Argyle Women's Preview | Cheltenham Town (H)

Argyle Women look to make it four wins in a row when they meet Cheltenham Town at Saltash’s Kimberley Stadium on Sunday (2pm). 

In recent weeks, the Greens have beaten Billericay Town in the FAWNL Cup, Poole Town in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, and then followed with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Gwalia United. 

Ryan Perks’ side were 3-1 down to the Welsh side, early in the second half, but fought back to win the game 4-3. It was a win that Argyle’s Head Coach says continued the side’s rise in belief. 

“The win on Sunday gives us a bit of confidence and momentum building into Sunday's game against Cheltenham,” said Ryan. “Hopefully we can continue the run. 

“We're going into the game full of confidence. Cheltenham aren't in a good run of form in the league themselves. I know they had a good cup win against Wolves a couple of weeks ago, but they're going to want to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Ipswich this weekend. I think it's going to be a massive game for both teams.

“The league's really tight. It's close. There's no one really running away with it. Even the top four teams are close. There's a core of games coming up. I think where we can get some points on the board and start looking at the table rather than worrying what's below us and trying to catch teams up. 

“I think with the confidence we took from the Billericay win was probably the turning point for our season. Recognising we can beat a team who is higher up in the league, quite convincingly, to take that into the next two games.

“Obviously, we did it the hard way on Sunday. I still think we were the better team even at 3-1. I wasn't on the sideline thinking: ‘we're in trouble here’. I thought that we could still get something from the game. The girls did the job - hopefully we can do it a bit easier this weekend!

“It was a vital three points last Sunday against Gwalia, but we need to back that up with a win this weekend as well.”

Argyle played Cheltenham in the opening game of the league season, and lost 4-0, but Perks believes that the development of his side, in personnel and in attitude, gives them a big chance this Sunday. 

He is also hopeful that the Green Army will follow the side across the Tamar to offer their backing for the fixture. 

“If we look at the team, it's changed,” he said. “We've quite a few additions in that squad and they hadn't really played in pre-season, so they've settled as a team now. I think we're in a different position from where we played Cheltenham in the in the first game of the season.

“Amii [Kearley] went off quite early injured [in that game]. Caitlin [Smith] wasn't at the club at the time, so we've brought in a few additional players since then as well, which has strengthened from the team. 

“[Cheltenham] are quite direct. They've got pace in abundance up front. They are physical, quite similar to Gwalia really, and play a similar style. They're a good side; we've got to give them the respect they deserve. They've beaten us already, so we've got to go in, work hard and do the basics right to get the free points.

“In previous years we've had a few games at Saltash and always seem to do well there, so hopefully that carries on this weekend. Hopefully the fans will come across the bridge, get behind the team and cheer us on for three, vital points.”