Poole penalty comeback win

PLYMOUTH Argyle Women produced a sensational second-half turnaround at Home Park to knock Oxford United out of the FAWNL Cup -- with former Oxford striker Phoebie Poole firing the decisive goal against her old club.

- By PAUL KEANE Basketball correspondent @RaidersPlymouth

After trailing 2-0 at halftime, Argyle emerged revitalised and transformed in both intensity and belief. What had been a frustrating, rain-soaked first half turned into a thrilling display of attacking football as the Greens overturned the deficit to win 3-2 and book their place in the quarterfinals.

“If ever there was a time you could describe it as a game of two halves, today was the day,’ admitted head coach Marie Hourihan. “Oxford were better than us first half, but the reaction in that second half was exactly what I wanted”

Argyle found themselves two goals down at the break against a sharp and composed Oxford side, who took full advantage of the slick conditions at Home Park!

The match began evenly, with both teams exchanging early corners but struggling to find rhythm. Oxford gradually took control in midfield, moving the ball confidently and forcing Argyle onto the back foot.

The visitors took the lead on 15 minutes when Nicole Barrett drove into the box, shrugged off her marker, and finished past Hermione Cull. Just eight minutes later, Barrett again created danger down the right before squaring for Emma Thompson to double the lead.

Cull kept Argyle in the contest with a superb double save soon after, while Ellie Noble and Tamara Wilcock both tested the Oxford goalkeeper as Argyle tried to respond before the break.