United 5
(Everson 12′, Taylor 30′, Franchi 68, Pengelly 79′, Barker 90+2′)
Poole Town 0
United rounded off their superb 2025/26 campaign on Sunday by defeating Poole Town to lift the MJM Sports League Cup, and seal a domestic treble.
Having already beaten the Poole 4-1 away and 4-0 at home in the league, Ryan Perks’ side were already going to be firm favourites to clinch more silverware, and it wasn’t long before they drew first blood.
Matilda Franchi’s dart down the left flank ended with a precise pass to Beth Everson, who promptly produced a swift turn and finish to fire low into the corner of the next from six yards out.
On the half-hour it was two via a familar source, as Roxy Thomas’ inviting corner was headed home at the far post by Mollie Taylor – her fifth against the same opponents this term.
Even though the second half saw The Gulls hampered by attacking up the hill, rather than down it, it made very little difference to Torquay’s dominance.
Poole’s determination to make a game of it was fully evident with some committed defending in the face of wave upon wave of yellow attacks, but after missing a chance to reduce the arrears from a testing corner, the result was put beyond doubt in the 68th minute.
After another excellent Thomas corner drew a parry from the overworked Town No.1, provider-turned-poacher Franchi was on hand to lash home the ball into the roof of the net from eight yards out.
Substitute Connie Pengelly came off the bench to grab her almost-obligatory with eleven minutes remaining, as the United striker showed her power and predatory instincts the maintain possession under pressure before drilling a low shot past the goalkeeper from close-range.
United saved the best until last.
The final goal of a glorious 2025/26 fell the way of Jas Barker, who picked up possession 22 yards out, before sending a right-footed curling effort into the top corner of the net, despite the ‘keeper’s best efforts.
What a result, what a season… and what a team!
UNITED WOMEN: 1. Esme Bradley, 2. Lucy Palmer (c), 3. Roxy Thomas (12. Isabel Hillier-Nickels), 5. Amii Kearley, 6. Matilda Franchi, 7. Carmen Morison (26. Ella Pawley), 8. Katelyn Bell, 9. Beth Everson (10. Connie Pengelly), 15. Georgie Knott, 20. Tee Kaptein (14. Jasmine Barker), 29. Mollie Taylor.
