Dream start for City Women

Exeter City Women made a winning start to the 2025/26 campaign with a 2-0 victory away to Cheltenham Town Women.

After a first half dominated by the hosts, captain Bow Jackson gave City the breakthrough with a looping header midway through the second period. Sophie Gillies added a second just over ten minutes later, latching onto Sarah Stacey’s clever flick to seal three points on the opening day.

The Grecians handed a debut to Leah Burridge, while Jackson continued as captain for a second season. The familiar partnership of Gillies and Stacey led the line, though new signings Emily Poole and Georgina Presswell were unavailable pending international clearance.

Cheltenham created the better chances early on, with Una Lue twice denied by goalkeeper Abbi Bond and Louise Apuusi striking the post. But City held firm and grew into the contest after the break.

Jackson’s header swung the momentum, before Gillies coolly doubled the advantage to put the result beyond doubt. Late chances for Sara and Jaydee Seaman could have extended the scoreline, but Abbie Britton’s side closed out a professional display to secure an opening-day win.

City now turn their attention to Thursday’s WNL League Cup tie at Portishead Town, before hosting Lewes in their first home fixture of the season at Coach Road on Sunday.