Argyle Women stung by Hornets on road trip

PLYMOUTH Argyle slipped to a 2-0 defeat by Watford in their first away game of this season’s FA WNL Southern Premier campaign.

- By LEXIE SANDERS

The Pilgrims were without midfielder Lulu Jarvis, who suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in her right leg during Thursday evening’s FAWNL Cup group stage match. The serious injury is expected to sideline her for 6-12 months.

Head coach Marie Hourihan spoke before the game about the impact of Thursday's events, saying: “Thursday night was a difficult evening for everybody. Before halftime, Lulu sustained a serious leg injury... It’s just really important now that we rally around her and make sure she's as comfortable as possible.

“We also need to make sure that everyone in the group is as well. It was a very traumatic evening for the players, staff and spectators.”

Despite the setback, Argyle produced a resilient display against one of the league’s strongest teams.

The opening stages were cagey, with both sides creating early chances. Watford’s Isabella Fisher came closest with a long-range strike, but goalkeeper Hermione Cull reacted well to deny the Hornets an early lead.