ben Cole and eight points from their opening nine league fixtures, having drawn five times already. Their most recent outing saw them hold AFC Wimbledon to a goalless draw, while they also shared the points with Portsmouth earlier in October.
Argyle Head Coach Matt Green is anticipating a competitive match against a quality Hashtag side, with the visitors’ recent change in management adding another element to Sunday’s challenge.
He said: “They’ve obviously got some experienced heads in that team, as well as a relatively new head coach who has been in charge for a few weeks now, so their style of play has been evolving.
”They’ve had some good results lately, and their draw with Pompey is a good sign for them. We can’t take anything for granted as we know where we are in this league and what we have to do.”
Argyle have had the opportunity to analyse the Tags’ recent performances, including their FA Cup tie against Devon rivals Exeter City. However, Green is also conscious of the importance of Sunday’s fixture for his own side.
He said: “These are the games that we look at to see if we can get something from them. Of course, it will be a tough game, but it will be one that the girls will relish, I am sure.”
The Pilgrims will be boosted by the returns of latest signings Millie Pullen and Libby Gimson, with both returning to contention after being cup-tied for last weekend’s FAWNL Plate match against Arsenal PGA. Ciara Magee could also be back after suffering an injury against Cheltenham Town almost a month ago, although several other players are expected to need a little longer before returning.
Green was encouraged by aspects of his team’s 2-0 defeat to the Gunners Under-21s side and will be hoping they can build on those this weekend against Hashtag.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of people who came to watch the Arsenal game, and they could see the development that we are going through as a team,” he said.
“We probably had more of the ball than we have in previous weeks, which was something we worked on leading into the game. There were some small signs of improvement, and we will take those positives into Sunday.
“From a defensive point of view, out of possession we look quite solid. But it’s those moments on transition that we have just got to be a little bit more decisive.”
Argyle will be aiming to turn those encouraging signs into a positive result when Hashtag United visit Home Park on Sunday (2pm).