Argyle Women earn deserved point against Bournemouth

It was billed as one of the biggest fixtures of Plymouth Argyle Women’s season - and it did not disappoint. In front of a lively Home Park crowd, the Pilgrims battled promotion contenders AFC Bournemouth in a fiercely-contested 0-0 draw that had everything but a goal.

- LEXIE SANDERS

Charlotte Whitmore gets in a cross

(Jasmine Bishop (shots_by_jazz))

From end-to-end action to near-misses and last-ditch defending, both sides showed quality and determination. Though Argyle could not find a breakthrough, their control and intensity proved they can compete with the league's best.

“It was a really strong team performance,” said head coach Marie Hourihan after the match. “We showed great character and maturity against a very good Bournemouth side. The only thing missing was that final bit of quality in front of goal.”

Bournemouth started brightly, pressing high and dictating the early tempo. Argyle took time to settle but soon began to grow into the contest.

Liv Francis earned the hosts an early free-kick on the right after a determined run saw her pulled back by her marker. The resulting delivery caused brief concern for the visitors before being cleared.

Argyle started to find rhythm and space in attack, but Bournemouth’s defence held firm. In the ninth minute, the Pilgrims’ Arabella Suttie bravely blocked a shot.

Phoebie Poole pressed well to win a corner, which Roisin Kivel almost curled straight in, brushing just past the post.