The Game
Argyle v Watford. Home Park. Saturday, 3 January. 3pm. FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.
The Opposition
Watford are third in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, with 26 points from 12 games so far this season.
The Golden Girls started the season in superb form, going on a 10-game unbeaten streak in league and cup play, winning nine of those games. However, recent form tells a completely different story.
Key victories came against Argyle, AFC Wimbledon, Cheltenham, Billericay Town, and Hashtag United, following their opening-day stalemate away to Lewes.
After losing to Argyle in the FAWNL Cup, however, the Hertfordshire side have won just four of eight games in all competitions, including recent 3-2 defeats in the league to Lewes at home and away to Bournemouth.
The Head Coach
Watford are led by Renee Hector. The former defender started her career in the club’s Academy set-up and moved from her previous role as the Head of Youth Development into the role as Head Coach in July 2024, when Damon Lathrope, Argyle’s current men’s assistant head coach, joined Tom Cleverley’s backroom team at Watford.
In her first season at the helm, Hector led her side to a third-place finish, behind Ipswich Town and Hashtag United, ending with 44 points from 22 games in the tight Southern Premier Division.
The Squad
The most recognisable name to Argyle fans in the Watford squad will be that of Ava Kuyken. The midfielder was a part of the Greens’ squad that stayed up on the final day last season. She joined Watford in the summer and has since made eight league appearances in yellow.
Madison Perry has 10 goals in 11 appearances in the league this season. She joined the club following her departure from Reading in 2024 and has been a goalscoring threat after being trusted with the number nine shirt.
Club captain Megan Chandler is a fan favourite and icon to many Watford fans. She joined in 2019 and has enjoyed two promotions with the Golden Girls over six seasons, whilst also winning several Player of the Season awards at the same time.
Previous Meetings
After losing 2-0 in the league earlier in the season, Argyle returned to Kings Langley to face Watford in the FAWNL Cup and had their way. A 3-0 victory, thanks to an Olivia Francis brace and strike from Tianna Teisar, ended the hosts’ unbeaten run and furthered Argyle in the competition, where they will face Lewes for a chance at a spot in the semi-final.
League Implications
For this season only, the second-place finisher from both the Northern and Southern sections will face off in a play-off game, with the winner securing promotion to the Women’s Super League 2, alongside the league winners.
Argyle currently hold second place, with Watford just a point behind, showing the importance of this fixture at Home Park.
The Greens sit two points behind Bournemouth, the league leaders, but the Cherries do have a game in hand. However, the two still need to face each other later in the season, with Watford and Bournemouth also battling it out on the final day of the year in April.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s live match coverage will begin at 2.55pm. Match passes to watch this game are available overseas, but NOT for viewers in the United Kingdom, because of the 3pm blackout rule.
Tickets
Women’s season-ticket holders will be able to enter Home Park as normal, using their digital tickets to gain entry.
Match tickets for non season-ticket holders cost £5 for adults, with under-14s FREE alongside a paying adult.
Head to argyletickets.com to purchase your seat now in the Beacon Electrical Lower Mayflower.
Normal booking fees apply. All tickets are unreserved seating and, based on numbers and/or weather on the day, the Upper may be open and available for access.
You can also buy tickets via phone by calling 01752 907700, or by visiting the Home Park Ticket Office from 10am to 4pm on Monday to Friday, or 10am to 2pm on non-match day Saturdays.
