Report | Billericay Town 1 Argyle Women 1
Billericay Town 1
Thomas 90
Argyle Women 1
Greenslade 45
Billericay Town’s last gasp equaliser on Sunday dealt a blow to Argyle Women’s FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division survival hopes.
Che Thomas struck in injury-time to inflict a draw upon the Greens – their first of the season – and make the final weeks of the season even more tense.
Billericay were fast out of the blocks in the first half and five minutes into the match came close to taking the lead through a low shot that beat the diving Jasmine Read but was blocked by full-back Katie Dickson, who cleared the danger off the line.
The close call made Argyle begin to settle and slowly take control of the match. Midfielder Georgia Wilson and forward Lily Greenslade had chances in front of goal, with Wilson's low shot in the area skimming the near post in the 18th minute.
Argyle took the lead from a free kick just outside the area, as half-time approached. The ball delivered into the area by Dickson found Greenslade who quickly reacted to the onrushing Baker, slotting it into the back of the net with the last kick of the half.
Billericay started the second half with intent as they looked to react to the late first-half goal. A cross into the area was laid off for a shot from range. The ball was struck well and thundered towards goal but failed to find the back of the net, blazing just over of the crossbar.
The chance spurred Argyle into life and they started to take the game to Billericay. Great periods of link-up play from the Argyle midfield once again proved difficult for Billericay to contain. Greenslade looked to double her tally in the 56th minute after a great run from Ireland set the forward up with a chance on goal, but her shot was comfortably saved by Baker.
Skipper Zoe Cunningham was then substituted, making way for Amber Pollock. Five minutes later the pacey number 11 was brought down in the area resulting in huge appeals for a penalty, but the referee waved play on.
The Greens continued to pile on the pressure but were unable to convert the opportunities they created with Charlotte Whitmore coming close with two close-range efforts that keeper Baker palmed away.
Argyle would pay for not scoring a second, as Thomas was able to find space in the box in the 90th minute and slotted home Billericay’s equaliser past the onrushing Read.
Billericay almost stole victory with a corner that hit the crossbar in stoppage time, but in the end the points were shared.
Argyle now look to Friday, 21 April where they take on Exeter City in the Click Hub Devon Women’s Premier Cup at Coach Road.
Argyle: 1 Jasmine Read, 5 Panagiota Papaioannou, 6 Lucy Hack, 13 Katie Dickson, 8 Kayley Lane, 20 Beth Ireland, 7 Charlotte Whitmore (35 Grace Perrins), 10 Zoe Cunningham (c) (11 Amber Pollock), 16 Georgia Wilson (18 Imy Crawford), 27 Lily Greenslade.
