Plymouth Argyle beaten in women's Devon derby by Exeter City

There was a crowd of almost 2,000 at Home Park for the FAWNL Southern Premier Division game between the two county rivals

Plymouth Argyle Women suffered a 3-0 defeat to local rivals Exeter City in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division under the lights at Home Park on Wednesday night, writes Lexie Sanders.

Emily Toogood secured all three points for the visitors in the dying moments, finding the net just 90 seconds after stepping on the pitch to condemn the home side to their fourth straight league defeat. Former Argyle player Sophie Gillies, and Sarah Stacey also got their names on the scoresheet before half-time, with a tap-in and penalty respectively.

The visitors were the better side in the first half, but were on the back foot for much the of second as Argyle just came up short in the final third.

The Greens made two changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Lewes at the Dripping Pan on Sunday, as Katie Dickson replaced Lulu Jarvis and Georgie Knott came in for Ellie Sara.

It was a cagey start for both sides, with chances at either end; Argyle were trying their luck down the wings, while Exeter were playing through the midfield, forcing the home side to make interceptions to halt their attacks.

Tensions were notably high between the two sides, something you would expect of a Devon Derby. Exeter were unfortunate not to take the lead in the ninth minute, but did so moments later as Gillies scored in the 14th minute.

The Grecians gained confidence from the lead and consequently took control of the game. City were awarded a penalty after Amber Pollock was fouled in the area and Stacey sent Lily Felgate the wrong way to put them further ahead.

Argyle started the second half strongly, looking to reduce the deficit early on, making an early substitution to bring Sara on for Knott just five minutes into the second half.

Imy Crawford took a shot from the edge of the box that went wide of the post, which appeared to have been handled by Abbi Bond but referee waved calls for a corner away.

Sara had made a positive impact for Argyle but their attacks were all cleared away. Dickson came closest to getting on the scoresheet, with two chances in two minutes, again neither coming to anything.

The Greens continued to defend well and looked like they were going to profit from a counter attack, with two free players on the wing, but a heavy touch from substitute Lulu Jarvis gave Exeter possession.

With time ticking away, City brought on Toogood, and from a late corner the defender put the result beyond all doubt. Argyle will now look ahead to Sunday, when they face Ipswich Town at Home Park, and hope to return to winning ways.

ATTENDANCE: 1,927

ARGYLE PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Charlotte Whitmore

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