Honours even in season opener
Torquay United’s women began the 2025/26 with a batting draw in South Gloucestershire, as Ryan Perks’ side came from behind to pick up a valuable point on their travels.
In their first match of the new campaign, Torquay took a while to get to grips with a testing surface at the host’s Recreation Ground, however most observers would probably agree that The Gulls looked the likelier team to break the deadlock during the first 45 minutes.
However, a debatable free-kick put paid to that, and Pucklechurch’s made the most of the opportunity to open the scoring just past the half-hour mark.
Sophie Sweet, who impressed many in the match at Plainmoor last term, started the new season in similar style by rifling home the set piece from all of 30 yards out to make it 1-0 to the home side in the 32nd minute.
The setback was made all the more galling by the fact that United had temporarily been reduced to ten players, with Jas Barker temporarily sitting things out in the sin-binned.
Despite their best efforts, Perks’ side were unable to respond before the break, but wasn’t long after the restart that parity was restored.
In the 48th minute, and enterprising run from Emily Elliott unlocked the Pucklechurch backline, and although her ball into the box couldn’t quite find skipper Lucy Palmer, debutant Matilda Franchi was perfectly placed to slot the ball home from twelve yards to make it one apiece.
Although United continued to boss proceedings, that was unfortunately as good as it got, with Gulls ‘keeper Carly Kelland remaining largely untroubled for long periods, as Torquay made and missed a host of opportunities to find a winner to turn one point into three.
Having made wholesale changes during the summer, it wouldn’t surprise many if it took the team some time to gel, however, an unbeaten start – and a point on the board – on day one is never something to be taken for granted.
The side also now have the perfect chance this up in style, with United heading to Plainmoor on Sunday for the visit of old rivals Sherborne. Ticketing information is available HERE
UNITED: 21. Carly Kelland, 2. Lucy Palmer (c), 3. Roxy Thomas, 4. Lily Hilton, 6. Matilda Franchi, 7. Emily Elliott, 8. Katelyn Bell, 12. Issy Nickels, 14. Jas Barker, 16. Jess Geach, 19. Bex McMullin.
Subs: Esme Bradley, Lexie Hembry, Sasha Mole, Lexie Watts, Tracey Cross
