Bridgwater Utd WFC 2 0 Plymouth Argyle WFC

Goals at either end of the first half were enough to get Bridgwater United Women back on track in their League Cup campaign as they comfortably saw off the challenge of Plymouth Argyle Ladies at the Ethan Berry Pavilion on Sunday.

Having gone down to a single goal defeat away to Torquay United, the Robins needed to put that right in what is a group stage and almost with the first attack Zoe Watkins found room on the left to get a shot away and it took a deflection to wrong foot keeper Olivia Giles and nestle in the net.

It was just what was required and in front of another impressive crowd both teams showed up well in attack but the home back line in front of keeper Jasmine Read were immaculate with Keeley Banfield somehow flying in to block a goal bound effort on 15 minutes being the highlight.

Argyle had their moments with Farrah Ambrose and Shana Dolbel very busy throughout and the latter tested Read from 25 yards but her lob shot floated just wide wind assisted. Watkins then found Meg Jarvis who had a shot saved on the half hour before Argyle responded in kind, skipper Manfy Sharpe with two crunching tackles in as many seconds showing the defence was not going to be breached.

Just before the break, after a lengthy stoppage for an injury, United struck again as Meg Jarvis’s left foot shot sailed over Giles, and going in two goals ahead the body language said plenty.

However, the Devon side tinkered with their line up at half-time and for a while they pushed Bridgy back but a series of fouls and four cautions dished out by referee Shaun Thorne broke up the smooth plasy and Bridgy were soon back in control.

Sub Rosie Hill immediately settled in to her role on the left and her shot lacked power before Ellie-Mae Bell was well over from 25 yards.

Argyle had the chance to set up a grandstand finish as Khloe Reed found too much room but she blazed over and the home team saw out the final moments for another convincing win in front of another superb crowd of 231.

The Robins have now conceded just one goal in five matches – and that a contentious penalty at Torquay and they will be looking to keep the run going on Sunday when they travel to Ivybridge Town FC to take on Marine Academy Plymouth in the FA Women’s National League, ko 2pm.

Squad: Jasmine Read, Abbey Hateley, Keeley Banfield, Manfy Sharpe, Meg Jarvis, Georgia Owen, Katie Jones, Ellie Strippel, Emison Evans, Gracie Binns, Zoe Watkins.

Subs: Abi Carslake, Ellie-Mae Bell, Ella Pemberton, Beatriz Kretteis, Aimee Kingdon, Rosie Hill.

Attendance: 231

Referee: Shaun Thorne

Match report by Kerry Miller