United 4
(Franchi 2′, Taylor 21′, 79′, Pengelly 52′)
Poole Town 0
United’s women stretched their lead at the top of the league on Sunday, thanks to a convincing win at Coach Road.
For the third game running, United were ahead within seconds of the kick-off.
Tee Kaptein’s ball to Beth Everson found the Gulls forward in space, and with her delivery into the box played to perfection, it was left to Matilda Franchi to apply the finishing touch from close-range to open the scoring.
Although Ryan Perks’ side dominated proceedings thereafter, it wasn’t until midway through the first period that they doubled their advantage.
When the second goal did arrive, it came via a familiar source.
The excellent Roxy Thomas delivered another penetrating corner into the box, allowing Mollie Taylor to time her run and head the ball past Poole keeper Be-Be Smith to make it 2-0.
After the change of ends, it wasn’t too long before Torquay stretched their comfortable lead even further.
Connie Pengelly, who is leading the line in yellow again following her recent return from Bridgwater, made it four goals in three appearances with a looping effort that beat Smith with ease to dispel any doubts regarding the destination of the points.
A fourth goal provided further icing to the cake, with a corner kick once again sparking celebrations, as Lucy Palmer’s flag kick was volleyed home by Taylor for her second of the game.
This result sees Perks’ side stretch their lead to three points from second-placed Forest Green Rovers, although the Gloucestershire-based outfit do still possess a game in hand.
Next up for The Gulls is a trip to old foes Sherborne next weekend.
UNITED: 13. Ellie Mitchell, 2. Lucy Palmer (c), 3. Roxy Thomas, 4. Lily Hilton, 6. Matilda Franchi, 9. Beth Everson, 10. Connie Pengelly, 15. Georgie Knott, 16. Jess Geach, 20. Tee Kaptein, 29. Mollie Taylor.
SUBS: 1. Esme Bradley, 12. Isabel Hiller-Nickels, 14. Jasmine Barker, 19. Rebecca McMullin, 26. Ella Pawley.
