Perks pleased with response in Bees win

Argyle secured a place in the next round of the FA Women’s National League Cup with a 3-0 victory over London Bees at Home Park on Sunday. 

A brace of chips from Georgia Wilson and a volley from Charlotte Whitmore handed the Greens victory at Home Park. Head Coach Ryan Perks was delighted with his team’s performance on both sides of the pitch and the reaction from the last display against Hashtag United at the Theatre of Greens. 

“I’m happy we got the job done,” Perks told Argyle TV. “We've said previously about cup football being about winning, but what was quite positive today was that we won in the right way. We had to bounce back after a heavy defeat last week, and it was nice to get a clean sheet. 

“We spoke about having a clean-sheet mentality before the game and I thought the girls were superb in spells today. We went into the half 3-0 up and, although the game went a bit flat in the second half, we probably should have scored a few more. Overall, a pleasing performance.” 

Perks was complimentary of every player on the pitch for Argyle on Sunday and was pleased with both scorers; Wilson and Whitmore. He was also happy to see Argyle’s latest signing Caitlin Smith make her debut in green. 

He said: “I thought Georgia [Wilson] was superb. We know what she can do. She'd been nagging to go in that 10 role for the last few weeks. We've given her an opportunity and, to be fair, she scored two fantastic goals. 

“She, alongside others, didn't get much football at Reading last year, so they've come down here and you can see they're getting up to speed. You can also see the quality that all four girls we've brought in possess. 

“Charlotte [Whitmore] offers a lot more to the team than just goals. She’s starting to get a bit more composed in front of the goal and probably should have had another one in the second half if it wasn’t for a heavy touch. Char works hard for this team, and it was nice to give her a bit of a breather towards the end so we can rest her up a bit for Billericay. 

“It was nice to get Caitlin's deal over the line. It's been a long time coming and we know her quality with and without the ball. I thought the back three, throughout the whole game, looked quite secure and defended well, limiting London Bees to a few chances. Lily [Felgate] was a bit more assertive in goal, she'd come out for crosses and make the saves she had to at times. It was a good defensive display.” 

Defender Smith said: “I’m buzzing to get the 90 minutes. The girls played really well throughout the game and obviously to get a win and a clean sheet, I couldn't be happier. 

“I think the crowd really helped today with some big support. It’s a big game away from home next, so hopefully we can go there and do the same as this week.”