Argyle Women in relegation zone after defeat

PLYMOUTH Argyle Women fell to a frustrating 2-0 defeat away to Crawley Wasps on Sunday, writes Dan Newton.

Having played out a seven-goal thriller against the same opponents last weekend, the reverse fixture was a much scrappier muted affair.

The Pilgrims were forced into a number of changes, with top goalscorer Natasha Knapman unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury in training while new signing Charlotte Whitmore was unavailable. It meant that winger Amber Pollock started upfront as a makeshift striker, while captain Zoe Cunningham was only fit enough for the bench after she also picked up an injury in training.

The Wasps took the lead in the 14th minute after Gibson found space in behind the Argyle back four and fired home.

Argyle looked to respond immediately, and Pollock did well to pick up a loose ball on the edge of the Crawley box, but her snapshot flashed wide of the far post. Pollock then nearly turned provider when she slid Ireland in behind the Wasps’ defence. But a lastditch tackle prevented the midfielder from getting her shot away.

Both sides struggled to carve out any clear opportunities until the 35th minute. Swabey did superbly to bring down a high ball inside the Argyle box, but her left-footed shot was scuffed and went wide of Read’s near post.

On the stroke of half-time Argyle went close, when Ireland worked space on the edge of the box, but her right-footed effort curled inches wideost right on the stroke of half-time.

Argyle started the second half with much more intensity and nearly got a deserved equaliser in the 48th minute. Lane played a super ball in behind the Wasps’ defence, and Pollock exploited her pace to latch onto it, but her audacious chip from outside the box fell inches wide.

Argyle then made a change, with Zoe Cunningham coming on for her 100th appearance for The Pilgrims in place Campbell.

Argyle pressure resulted in another opportunity in the 58th minute when left-back Rosie Train showed good feet to skip beyond her marker before her left-footed drive went narrowly over the Wasps’ bar.

Two minutes later, Argyle went closest to equalising. After a spell of possession, Pollock laid the ball off to Jemma Rose, whose low drive cannoned off the upright before being cleared.

Argyle were made to rue the missed opportunities in the 75th minute when Crawley doubled their lead. A cross from the righthand side fell to Nicholls at the far post, who fired into the bottom corner from close range.

Argyle continued to push to try and find a way back into the game but were unable to break down a stubborn Crawley defence.

The result meant that Argyle dropped down into the relegation zone on goal difference. But they do still have a game in hand on Cardiff above them.