ARGYLE WOMEN LOSE CUP FINAL ON PENALTIES

Argyle Women heartbreakingly lost a penalty shoot-out in the Clickhub Devon Women’s Premier Cup to Exeter City.

Exeter took an early second-half lead through a Jenna Markham header, but Rosie Train’s late equaliser took the game to spot-kicks. Unfortunately for the Pilgrims, it was Exeter who prevailed, winning the shoot-out 4-3.

The Grecians dominated the early stages, hitting the bar and having two major chances towards the end of the first half.

The second half saw Argyle get an early free-kick which they attempted to build play from, but Exeter had ideas of their own recovering possession and countering quickly. Sarah Stacey broke through the Argyle defence and crossed into the area to find Markham who headed home to give Exeter the lead.

Argyle manager Ryan Perks responded to City’s goal with a flurry of substitutions, bringing on Train and Amber Pollock for Zoe Cunningham and Georgia Wilson. With fresher legs on the field and time running out Argyle began to take control of the game. Charlotte Whitmore came close to equalising after some good build-up play by the Greens, but the shot was dragged wide of the goal.

As Argyle's confidence grew, they finally got their chance to level the scoreline in the 88th minute.

A foul in the area on Pollock saw the referee blow for an Argyle penalty. Train charged towards the spot and thumped the ball high and right, beating Abbi Bond and giving the Greens a vital lifeline in the match.

With momentum on their side, Argyle continued to put the pressure on Exeter in added time.

Taya Pomfret was brought down in the area but as Argyle players shouted for another penalty the referee saw no harm and continued play before he blew for full-time.

Penalties followed but the shoot-out lottery sadly went against the Greens.