Rare defeat for City Women

Exeter City Women suffered their first home league defeat in almost a year as Lewes took all three points with a fast start at Coach Road on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors stunned the Grecians by scoring twice in the opening nine minutes, with Leah Lane firing home after Paula Howells’ long-range strike hit the bar, before Rebekah Trewhitt doubled the advantage following a defensive lapse.

City responded quickly when Amber Pollock was fouled in the box and Sarah Stacey converted the penalty on 13 minutes. Despite chances for Sophie Gillies and further pressure throughout the first half, Exeter trailed at the break.

Abbie Britton’s side began the second half brightly, with Phoebe Baker and Emily Poole both going close, but Lewes managed the game well and restricted City’s attacking threat. Gillies remained the most dangerous outlet, forcing visiting goalkeeper Emily Moore into several saves, while substitute Georgia Vaccaro also tested her from distance.

Ultimately, City were unable to break down a resolute Lewes defence and slipped to a first league defeat at home in eleven months.

Next up, the Grecians travel to AFC Bournemouth in league action next weekend, before returning to Coach Road on Sunday, September 7, to face Southampton PGA in the League Cup.

Exeter City Women XI: Bond, Poole (Taylor, 61’), Seaman (Sara, 61'), Jackson (C), Toogood, Pollock (Slocombe, 61’), Burridge, Baker (Sandland, 83'), Zuurmond, Stacey (Vaccaro, 76'), Gillies.