Substitute Una Lue scored in second half stoppage time to secure an important victory for Marie Hourihan's Greens
Lexie Sanders
12:18, 23 Mar 2026
Substitute Una Lue celebrates after scoring Plymouth Argyle Women's late winning goal in their 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division at the Ringwood Community Hub on 22 March, 2026 - Photo: Thomas Pinder (Pindertphotos)
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Substitute Una Lue celebrates after scoring Plymouth Argyle Women's late winning goal in their 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division at the Ringwood Community Hub on 22 March, 2026 - Photo: Thomas Pinder (Pindertphotos)
Plymouth Argyle Women produced a dramatic late turnaround to secure a huge three points on the road, defeating Bournemouth 2–1 and ending a remarkable home league unbeaten run that stretched back 1,148 days to 29 January, 2023.
A first half opener from Phoebie Poole was cancelled out quickly by Kelci Bowers, leaving the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division contest finely balanced for much of the afternoon.
With the game heading towards a draw, substitute Una Lue struck in stoppage time to seal a vital victory, one that not only keeps Argyle firmly in the title race but will stand out as one of their most significant results of the season.
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Reflecting on the performance, Poole said: “Yeah, absolutely brilliant from everyone. It was a really transitional game, just a tough game, but I think we fully deserved that.”
The win sees the Greens stay in second place in the Southern Premier Division, a point behind leaders Watford, albeit having played one game more than them. Bournemouth are third, now six points behind Argyle but having played two matches fewer than them.
Argyle began on the front foot and looked to assert themselves early, moving the ball well and winning set pieces in dangerous areas. Katie Wilson’s delivery caused problems, while Poole’s pace and movement kept the Bournemouth defence occupied.
The hosts created the first opening after ten minutes, with Georgia Wilson firing into the side netting, but Argyle responded with purpose and took the lead soon after.
In the 18th minute, Roisin Kivel’s incisive pass split the defence and sent Poole through on goal. The forward kept her composure to slot beyond goalkeeper Katie Scadding and give Argyle a deserved advantage.
Speaking about her finish, Poole said: “To be honest, I was thinking relax. I said to myself, three, two, one. And then I just put it in the back of the net. Yeah, really glad that went in. Really good ball from Rosh seeing that run.”
However, the lead was short-lived. Bournemouth hit back just four minutes later, as Bowers met a free-kick and looped her header over Hermione Cull to level the score.
The remainder of the half was competitive and evenly matched. Argyle showed defensive discipline when required, with Ella Stephens making a crucial recovery challenge and Wilson clearing danger inside the box.
At the other end, Poole continued to look the most likely threat and forced a strong save from Scadding after another dangerous run.
Argyle came agonisingly close to regaining the lead before the break, with Layla Proctor seeing a volley saved, Ellie Noble unable to convert the rebound, and Proctor then firing over from close range.
The Greens started the second half brightly and looked to regain control, with Kivel again influential down the left. Noble headed narrowly wide as the visitors pushed for a second goal.
Bournemouth remained a threat, particularly in transition, and Argyle were forced to defend resolutely. Katie Wilson produced a vital block to deny Jenna Markham, while Proctor dealt well with a series of set pieces.
Phoebie Poole celebrates after opening the scoring for Plymouth Argyle Women in their FAWNL Southern Premier Division game away to Bournemouth at the Ringwood Community Hub on 22 March, 2026 - Photo: Thomas Pinder (Pindertphotos)
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Phoebie Poole celebrates after opening the scoring for Plymouth Argyle Women in their FAWNL Southern Premier Division game away to Bournemouth at the Ringwood Community Hub on 22 March, 2026 - Photo: Thomas Pinder (Pindertphotos)
Argyle head coach Marie Hourihan said: "It was definitely a rollercoaster of a game. First half I thought we started really well, but they’re a difficult side to play against and we had to adapt. We probably allowed them back into it at times, but we knew we would have opportunities."
The hosts enjoyed a strong spell around the hour mark, with Sophie Quirk curling an effort just wide, but Argyle weathered the pressure and continued to search for a breakthrough of their own.
As the game opened up, both sides created half-chances. Paris Dalton came close at the back post but could not connect cleanly, before seeing another effort blocked as Argyle pushed forward.
With time ticking away, the game looked destined to end level - a result that would have dented Argyle’s momentum in the title race.
But deep into stoppage time, the decisive moment arrived. Tamara Wilcock struck from distance, forcing a save from Scadding and Lue reacted quickest to turn home the rebound and spark scenes of celebration.
On the impact of her substitutes, Hourihan said: "To score in the dying embers of the game, especially with Tamara and Una coming on and affecting the game so positively, it was really, really pleasing from my perspective."
Attention now turns to a huge week ahead for Argyle, as they prepare to face Bournemouth once again — this time in the FAWNL Cup final at Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road stadium this Saturday.
Having edged this encounter in dramatic fashion, the Greens will take confidence into the final, knowing they can overcome one of the league’s toughest sides.
The opportunity to lift silverware presents a significant moment in their season, and this result provides the perfect platform to build from.
As Poole reflected post-match: "We can enjoy it for today. But yeah, focus straight into next week. Big game, big occasion, but we know that if we work hard, we’ll get there again and hopefully seal the win.”
Following the cup final, Argyle’s attention will return to the league for their final two fixtures in April, with Oxford United at home before a potentially decisive trip to Real Bedford.
With the title race still finely balanced and the battle for the top two far from settled, every point will be crucial. Argyle know there is no margin for error if they are to maintain their position, and performances like this - built on resilience and the ability to deliver in key moments - will be vital in the run-in.
ARGYLE: Hermione Cull, Layla Proctor, Phoebie Poole (Tamara Wilcock 90 +2 mins), Roisin Kivel, Katie Wilson, Ella Stephens (Phoebe Hampson 65 mins), Paris Dalton (Una Lue 85 mins), Caitlin Smith, Ellie Noble, Olivia Francis, Tianna Teisar. Unused subs: Ella Stowell, Giota Papaioannou, Charlotte Whitmore, Chloe Ingrouille
BOURNEMOUTH: Katie Scadding, Jessica Hennessy, Kenni Thompson (Sophia Leonard 85 mins), Georgia Wilson, Sophie Quirk, Katie James (Phoebe Williams 82 mins), Elena Cole (Molly Barron-Clark 71 mins), Jenna Markham, Kelci Bowers, Amber Treweek, Charlotte Harris. Unused subs: Erin Foley, Freya Meadows-Tuson, Gemma McGuinness, Zoe Barratt.
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