Forest Green Rovers 1
(Macnama 83′)
United 4
(Pengelly 5′, 70′, Everson 40′, Kaptein 86′)
United’s women produced a sublime performance in Gloucestershire to beat title rivals Forest Green Rovers, and take a huge step towards claiming the SWRWFL Premier Division title.
The game was just five minutes old when United took the lead.
With Jess Geach brought down illegally inside the box, leading scorer Connie Pengelly stepped to fire home the resulting spot kick and put The Gulls ahead.
Whilst the hosts responded to their early setback by enjoying a spell of decent possession, recalled goalkeeper Ellie Mitchell remained largely untroubled, and five minutes before the break it was 2-0 to United.
This time it was Tee Kaptein who provided the impetus for Ryan Perks’ side, with her pass picking out Beth Everson to finish calmly and give Torquay a fine half-time advantage.
Rather than sit on that lead, United went up a gear after the restart, and when Pengelly grabbed her second of the game with twenty minutes left, the destination of the points was no longer in question.
Although a defensive mix-up allowed Forest Green to eventually get on the scoresheet on 83 minutes – as Macnama made the most of a moment of indecision – United promptly restored the three-goal margin three minutes later, as Tee Kaptein rounded off a marvellous weekend for TUFC.
Nothing has been decided just yet, but with Perks’ side now boasting a commanding lead at the top of the table, the dream of a return to the FA Women’s National League is getting closer to becoming a reality.
UNITED: 13. Ellie Mitchell, 3. Roxy Thomas, 5. Amii Kearley, 6. Matilda Franchi, 8. Kaitlyn Bell, 9. Beth Everson, 10. Connie Pengelly, 15. Georgie Knott, 16. Jess Geach, 20. Tee Kaptein, 29. Mollie Taylor (c).
SUBS: 1. Esme Bradley, 2. Palmer, 7. Morison, 12. Hillier-Nickels, 14. Jasmine Barker
