Report | Manchester United Under-21s 1-1 Argyle Women

Argyle Women’s unbeaten run of form in pre-season was extended on Saturday, as they drew 1-1 with Manchester United Under-21s at the Red Devils’ training facility, Carrington.

United opened the score early on, but Charlotte Whitmore’s penalty shortly before half-time levelled matters. Whitmore converted from the spot after Fern Orchard was taken down in the box following some crafty play from the goalscorer.

With the Greens on top in the second period, Ella Stephens was fouled in the area, but Whitmore’s second attempt from the penalty spot was saved by the opposition keeper with the final action of the game.

United started with energy that Argyle struggled to match initially, with some high pressure handing them the ball in the final third. A looping attempt from one of the Red Devils’ forwards beat the trialist in Argyle’s net to give United the lead.

A back-and-forth encounter followed with spells of possession for both sides, but it was a reaction recovery save from the Pilgrims' keeper that kickstarted the energy needed to push on for an equaliser.

Whitmore’s through ball to Orchard in the 35th minute, followed by some neat footwork in the box, gave Argyle the opportunity to equalise and a coolly converted penalty returned the fixture to a level tie.

After the second-half restart, Argyle’s change in tactics offered a high possession approach, with more chances popping up as the game began to be controlled by Ryan Perks’ side. 

Kelsey Blight struck a shot from 30 yards out, which flew just past the top right-hand corner, and that was just the start of the attacking action in the second 45 minutes.

Blight was once again involved, just minutes later, threading a ball through the defence, and handing Whitmore a chance to score after the opposition keeper’s sliced clearance. The goalscorer’s effort rifled off the bar and appeared to bounce over the line, but the celebrations were cut short, as the referee allowed play to continue, and no goal was given.

Whitmore rattled the Manchester United goalpost again, this time hitting the base of the right post before the keeper pounced onto the ball and kept the tie at one apiece.

The attacking flurry continued for the rest of the half, but the United defence held on despite being worn down with every effort.

In the dying minutes, Grace Smith picked up the ball in the middle of the field, turned and shot a looping effort towards the goal, which bounced off the bar and out for a goal kick.

Stephens' up-and-down play was in full force, and she was finally rewarded for her efforts in the final seconds after being fouled inside the area. Whitmore stepped up to the spot, but her effort was, this time, saved by the United goalkeeper.

Argyle’s pre-season will now be wrapped up with a tie against Bridgwater United at Manadon Sports Hub, on Sunday, 11 August.