City Women move second after win

Exeter City Women capped off a remarkable 2024 campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Lewes, moving them into second place in the third tier.

Sophie Gillies’ first-half strike was all that separated the sides, with the forward pouncing on a rebound after Sarah Stacey's initial shot rattled the woodwork.

The goal proved decisive as City held firm against a determined Lewes side, with goalkeeper Abbi Bond and the defence putting in a solid performance to see out the win.

City started brightly, looking to assert themselves early on, and threatened from an early corner. Their reward came after just six minutes when Gillies reacted quickest to give the Grecians the lead.

A looping ball over the Lewes defence found Stacey inside the box, and her lobbed effort hit both the post and crossbar. Gillies was on hand to stab the ball home from close range, giving City the advantage.

Despite going behind, Lewes responded well, forcing Bond into action to keep out a shot from Lois Roche. The visitors came close to equalizing in the 25th minute when a corner found its way to the back post. A header from Lewes was kept out by a combination of Bond and Stacey on the line, preserving City’s lead.

Lewes continued to press, and a free kick from 30 yards out sailed over Bond’s crossbar, but the Grecians were beginning to feel the pressure. City’s best chances came on the counterattack, with Gillies testing the Lewes keeper just before halftime. Beating the offside trap, she drove into the box from the left, but her shot was parried away and cleared by a Lewes defender.

As the first half drew to a close, the Grecians defended resolutely, blocking several attempts from the visitors to maintain their narrow lead.

City came out with renewed energy after the break, pressing forward in search of a second goal to give them breathing room. Ishbel Zuurmond’s early effort was blocked, and the subsequent corner came to nothing, but it set the tone for the half.

The Grecians continued to probe, but it wasn’t until the 70th minute that they tested the Lewes goalkeeper again. Gillies controlled a long ball 30 yards out and fired a powerful shot that cannoned off the inside of the post. Moments later, she hit the woodwork again with a first-time effort from the edge of the box, which soared over the keeper but crashed against the crossbar. Stacey’s follow-up attempt was less precise and went wide.

City remained on the attack, with substitute Zoe Cunningham seeing her shot blocked, and both Zoe Watkins and Gillies sending efforts wide. Stacey forced a smart save from the Lewes keeper, who used her legs to deny the forward.

As the match entered its final stages, City shifted their focus to managing the game. Defensive reinforcements Georgie Barbour-Gresham and Courtney Jones were introduced, and their presence helped solidify the defence.

In the dying moments, Bond confidently claimed a Lewes free-kick to snuff out any remaining danger, and the referee’s final whistle signalled a crucial three points for Abbie Britton’s side, who now sit second in the league heading into the winter break.

With a successful 2024 behind them, City Women are poised for an exciting 2025, full of promise and potential as they continue their push for promotion.