Plymouth Argyle’s FA Women’s National League Cup run came to a disappointing end after a 3-0 defeat to Stoke City in the semi-final at Home Park on Sunday.

It was an all too familiar story for Argyle fans this season, not helped by being on the wrong side of some questionable refereeing decisions. An own goal from Katie Dickson and a goal apiece for Shannon Stamps and Tamara Wilcock, in the second half, sealed the Potters’ place in the final at Walsall at the end of March.

The Greens always knew had a challenge ahead of them as they were the lowest ranked side left in the competition, with Stoke currently sitting third in the FA WNL Northern Premier. The visitors came into the match having been victorious in six of their last seven matches, whereas Argyle have only come out on top twice in their last half-dozen.

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Molly Holder had the first chance of the match when her header from inside the box rattled the crossbar, and this proved a warning of what was to come for the Greens.

Argyle were once again struggling to retain possession, making heavy touches and being bodied off the ball, which was allowing Stoke to have control and play out from the back with ease.

The Pilgrims were sitting in a deep defensive line, which was allowing them to clear away the threats, but their balls kept landing in the possession of a pink Stoke shirt. In doing so and leaving bodies back, they were preventing themselves from being able to produce a strong counter.

Stoke had claims for a penalty in 10th minute after Millie Ravening ended on the floor inside the box, with claims Lulu Jarvis had fouled her, but all were waved away.

But another lapse in concentration meant that Dickson inadvertently put the Greens behind. She went to pass the ball back to Lily Felgate in the home goal, but should have let it run out of play, as her touch was too heavy and sailed across the line.

Felgate was the busiest of the two keepers in the half, with Lauren Bracewell spending most of her time miles of her line. Defenders Giota Papaioannou and Caitlin Smith were also busy needing to make multiple interceptions and clearances.

The Greens came out fighting in the second half, and earned themselves a corner, but they failed to make anything from it. Stoke also came out strong and were on the hunt for their second.

Stamps put clear daylight between the two sides after she found space between Papaioannou and Amii Kearley, the run was spotted by Evie Priestley who left the midfielder to slot it round Felgate, which she did with ease.

Wilcock all but sealed Stoke’s place in the final, after she raced on to a ball in behind the hosts' defence and crashed a half-volley into the back of the net. Argyle manager Ryan Perks made an instant substitution, bringing Roxy Thomas on for Kearley, in the hope that his side could begin the turnaround of dreams.

Greens fans were quickly brought back to reality as Stoke looked to have their fourth through Priestley, but the flag was quickly raised and called offside. Delphi Cole almost scored with her first action of the game, however Papaioannou was there to block the incoming run and keep the scoreline to just three.

Argyle had their closest chance of the match in the 68th minute through Georgia Wilson, who sent the cross from Charlotte Whitmore soaring over the bar. As much as it was not a goal it provided the Greens with some much-needed confidence; just two minutes later Whitmore had a chance of her own but was claimed by Bracewell.

Perks made his fifth and final substitution, bringing Ava Kuyken off for Grace Smith, who had been named on a team sheet for the first time since recovering from her injury. Argyle had to see the match out with 10 players, though, as Ella Stephens was booked for dissent in the 96th minute.

The Pilgrims return to FA WNL Southern Premier action when they host Lewes on Sunday at Home Park, with league survival their crucial remaining goal this season.

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