Summary: Plymouth Argyle Women

Plymouth Argyle – four divisions above the Stones – asserted their dominance with a convincing 7-0 win at Home Park this afternoon.

Result aside, there’s much to be proud of. Not only did the team make history by reaching the competition proper, they also showcased women’s football in the county town and can take huge confidence into their league campaign.

After three wins in the qualifying rounds, the Stones faced their toughest test yet in round one: higher-league opposition and a 500-mile round trip to boot.

Tori Campbell’s side did well to absorb early pressure from the home team, but the deadlock was broken in the 19th minute when Giota Papaioannou headed home from a free kick.

Just three minutes later, the Pilgrims doubled their lead – Ellie Nouble latched onto a deflected, looping ball, took a neat touch, and chipped it over Cara Davies in the Maidstone goal.

A third and fourth followed before the half-hour mark. Ella Stephens netted her first of the season, and Charlotte Whitmore made it four with a left-footed finish into the far top corner.

The Stones made a couple of changes at the start of the second half, with Jas Etheridge and Erin Fox replacing Freya Boorman and Chi Madamombe.

Four minutes into the second half, Georgia Culpitt received a yellow card for a foul on Stephens. From the resulting free kick, Stephens added a fifth – slotting the ball into the far corner.

Just before the hour mark, Whitmore fired home her second of the afternoon to make it six.

Player-manager Tori Campbell and Maddie Dale were introduced on 59 minutes, replacing Ellie Hinkley and Georgia Culpitt.

Plymouth were in seventh heaven by the 66th minute, as Ellie Nouble volleyed home Katie Dickson’s superb ball into the box.

The Stones had a couple of chances to get on the scoresheet, while at the other end, Plymouth were denied by Davies and the offside flag.

After three minutes of added time, the final whistle blew – and Maidstone exited this season’s FA Cup.

The countdown is now on to next Sunday’s league match against Betteshanger Welfare at the Gallagher Stadium. Can a memorable cup run spur the team to league success? Join us at the home of the Stones on 2 November as Tori and her team aim to maintain their unbeaten league run.

Maidstone United: 1. Cara Davies, 5. Tilly Rowsell, 21. Georgia Pearch (11. Kelsi Wilkinson 70), 4. Millie Waud, 3. Freya Boorman (2. Jas Etheridge 46), 6. Annie White, 10. Kady Wilkinson, 8. Kylie Manktelow, 7. Chi Madamombe (15. Erin Fox 46), 9. Ellie Hinkley (12. Tori Campbell 58), 23. Georgia Culpitt (14. Maddie Dale 58). Subs not used: 13. Grace O’Neil, 16. Neve Platt