Big Win for Junior Ladies

THE future looks bright for Argyle Ladies, as the under-18 team produced an attacking masterclass in front of an excellent turnout of about 200 fans at Bolitho Park on Wednesday night.

They put in a devastating performance to defeat their Devon rivals Torquay United 12-0. Although the victory was large, great credit must go to the Torquay youngsters, who battled throughout the game and didn't give up.

Argyle have had to play friendly games as the proposed Devon Under-18 League fell through. Their only previous match was a 5-4 win at Swindon Town, so the girls were raring to go and they didn't disappoint, putting in a ruthless display to see off their Devon rivals, who themselves were only formed this season.

Both teams looked nervous in the early exchanges and Argyle had to wait until the 20th minute to take the lead when Kate Grigg opened the scoring. The Pilgrims doubled their advantage when the lively Beth Everson finished off a terrific run to slot the ball into the net. Within a minute, Grigg knocked in her second.

The second half started in a rush, as the impressive Grigg completed her hat trick. Two minutes later, Leah Johnson made it 5-0 with another great strike. Argyle had to wait until the hour to add the next through Everson, who then completed her hat trick. The goals kept coming and in the 71st minute Grigg knocked in her fourth with Maddie Leppard then scoring the next two. Despite Torquay's best efforts, Grigg netted her fifth and Everson her fourth to seal the win.

After the match, delighted manager Gary Bottomley said: “The girls took ten minutes to relax and to be honest they played really well. They got the ball down and played some decent football and they kept their shape well. Torquay never gave up and kept going to the end.”

Argyle squad: Masie Frickleton, Morgan Bottomley, Isla Bromhead, Leah Johnson, Maddie Leppard, Beth Cowd, Milan Barros, Imy Crawford, Beth Everson, Libby Lawton, Katie Grigg, Dee Newman, Beth Riley, Chardonnay James.