Gloucester 2
(Kaneko-Grun 8′, Vandries 78′)
United 3
(Pengelly 13′ pen, 48′, 59′)
A hat-trick from Connie Pengelly saw United come from behind to seal an important three points at Gloucester on Sunday.
Having had things largely their own way so far this season, it came as something of a shock when United fell behind on eight minutes.
It was perhaps fitting then, that it was something of a freak goal, as a throw into the box found Gloucester forward Sachi Kaneko-Grun right on the byline, and with the City player hooking an overhead cross into the box, Gulls keeper Ellie Mitchell was disappointed – and perplexed – to see the wind-assisted delivery drift over her head and into the back of the net.
Parity was restored five minutes later though, and it came via a familiar source.
After being brought down inside the box, Torquay striker Pengelly took a moment to dust herself down before firing the resulting penalty kick low into the bottom corner, with Gloucester No.1 Katie Thatcher left rooted to the spot.
It continued Pengelly’s remarkable goal-a-game record since returning to the club from Bridgwater last month.
Opportunities for both sides to take the lead came and went, so it remained 1-1 at the change of ends.
The second period was only three minutes before Pengelly put paid to that though.
After outmuscling a retreating City defender on the right hand-side, United’s in-form centre forward looked up before unleashing a superb 25 yarder over the backpedalling Thatcher and into the net to turn the scoreline on its head.
Just short of the hour mark, and the advantage was doubled.
After winning a throw, Roxy Thomas’ cross from the left was met with a delicate flick from Pengelly at the near-post to make it three for The Gulls.
Torquay were in full control at that point, but with twelve minutes left, a goal for the hosts put the result back in the balance.
This time a mix-up at the back allowed Georgia Vandries to reduce the arrears and make it 2-3, but thankfully, that’s the way it stayed.
Next up, a trip to bottom-placed Bishops Lydeard next Sunday.
UNITED: 13. Ellie Mitchell, 2. Lucy Palmer (C), 3. Roxy Thomas, 6. Matilda Franchi, 8. Katelyn Bell, 9. Beth Everson, 10. Connie Pengelly, 15. Georgie Knott, 16. Jess Geach, 20. Tee Kaptein, 29. Mollie Taylor.
SUBS: 1. Esme Bradley (GK), 12. Isabel Hiller-Nickels, 14. Jasmine Barker, 25. Hope Brinicombe
