City Women target clean sweep over Argyle in historic cup final

Exeter City Women face Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday night in the inaugural Devon FA Women’s Challenge Cup Final - and there’s more than just silverware on the line.

The two clubs were automatic finalists after a summer restructure of the county’s competitions created a new cup exclusively for teams playing at tier four or above. With Exeter and Argyle the only sides in that bracket, the latest Devon Derby will also be a straight shootout for the county crown.

Coach Road in Newton Abbot provides the setting - a venue the Grecians know well and have already made a happy hunting ground this season.

Exeter have beaten Argyle three times already in league and FA Cup competition, including a 1-0 win at Coach Road just a few weeks ago, when Sophie Gillies struck late to seal victory.

That win extended Exeter’s run of success in the derby fixture and they’ll now aim to make it four from four, and lift a new trophy in the process. Victory would also complete a hat-trick of County Cup titles, with Abbie Britton’s side having beaten Argyle in each of the past two finals.

The venue is familiar not only to the players but to fans, too. Coach Road, the Devon FA’s headquarters, features an all-weather pitch and capacity for up to 1,000 spectators, with 280 covered seats. On-site facilities include the fully licensed Corner Flag bar and upgraded food outlets run by Exeter City’s catering team, offering a refreshed matchday menu.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm, and fans can pay on the gate (Adults £5, Concessions £3). The ground is accessible by car, with pay and display parking available, and is just a 10-minute walk from Newton Abbot train station.

As for the opposition, James Bradley brings his Argyle side back to Coach Road hoping to turn the tide after three straight defeats, including the recent loss to Exeter. With key players like Caitlin Smith and Ava Kuyken bringing Championship experience, and several seasoned heads in the squad, Argyle have the know-how - but it’s City with the recent momentum.

One last derby. One brand new trophy. All roads lead to Newton Abbot on Wednesday night.