Torquay United Women gained back to back victories for the first time this season, beating Forest Green Rovers Women 2-1.
A battling performance where the blend of youth and experience got the Yellows a fantastic result on the road, beating Forest Green Rovers Ladies 2-1. The result moved the ladies up to joint second in the table behind early leaders Sherborne Town Ladies.
Aware of the talented young side and the threat that FGR would pose, United started on the front foot winning a corner inside the first minute, which started a spell of pressure for United in the opening ten minutes. Chances fell for Tracey Cross, Rebecca McMullin and Laura Lewis, with a combination of shots over the bar and some good shot stopping from the Rovers keeper keeping the Yellows at bay. Ellie Bishop also caused issues whipping a couple of dangerous crosses into the FGR box just missing out the oncoming United forwards.
However against the run of play FGR took the lead. A throw from the FGR fullback dragged the United back line a little out of shape and the ball was whipped across from the right into the box, with the oncoming forward able to ghost in between United’s defence and powerfully head in. A feature of our ladies is their strength and resilience to fightback and deservedly United were back level minutes later. Daisy Self pounced on a wayward touch by an FGR midfielder, dispossessing her and laying off the ball to Tracey Cross. who curled the ball beautifully into the corner of the goal with the FGR keeper standing no chance.
Not content the Yellows went again with the same aggression minutes later, Rhi Bailey heading the ball to Lewis who held off her marker to flick the ball forward towards Cross, who laid it off to the onrushing Self, who keeping her composure slotted past the Forest Green keeper, a fantastic triangle movement which had United’s manager beaming with delight.
United led 2-1 at the break and the Yellows were aware of what was to come. FGR didn’t disappoint having spells of the ball and possession, but not hurting United apart from a one on one where United keeper Emma Ayres produced a wonderful point blank save. United game managed the second half perfectly, producing counter attacks during the second half through the lively Bishop to keep their opponents on their toes, but the combination of support, teamwork and keeping control of the game was enough to get the much deserved result against a very good FGR side.
TUWFC manager Steve Elswood reflected the win after the game:
“I knew FGR would be strong and felt last season with the right recruitment they would be even better and they were. They are a young and very skilful side and they gave us plenty to focus on. Once we got ourselves ahead in the first half I knew we would have to be strong together for the second half, and our game management of the lead was superb as we looked dangerous on the counter, but I felt we held them at bay with very few chances in the second period, I’m delighted with the performance against a team that will win a lot of matches this season.”