Report | Argyle Women 1 Bridgwater United 0
Argyle 1
Pollock 45
Bridgwater United 0
An Amber Pollock goal in first-half stoppage time gave Argyle Women three valuable points as they beat Bridgwater United on Thursday night.
Bridgwater fought back in the second half and came incredibly close to equalising but, thanks to keeper Jasmine Read and the Greens' steadfast defending, the lead remained with the home side.
Argyle's first half began with a series of set pieces and efforts from range. Bridgwater came dangerously close from open play in the 29th minute after breaking through the defence. Read rushed off her line to meet the oncoming forward head on and proceeded to clear the ball thanks to a crucial interception.
Argyle responded swiftly moments later from a Katie Dickson free kick that although caught comfortably by keeper Mitchell reminded the visitors what Argyle were capable of from range.
Just before the half-time whistle blew, Argyle got a precious chance – and they took it.
An excellent cross delivered into the box by Dickson found the darting Pollock whose leap into the air knocked the ball across Mitchell and into the far bottom corner of the net. The crowd of 232 burst into elation and not long after the referee blew for half-time.
After the interval, Argyle sought a second. An interception in midfield from the marauding Rosie Train allowed her to bolt down the wing and deliver a cross into the area. Players from both sides leapt into the air to meet the ball, but it was the Bridgwater defence that cleared the danger.
With 30 minutes left on the clock Bridgwater attempted to equalise after a mistake in Argyle's defence gave them the chance to break through. Read again rushed off her line to meet the Bridgwater forward, and was not alone in her efforts to close down the danger. A sliding challenge from Rosie McDonnell's recovery run disposed of the lone forward, giving Read the opportunity to collect the danger off the back of the tackle.
The Robins continued to pursue an equaliser, firing in a series of shots, but Argyle's defence dug deep and withstood the danger until the final whistle blew, giving them a hard-fought three points and a huge boost in confidence going into their second match of the week this Sunday, 26th February against Cheltenham Town Ladies at Manado Sports Hub (2.30pm kick-off).
“I thought the girls were fantastic from start to finish,” said manager Ryan Perks. “It’ll be a tough game on Sunday. We’ve both bested each other once this season so both sides know that they have the ability to come out on top. If we can go into that game with the same mentality and character the girls showed tonight, I’m confident we can get another good result.”
Tickets cost £5, and Under-3s go free. If you cannot make it to this Sunday's match, then updates are available on social media @ArgyleWFC.
