In what was a closely-fought encounter, Mia Preston’s strike eventually prevailed, as TUWFC clinched a 1-0 home win over Bristol Rovers on Sunday afternoon.
With the men’s team at home in a key FA Cup clash against Derby County, Torquay Utd Women FC themselves took on a difficult fixture at home to q Bristol Rovers side who are also firmly in the promotion mix this season, having secured a draw against leaders in Sherbourne Town FC in their last outing.
This was the game the yellows had to be patient in, and had to use all of their game management and defensive process to keep shape, composure and focus throughout the 90 minutes.
It was Rovers who dominated the first half however, creating a string of chances through their intricate build-up play, although they failed to capitalise on any of these with United keeper Emma Ayres making a couple of very smart saves, and the United backline and midfield working tirelessly to restrict Rovers to limited chances.
After the first half hour, United started to get control of their game and created a good 15-minute spell of possession football in which Ellie Bishop flashed a teasing cross across the Rovers box that no United player could connect on.
Minutes later, United went down the same route feeding Bishop down the wing and her fantastic across the box was held up by Tracey Cross, who, with her back to goal, laid it off to an oncoming Mia Preston to slot into the net to give United perhaps the lead at the break.
In the second half United, perhaps fortunate to be ahead, regrouped.
The Gulls worked tirelessly to restrict Rovers to yet again a couple of shots that Ayres saved comfortably, along with forcing Rovers to blast over from acute angles on their other limited opportunities.
The game management from the yellows in the second half was fantastic showing discipline, organisation, and in the end they showed the greater heart to hold onto that early goal and claim the three points which keeps him firmly in the promotion race in the league.
Manager Steve Elswood was delighted to seal a hard-fought victory.
“We knew what we were going to be up against probably the biggest club in our league in name, and we knew they would be organised with an academy style attitude, and they didn’t disappoint. They played some very tidy football throughout, but for all of that possession football, they had I didn’t feel they hurt us as much as that statistics may have shown.
“We had a couple of chances on the counter, one being the goal, and then it was all about resolute defending and the will to win the game that we showed in abundance today. It was a big lesson for the ladies that you can win a football match ugly. It doesn’t always have to be pretty, and those three points are huge for us. It was not a great performance by us today however we got the job done.
“Every player stood up to the challenge today, and I think today showed you can have a lot of possession in the game but you have to take your chances to win football matches. I’m very proud of the team, and we now focus to the FA Cup again next weekend to progress further, and look to make history by moving in to the second round proper for the first time in our history”
Club captain Danni Wyatt, on the comeback trail following injury, also praised her side’s efforts.
“I think it’s safe to say Bristol Rovers are a talented side and really tested us defensively, but experience & game management was the difference in the win.
“I think we were like for like on technical ability and in a true Torquay fashion we got the ball in the net. At the end of the day goals win you games.
“We’re delighted with the 3 points and another goal on the sheet for Mia Preston, who is getting better and better.
“As a squad we are still being tested with injuries, but we have every confidence we can continue on with this campaign and chase down that top spot.”
Become A Friend OF TUWFC!
The Yellow Army are now able to play their own part in supporting the Women, with the launch of ‘Friends Of TUWFC’, enabling supporters to get even closer to the team.
For a £100 donation towards running TUWFC, this package will see Friends receive the following, amongst other benefits:
- Listing on the TUWFC website
- Certificate acknowledging your support
- 2 tickets in the Family Stand for a TUAFC league match at Plainmoor
Initial funds raised by Friends Of TUWFC will go towards supplying all the players with new training wear, which will proudly sport the Friends of TUWFC logo.
To show your support for TUWFC in this unique manner, click HERE.