United’s women head to Home Park on Sunday (27/09/26 2pm KO) with more than just their League Cup aspirations on the line, as the two Devon rivals come together for current Gull, and former, Pilgrim Roxy Thomas.
There are times when the football community comes together, putting rivalry aside and recognising that there are far more important things in life than the 90 minutes on the pitch.
That will be on full show this Sunday, when United make the short trip to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle in their final group-stage game of the FAWNL League Cup.
The hosts have generously pledged to donate all gate receipts from Sunday’s game to the fundraising campaign for Roxy Thomas and her family.
Roxy is, of course, a former Argyle player, having represented the Pilgrims before making the move to Plainmoor and becoming part of United’s treble-winning side last season.
United have shown their support for Roxy throughout the season, with the squad taking to the pitch wearing yellow armbands bearing her number, 3. Those armbands will once again be worn at Home Park on Sunday as the two clubs come together in support of Roxy and her family.
United looking to bounce back
United head into this weekend’s League Cup clash in a situation they have only found themselves in once previously this season — coming into a game on the back of a defeat.
Ryan Perks’ side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Maidenhead United at Plainmoor last Sunday, a result which represented only their second defeat in all competitions this season and their first at home.
The frustration at full-time was clear, with both Perks and members of the squad disappointed with the result.
However, a week is a long time in football. The squad will have had the opportunity to reflect on last Sunday’s performance, put in the work on the training pitch and prepare for a crucial cup tie.
United will know exactly what is at stake on Sunday, with a victory enough to secure their place in the next round of the competition. A draw could also be enough, depending on the result between the other sides in the group.
United currently sit top of Group A with four points, with both Argyle and Bridgwater United on three points.
Argyle will head into the game looking to turn their fortunes around after a difficult start to the season. The young Pilgrims are yet to pick up a point in the league, with their only victory so far coming against MAP in this competition.
There will also be plenty of familiar faces involved on Sunday. A number of United’s squad have previously represented Argyle, while United manager Ryan Perks has also previously managed the Pilgrims.
Supporting Roxy
For members of the Yellow Army looking to make the trip to Home Park on Sunday, tickets are available directly from the Plymouth Argyle ticket office.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, with all gate receipts being donated to the Roxy Thomas fundraising campaign.
On the pitch, United will be looking to secure their place in the next round.
But Sunday will be about much more than the result.
It will be an opportunity for two clubs, and the wider football community, to come together and show their support for Roxy and her family.
The game is a 2pm kick-off. If you are unable to travel to the game in person, then don’t fear, because the matchday coverage from TUFC Radio will be on hand with live game-day coverage HERE from 1.50pm, as well as the usual updates across all of the club’s social media channels.
Photo Credit: Craig Stevens
