Perks on Women's FA Cup exit

Argyle bowed out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, losing 5-1 against their Devon rivals Exeter City at Home Park. 

Goals from Mollie Taylor, Sophie Gillies, Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham and a brace from Sarah Stacey handed the Grecians a five-goal advantage, before Charlotte Whitmore’s consolation goal in the additional time of the second half gave Argyle a name on the scoresheet. 

Head Coach Ryan Perks shared his thoughts on the result after the game, saying that his side were not good enough, despite a positive first half at the Theatre of Greens. 

“Not good enough today,” Perks said. “I thought we were the better team in the first 35 minutes, played some good football, and were probably unlucky not to take the lead. We had a couple of chances from set pieces and Charlotte had one cleared off the line, after some good defending. 

“But, as soon as we conceded the goal, I think we crumbled, especially in the second half.  We had no fight and lacked any real shape. We spoke about being disciplined in our shape but we didn't do that in the second half, and that punished us. We conceded from three set-pieces. We've worked on defending set-pieces, so the players have got to be held a little bit accountable. They've got to start heading the ball and clearing the ball better.  

“Credit to Exeter; over the 90 minutes, they were the better team and good luck for them in the next round.” 

With an important FA Women’s National League Cup quarter-final coming up on Sunday at Home Park, Perks knows that work needs to be done ahead of the fixture to maximise the chance of victory against Watford. 

He said: “We've just got to be better. I think the players out there are good enough. We've changed shape today. We've played different styles and shapes and tried everything at the minute, but we're just not getting the rub of the green. 

“I don't think we're winning enough first and second balls. We’ve got to get better at not conceding poor goals. Again, from the five goals today, were there any good goals? Probably not. 

“I think if we look at the fourth, especially, they're dribbling through four or five players, and we just lack that bite; that's what's hurting us at the minute.  

“We've done pretty well in the cup, and we've got a tough game against Watford next. We must dust ourselves off and keep going.”