Preview | Argyle Women v Chatham (A)
Argyle Women return to league action this weekend where they will conclude their long spell away from home at the Bauvill Stadium, where they will take on Chatham Town.
Argyle's time on the road has been one of dissatisfaction since their first league win of the season at Coach Road against Cheltenham Town Ladies. After defeats to Oxford United and Rugby Borough in the league and an early departure from the FAWNL League Cup last week, manager Ryan Perks wants to put the tough start of the season behind them by securing three points this weekend.
“It’s been a tough month for us to start the season,” said Perks on reflection of the last few fixtures. “We’ve played two sides who are currently competing for the top spot in the league in Ipswich and Rugby; Oxford United who we competed with a player down for 70 minutes, and Cardiff in the cup last week.
"We struggled mentally in the second half last week and I think that’s always a possibility with a young side. We’ve just got to move past this period and focus on this weekend’s match against Chatham where hopefully we can build on a positive performance for our return home next week.”
Bauvill Stadium hosts the Greens this Sunday and will mark the first time Argyle have faced the newly renamed Chatham Town (formerly Gillingham Women) since their change in identity. Chatham currently occupy 11th place in the FAWNL with one point after drawing to Billericay Town earlier in the month.
This week has also seen Chatham make changes to their coaching staff in the build-up to Argyle's visit, following the departure of Jesus Cordon. Perks shared his thoughts on the opposition ahead of the match and reflected on their previous results against them last season.
“Last season we had two very different matches against Chatham," he said. "We were able to take all three points at Saltash at the start of the season whilst they denied us the double over them when we played away.
"They’ve had a tough start to the season and have just had a change in management so whilst that could play in our favour, it also means that all our research on them in the build-up could count for nothing with a new manager put into place.
"One thing we can control going into the match this weekend is ourselves, and continue to develop the players as each game comes. The girls are eager to end this spell away from home on a high this weekend and, hopefully, if we stay focused and keep our heads in the game for 90 minutes, we can continue to build on that mentality as well as secure more positive performances.”
The game will be held at the Bauvill Stadium on Sunday, 8 October. Kick-off is at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £5, concessions cost £3 and accompanied Under-16s go free. If you cannot make it to the game, updates are available on social media @ArgyleWFC.
