Tully's ladies are at home on Sunday
Last season City were a league apart from their local rivals, with Plymouth situated in the Women's Premier League and City two leagues below in the South West Premier.With City's promotion last season and Plymouth's relegation, both teams finally meet in the same league - the South West Women's Combination. In previous meetings Plymouth have always beaten City, although only marginally in the Devon County Cup Final last year. City had a point to prove this time!
The Grecians made an anxious start, gifting Plymouth several chances to break the deadlock in the opening minutes. City's defence stood solid, with Kate Hine (a former Argyle player herself) making her debut in defence alongside Kellie Hall, Tamsin Tully and Emma Redwood.
Plymouth had the majority of possession in the opening twenty minutes but rarely threatened the goal. City broke on the 23rd minute.
Lola Garcia Sanchez's cross was smashed home by oncoming striker Kirsty Caunter to put City 1-0 up. Plymouth again applied the pressure, forcing keeper Maxine Coupe to pull of several fine saves. Exeter broke moments later, with Leah Brooks and Catherine Wright tearing through Argyle's midfield.
The ball was played wide to left winger Natalie Shenton who beat Argyle's right back with her pace and put in a fantastic cross. Sanchez headed into the back of the Argyle net to put City two up at half time. Within moments of the start of the second half, Argyle were awarded a penalty when their player was brought down by midfielder Dani Garland in the box.
Argyle's Rebecca Rose stepped up to take the penalty, putting it wide. In the closing minutes of the game Argyle succeeded in clawing a goal back when their centre forward capitalised on a ball over the top, slotting it home. A nail biting final ten minutes ensued with City putting everyone behind the ball.
The Grecians held strong and were unlucky not to add their third goal, hitting the crossbar in the final moments of the game.
Manager Steve Tully said of the match: “This is what we have been working towards. The girls put in a great team performance today and should be very proud of themselves.”
Exeter City Ladies' next match will be against Southampton Ladies at Topsham Town FC this Sunday (16th September) at 2pm. The team and Club would like to wish centre half Naomi Wilkins a speedy recovery after breaking both her Tibia and Fibula in last week’s 4-1 win over Gloucester City Ladies.