Overcoming an early setback to win convincingly against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Women’s National League Premier Division South, Hornets Head Coach Damon Lathrope focused his praise on his side’s character and spirit in the second half of their 5-2 victory.

Amber Pollock’s opener came in the first 50 seconds at the Manadon Sports Hub but the Golden Girls replied through Gemma Davison 11 minutes in, before Sophie McLean completed the turnaround just before the break. An own goal made it 3-1 until the hosts pulled one back, but Watford hit their stride and struck twice more via Annie Rossiter and Faye Brough - with Helen Ward’s penalty saved late on - completing a fifth straight win.

Admitting that being behind so soon was somewhat uncharted territory for his charges, Lathrope was pleased with how they broke down a resolute Plymouth side on the road.

“It’s a test of character, and a situation we haven’t been in,��� said the Head Coach. “As much as I was confident that we’d get a reaction, you never know, so it’s good that the girls got together and responded in the correct way, showing good energy to make it comfortable in the end.

“I’m really pleased to get three points because it’s not easy to go to Plymouth. If I’m being critical, in the first half we looked a little tired, but got a really good reaction at half-time and we got what we deserved in the end.”

The game looked its most competitive with the Golden Girls 3-2 ahead on the hour mark, but the visitors upped the tempo to see out an important victory in their promotion push, with Lathrope satisfied by the confidence on show from his team.

“At 3-2 it’s a cagey spell in the game,” continued Lathrope. “They’re building pressure after a goal against the run of play, which gives them a chance. We managed that spell really well, I felt we were in full control.

“The last 20 minutes were excellent, getting the fourth, fifth and a penalty. I'm really pleased with how we played.”

Rossiter returned to the apex of attack and came close on several occasions before getting her goal, earning credit from her Head Coach after the match.

Lathrope said: “Annie’s been doing really well. She’s very versatile and we’ve asked her to play in a lot of different positions because she’s a very good player and capable of doing that.

“We look at each game as we go and see what we need as a team in different areas of the pitch. She’s played as a nine in the last few because we needed her mobility in particular, and she’s played really well.

“She’s looking really confident and assists a lot of goals, so it’s pleasing to see her add goals to her tally also. She really deserves it, she’s working hard.”