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.

- By LEXIE SANDERS

Plymouth Argyle Women's head coach Marie Hourihan was pleased with a 'really strong team performance' against high-flying AFC Bournemouth

(PHIL MINGO/PPAUK)

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.

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.