Plymouth Argyle Women booked their place in the knockout stages of the FAWNL Cup with a commanding 6-0 victory over Bristol Rovers on Matchday 3. Travelling to Bristol in good form, Argyle delivered a clinical performance, underpinned by a solid defensive display and sharp attacking movement.
Goals from Katie Wilson, Katie Dickson, Tianna Teisar, Giota Papaiannou, and a brace from Olivia Francis ensured a comprehensive win, while goalkeeper Hermione Cull and her backline maintained a hard-earned clean sheet.
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First Half
Argyle started brightly, immediately putting Rovers under pressure with a series of early attacking moves. Katie Dickson came close to opening the scoring with a volley at the back post, but her effort flew just over the bar.
As the half progressed, Rovers began to grow into the game and tested Cull with a low shot from Nia Rees, though it lacked the power to cause any real danger. Argyle responded with a chance of their own – Phoebie Poole getting on the end of a Katie Wilson cross but failing to connect cleanly.
The game briefly paused as both teams dealt with minor injuries – Argyle’s Cull receiving treatment, and Bristol Rovers’ Charlotte Buxton taking a knock to the face.
Argyle eventually found the breakthrough thanks to a moment of individual brilliance. Ella Stephens earned a free-kick with some clever footwork, and Katie Wilson stepped up to curl a superb effort over the goalkeeper and into the net.
Just before half-time, Argyle nearly doubled their lead. Tianna Teisar’s cutback found Charlotte Whitmore, whose shot was well saved by George Hunt. Rovers then had a chance to equalise from a dangerous free-kick, but it came to nothing. Argyle countered quickly and won a corner, but the short routine was well defended, ending a competitive first half.
Second Half
Argyle wasted no time asserting themselves after the break. Katie Wilson sent a ball into the box which was smartly controlled by Poole and laid off to Dickson, whose deflected shot found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
The pressure continued, with Poole again threatening but unable to generate enough power to beat Hunt. Moments later, Argyle were awarded a penalty after Whitmore was brought down in the area. Poole’s effort struck the post, but Teisar reacted quickest to slot the rebound home. After a brief discussion between the officials, the goal was awarded.
Both sides made changes just past the hour mark. Argyle introduced Imy Crawford and Caitlin Smith, followed shortly after by Ellie Noble and Olivia Francis, who replaced Dickson and Poole.
Argyle’s fourth came from a well-worked set piece, as Whitmore delivered an excellent ball into the box for captain Giota Papaiannou to head home with authority.
Chloe Ingrouille made her debut appearance late on, replacing Wilson. Crawford soon picked up a yellow card for a foul near the halfway line as Argyle looked to maintain their intensity.
Francis got on the scoresheet shortly after, calmly finishing past Hunt after being played in by Paris Dalton. Argyle continued to push, with further chances falling to Dalton, Teisar, and Arabella Suttie, but Hunt stood firm to deny them.
The sixth and final goal came once again from Francis. She capitalised on a loose ball in the area, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home to seal a dominant display from the visitors.
Lineups
Plymouth Argyle Starting XI:
- Hermione Cull (GK), 16. Ella Stephens (62’ OFF), 26. Arabella Suttie, 5. Giota Papaiannou (C), 14. Katie Wilson (80’ OFF), 17. Paris Dalton, 6. Layla Proctor (62’ OFF), 2. Katie Dickson (72’ OFF), 24. Tianna Teisar, 7. Charlotte Whitmore, 9. Phoebie Poole (72’ OFF)
Substitutes: Eilish Brogan (GK), Imy Crawford (62’ ON), Caitlin Smith (62’ ON), Ellie Noble (72’ ON), Olivia Francis (72’ ON), Chloe Ingrouille (80’ ON)
Bristol Rovers Starting XI:
- George Hunt, 2. Layah Douglas, 3. Abbey Hateley, 4. Maisy Collis, 5. Laura Barrett, 8. Ella Pemberton (59’ OFF), 10. Nia Rees (72’ OFF), 14. Thierry-Jo Gauvain, 15. Charlotte Buxton (49’ OFF), 17. Rianne Bourne-Hallet, 18. Erin Bloomfield (59’ OFF)
Substitutes: Meg Jarvis (59’ ON), Annys Turner (59’ ON), Ruby Scahill (49’ ON), Emily Bayliss, Amelie Gould (72’ ON)
Final Thoughts
Plymouth Argyle continue to build momentum with another impressive performance in the FAWNL Cup. With six different players involved in the goals and a solid defensive showing, they head into the knockout stages full of confidence. For Bristol Rovers, it was a tough afternoon, but they showed resilience against strong opposition and will look to bounce back in their next outing.