ARGYLE Ladies were sensationally knocked out of the National League Cup in the determining round and will now contest the Plate competition.

The Pilgrims had gone into the game having beaten Exeter 8-3 in a pre-season friendly game but, unfortunately, they were without striker Natasha Knapman, midfielders Zoe Cunningham and Ellie Bishop, and central defender Mollie Taylor, and it showed, as they never really got to grips with the game.

Jessie Jones played the striker role in the first half with Helen Bleazard leading the line in the second half. On a very hot afternoon, Argyle went behind in the 19th minute when new signing Anthea Kaptein fired Exeter into the lead.

Argyle plugged away and drew level 11 minutes before half time when the lively Amber Pollock fired in from distance. The Greens were caught out again almost on half time when Kaptein gave Exeter a 2-1 half time lead.

Argyle came out for the second half on the front foot and, within a minute of the restart had drawn level through Jones. Unfortunately, two minutes later they fell behind again when Emma Britten scored from close range. Kaptein who completed her hat trick in the 66th minute to put the tie almost out of reach.

The Pilgrims kept battling away and deservedly reduced the arrears in the 72nd minute through Pollock's second goal. Manager Dave Leonard brought on Beth Everson for Darcey Hepworth three minutes later but Argyle failed to grab an equaliser and it was Exeter who progressed.

Leonard said: “Congratulations to Exeter and I want to go on record to say they put on a gallant performance and thoroughly deserve what they got out of the game. I wish them all the best in the nest round of the competition.

“That wasn't us, we were way below the standard I expect at this football club. It was one of those bad days and I could rarely give anyone over four out of ten. We just didn't operate and it was one of these days where eleven players didn't operate and that disappoints me. It was a bad day at the office, it is what it is and we will be better off for it.”

Argyle squad: Becky Kyle, Darcey Hepworth, Faye Ivall, Ebony Dover, Kate Middleton, Leah Burridge, Helen Bleazard, Kayley Lane, Becky Dandridge, Amber Pollock, Jessie Jones, Beth Everson, Lucy Solloway.