Watford Women recovered from falling behind in the opening minute to secure an ultimately comfortable 5-2 victory at Plymouth Argyle and move within three points of the top of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

Amber Pollock capitalised on a defensive lapse to give the hosts the lead inside 50 seconds, but the Golden Girls were soon back on terms through Gemma Davison, before Sophie McLean’s second goal in as many games put the visitors in front of half-time.

An own goal made it 3-1 to the Hornets and although Charlotte Whitmore reduced the deficit, efforts from Annie Rossiter and Faye Brough secured a fifth straight victory for Damon Lathrope’s side.

Watford remain in third after the win, but are a point behind Oxford United having played a game more, but they do have a fixture in hand on leaders Ipswich Town, who they trail by three points.

Head coach Lathrope was pleased with the manner in which his side responded to the early setback, admitting: “It’s a test of character, and a situation we haven’t been in. 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.”

Watford hadn’t conceded a goal in March, but their first game of the new month got off to a disappointing start when Pollock was presented with a routine finish following a mistake.

The Hornets sought to respond immediately and equalised after 11 minutes when Davison won possession and fired a shot beyond keeper Jasmine Read.

Dre Georgiou had a long-range shot tipped over and Rossiter headed wide, before the Golden Girls went in front after 37 minutes when McLean converted as the Argyle defence were left appealing for an offside flag that never came.

It was McLean’s involvement again that led to the own goal six minutes after the restart and Watford thought they had a fourth when Davison slipped in Bianca Baptiste, but for it was ruled out for offside.

Instead of being 4-1 ahead, the Hornets found their lead cut to one when Whitmore fired past Jacqui Goldsmid on the hour.

However, a fourth goal did arrive in the 77th minute when Rossiter curled home before she was replaced by Brough, who netted the fifth within a minute of entering the fray.

Fellow substitute Helen Ward had an opportunity to score the sixth, but she saw her penalty well saved after winning the spot kick.