The long trip to Essex proved to be well worth while as our girls pitted their skills against Premier League West Ham United. The 5 - 1 scoreline in favour of the home side was of secondary importance , and Manager Rhys Sullivan and Coach Andy Hughes would have gleaned some useful information on the qualities of the squad on show.
The teams agreed to play 4 x 20 minute periods to allow everyone a break and for players to be changed at will, in the baking hot conditions.
Having gone two goals down in the first period , the Pilgrims got a goal back through youngster Steph Beck, and with a bit more composure may have got an equaliser as several efforts went close or were saved by the home keeper.
This was a day of experimentation and assessment as players and formations were changed at frequent intervals, but the girls showed enough to suggest they will once again be among the front runners in the Combination this season, and the squad of players will give the management options that were not present last season.