United 10
(Own Goal 7′, Bell 23′, 55′, Barker 33′, 90′ Pengelly 48′, Everson 62′, Knott 66′, Hillier-Nickels 78′, Thomas 85′,)
SB Oak Villa 0
United claimed their first silverware of the season on Friday night, as they swept aside opponents SB Oak Villa at Coach Road.
United, many people’s firm favourites before kick-off, didn’t take long to live up to that reputation.
A seventh minute corner from captain Lucy Palmer broke the deadlock, with the near-post delivery going in off an unfortunate Villa defender’s leg.
Although it remained one-way traffic, a sterling performance from the Signal Box goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable, but midway through the first half, United’s advantage was doubled.
Katelyn Bell added to the lead in some style, as Torquay’s ever-reliable No.8 fired into the top corner of the net from 20 yards out to make it 2-0.
The third goal arrived on 33 minutes.
Jas Barker, clearly relishing her role in the starting line-up, found space inside the box and duly made the most of it with a powerful low drive that left the overworked Villa custodian with no chance.
3-0 at the interval, but it didn’t stay that way for long once things got back underway.
Connie Pengelly, who had gone close on a number of occasions in the first half, finally got on the scoresheet three minutes after the restart with a firm finish from ten yards out.
Four promptly became five.
Bell has made a nice habit of scoring in the County Cup this season, and she produced the goods once again, this time with a driving run from the halfway line that was finished with a calm finish inside the near-post.
By now, the floodgates were well and truly open.
Just past the hour mark, Beth Everson got in on the act from close range for number six.
Then it was Georgie Knott’s turn four minutes later, breaking into the left-side of the box before side-footing home for Torquay’s seventh.
Isabel Hillier-Nickels took the acclaim for number eight, as a backtracking defender just failed to clear off the line. There were still twelve minutes left.
Try as they might, Villa’s hardworking but beleaguered players were unable to stop the waves of yellow attacks, with Roxy Thomas next to profit, as her 85th minute corner went straight in.
A tenth in injury time, expertly finished by Barker from inside the box, saw The Gulls hit double figures, as Ryan Perks’ side emphatically claimed their second County Cup in four years.
One down, two to go….
UNITED: 1. Esme Bradley, 2. Lucy Palmer (c), 3. Roxy Thomas, 5. Amii Kearley, 6. Matilda Franchi (12. Hillier-Nickels),8. Katelyn Bell (26. Ella Pawley), 9. Beth Everson (25. Hope Brinicombe), 10. Connie Pengelly (19. Bex McMullin), 14. Jasmine Barker, 15. Georgie Knott, 16. Jess Geach.
SUBS NOT USED: 13. Ellie Mitchell (GK).
Photo Credit: Devon FA
