There were mixed emotions for Argyle Women’s Head Coach Marie Hourihan, as Argyle drew 1-1 with Exeter City at St James Park in the first Devon Derby of the women’s season.
The hosts took the lead in the 71st minute through Sophie Gillies, but just nine minutes later, the Greens equalised.
Substitute Tianna Teisar, who was away with the Welsh National Team over the last fortnight, picked up the ball, drove through the Grecians’ defence, and fired a low, driven shot into the bottom corner, securing Argyle a point away from home.
Despite obviously desiring all three points, Hourihan was happy the Greens came away with a point, furthering their unbeaten run in all competitions, but credited Exeter for their way of play on the night.
“In the second half, we showed a lot more fight and played more of the way that we wanted to,” Hourihan told Argyle TV. “We didn't get dragged into the direct play and physical game, which we did in the first half. We didn't manage it well at all and got dragged into a game that doesn't suit us in that opening 45 minutes, which is a credit to Exeter. They had a game plan, and it was effective, affecting us in the first half.
“Some words were said at half-time, and we got that reaction. Yes, it was disappointing that it took going a goal behind to galvanise us, but I thought the subs that we made today came on and affected the game in a really positive way.
“Tianna got the equalising goal and was really positive, bright on the ball, and drove the team forward. Towards the end of the game, in the last 10 minutes, we felt we had the ascendancy, but just couldn't force the ball home.
“The main thing is that at least we didn't lose the game. We take a point from here and move on to Sunday against Gwalia.”
Argyle’s goalscorer Teisar, has had an exciting but busy week, to say the least, being away with her country.
The forward was called up to the Welsh national team, not necessarily expecting to feature, but soon found herself coming off the bench, replacing Jess Fishlock, to make her debut, and then made her first start just a few days later.
Hourihan was delighted for Tianna and shared her thoughts after being thrown immediately back into the mix on Wednesday night for Argyle.
She said: “I'm delighted for her. I think she's come in and been a breath of fresh air. You see her being smiley, happy, confident, and she's a fantastic player in full flow. Coming on for the last 15 to 20 minutes of the game, she brought that energy and directness, and got us up the pitch.
“She just wanted the ball, which was the big thing that we were missing, especially in that first half. That’s credit to Tianna, and we’re all so delighted for her to make her international debut. It’s thoroughly deserved.”
