by Nathan Parker
AN injury time goal from scoring-machine Natasha Knapman saw Plymouth Argyle Ladies steal the spoils in a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City Ladies.
Having won six in a row Plymouth were looking to avenge their two defeats to Cardiff last season.
The home side made the brighter start though, with striker Grace Horrell causing all types of problems for the Plymouth defence.
Your Cardiff City Ladies line up for this afternoon's game against @ArgyleLFC #ComeOnLadies pic.twitter.com/ktj0DlJY19
— Cardiff City LFC (@CardiffCityLFC) October 20, 2019
In fact it was Horrell who had the first chance of the game. She was picked out beautifully by Megan Lewis, but her tame effort was easily saved by Rebekah Kyle in the Plymouth goal.
Having controlled the majority of the first half it was only a matter of time before City went ahead.
Chloe Lloyd’s corner kick found the unmarked Nadia Lawrence who headed past Kyle to give the home side a deserved lead going into the break.
The half time team talk looked to have stirred the Plymouth team into action as they dominated possession at the start of the second half.
The Pilgrims’ pressure told and with a quarter of an hour remaining they were awarded a penalty after a hand ball by Cori Williams which was dispatched by Katie Middleton.
After the sucker punch of the equaliser, more misery was inflicted on the home side. Leading goal scorer Knapman leaped highest in the penalty area to head home from a corner to win the game in injury time.
Cardiff City Ladies coach Lauren Smith said: “First half we did everything right. Second half they had a little bit more fight and we switched off. I think it was very much a game of two halves.
“You can’t really argue with the penalty decision. I think the yellow card was harsh for her [Williams] as it wasn’t intentional and she wasn’t the last player. So I think there’s a bit of discrepancy there, but it did hit her elbow.”
Cardiff City Ladies play QPR in their next fixture as they look to get back to winning ways.
