Sunday 28th November 2004

Devon County FA Women's Cup
Quarter-Final

Plymouth Argyle Ladies 1
Exeter City Ladies 0

City went into this game knowing it was a huge challenge, facing their opponents who are a league above in the Combination and having a fine season. Although City were missing a couple of key players, this didn't knock their confidence after their good form in recent weeks.

It was very dubious as to whether the game should have been played with the state of the pitch, however neither team let this affect them and both teams started well. The first 10 minutes saw Plymouth on the attack, but a strong City defence kept them at bay. Emily King (photo) in particular having a great match, keeping Plymouth's key player, Katie Middleton, out of the game. City then began to press and take charge of the game, however they lacked the cutting edge to create chances. Much of the play was in midfield, but after a quick Plymouth attack they scored from a cross after 28 minutes.

City stayed focused and continued to play some neat passing football, but the half ended with Plymouth again looking the stronger. City came out strong in the second half, but both teams were struggling to cope with the state of the pitch, which was by now extremely boggy and proved hard to play on.  

Good build up play and a fine through ball from Gina Clark saw Jo Goldsworthy through for a potential one on one, before being stopped by a clear obstruction from the Plymouth defender, but the referee failed to take any action.

City continued to press with Tracey Cross shooting just wide, and Stef Matthews coming close at the far post, but the ball got stuck in the mud. Plymouth then began to attack again, with City keeper Sarah Bell pulling off a fine save.

In the latter stages, it was very much end to end, but neither team was able to capatalise. Manager Steve McLear said: "I was extremely pleased with my team's performance again today. Facing a team that is a league higher than you is never an easy task, but we produced another fine performance today.

'From the offset City put Plymouth under pressure and allowed them no space to play football, with one small error allowing them the goal.

'To be honest many said we deserved a draw, and then a replay which would have been very interesting. Nevertheless this was again an encouraging performance for us.

'As a team we are improving every week, and I feel all of the new players have come in and we have now gelled as a team. I'm hoping now we can continue this positive play, and use it against our strong opponents Newquay at the weekend"