United 1
(Stacey 16′ pen’)
Bridgwater 0
Torquay United’s women got their FAWNL League Cup campaign off to the best possible start, as they secured a hard-fought win over Bridgwater United at Homers Heath.
After a slightly uncertain start by both sides, The Gulls took the lead on 16 minutes.
After Sarah Stacey got herself into a dangerous position inside the box, a clumsy push from Jones saw the former Exeter striker hit the deck, resulting in the referee pointing directly to the spot.
Stacey eventually picked herself back up, dusted herself down and promptly sent the goalkeeper – former Gull Jasmine Read – the wrong way to give the hosts the lead.
Chances came and went for both sides, with Stacey and Bridgwater’s Watkins both missing chances to amend the score count before the halfway point.
The second period was a closely-fought affair, and whilst the visitors created a couple of decent openings, Gulls stopper Ellie Mitchell was never really tested in the home goal.
In fact, the closest to another goal came ten minutes after the restart, as Torquay skipper Mollie Taylor tried an audacious 40-yard lob that so nearly caught the Bridgwater custodian out.
1-0 it remained, and a notable scalp for Ryan Perks’ side, coming against one of the division’s leading sides last term.
Having safely navigated their first League Cup Group Stage game, the focus for United switches back to league action on Sunday, as Gwalia become the latest side to make the trip down to Plainmoor (30/08/26 2pm KO).
UNITED WOMEN: 1. Ellie Mitchell, 2. Ella-Mae Miller (26. Ella Pawley, 31′), 4. Jess Geach, 5. Amii Kearly, 6. Matilda Franchi (16. Brooke Ellis, 64′), 8. Katelyn Bell, 11. Beth Everson, 14. Jas Barker, 15. Sarah Stacey, 19. Mollie Taylor (c), 23. Dani Tyson (7. Carmen Morison, 64′).
SUBS NOT USED: 13. Hannah Bishop, 9. Connie Pengelly, 25. Hope Brinicombe.
Yellow Card: Morison 90+2′
