Women's: another talented performance

Exeter City Women advanced to the first round of the league cup with a commanding 8-1 victory over Portishead Town on Wednesday evening.

Despite there being nine team changes after Sunday’s league win, the Grecians quickly asserted control. 

Phoebe Baker was the first to score after Mollie Taylor’s cross was half-cleared.

Jade Grove added a second goal following a save by Portishead’s goalkeeper, Isla Withyman.

Debutant Lily Dowling and Zoe Cunningham also tested Withyman, while Taylor scored a third goal and Baker netted a fourth from Jess Sandland’s corner. 

A strong first half saw Ishbel Zuurmond score twice, with Zoe Watkins assisting on the second. 

Matilda Franchi also got on the score sheet, firing a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

Portishead Town’s Emily Nicholson managed a consolation goal, but it was too little, too late.

Despite several missed chances and an untidy finish, the Grecians scored their eighth goal with a late strike from Sophie Gillies, set up by Franchi.

This impressive performance leaves manager Abbie Britton with a tough decision on who to select for the upcoming match against promotion favourites Ipswich Town at St James Park this Sunday.

Another victory signals a strong start to the 2024/25 season and a promising test for the team’s potential.

You can read the full match report here.