Perks pushing for more after Torquay win

A 2-1 victory over Torquay United on Tuesday night gave Argyle Women back-to-back wins in pre-season, and Head Coach Ryan Perks was delighted with the performance of his younger squad members. 

In particular, a back four full of players under the age of 18 performed with maturity and control across the 90 minutes. Argyle began with a backline of Jess Geach, Taya Pomfret, Amii Kearley and Roxy Thomas, with newest signing, 17-year-old Ella Stephens, reverting to a right-back position in the second half as well.  

“It’s the old cliché: if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” said Perks, after the game. “We give young players at this football club opportunities. We’ve announced Ella today, and I thought she was superb tonight. Amii and Taya were composed on the ball, as well.  

“We’ve got a young squad here and, hopefully, we will add more experience in the coming days and weeks. We’re looking forward to getting going.” 

Argyle’s two goals against Torquay came via the boots of Erin O’Shea and Charlotte Whitmore, scored either side of an equaliser from the Gulls. Argyle had plenty of opportunities to extend their lead but were limited to just two on the night.  

Tuesday’s win followed a 6-0 victory over Yeovil Town on Sunday, meaning Argyle have scored eight goals in two games. However, Perks feels that tally should be higher, and wants to see his side be more clinical in front of goal before the next friendly arrives, this Sunday at home to Aberystwyth.  

“I thought we started a bit slow and didn’t move the ball quick enough,” he said, “Torquay are a well-organised side and made it difficult at times, but once we settled down, we dominated possession and created lots of chances.  

“We need to get a bit better in front of goal and probably should have scored four or five goals today. It was the same on Sunday; we should’ve had a few more, but we’ve not worked on it at training yet so that’s something we need to get ready for this Sunday.  

“Hopefully, we’ll work on some patterns in the final third, and the girls will execute it on Sunday.  

“Overall, [it was] another positive run out. We only played 48 hours ago, but it's still lots more minutes in the legs - it’s done its job today.” 

One notable absentee from the match was captain Panagiota Papaioannou, who was named on the bench but did not feature. Perks reassured that it would not be an extended period of absence for the defender. 

“Giota came off during Sunday’s game after she got stamped on her foot, her little toe is a bit sore,” Perks said. 

“She tried it in the warm-up, and it was just playing up, so she didn’t want to risk it. It’s only pre-season. There were a few other players missing today, but it’s allowed other players to get a run-out.”