Exeter City will look to make it three wins in a week as they entertain Southampton Women at the Exwick Sports Hub on Sunday afternoon.
The two teams have had contrasting starts to the National League season. Whilst the Grecian's have recorded two victories and amassed ten goals in the process, Southampton have suffered two defeats and have yet to find the net. Aaron Smith's side went down narrowly on the opening day, losing 2-0 at fellow Devon side Buckland Athletic, before suffering a difficult midweek defeat at Arelbury Park in the Southampton Derby, losing the game 6-0.
The Hampshire side recruited heavily over the summer months. Goalkeeper Ellie Parker joined from Maidenhead United and she was joined in a new look defensive set up by Tiff Taylor, Sian Wylie and Chloe Tucker. Smith also strengthened his attacking options with the arrival of forward Meg Vella. However, the real coup of the close season was persuading former Australian League semi professional Jodie Burchell to commit for the new campaign. Looking to improve on last year’s runners up showing, it will be hoped that the experience within the new signings will progress the side that one step further.
Whilst results have been tough to come by in the early weeks, no doubt the biggest disappointment will have come this past week when Captain Lauren Cheshire broke her leg in the defeat to their local rivals. Hopefully, Lauren will be back to play her part towards the end of the season.
Nothing can be read too much into the visitors early form, they beat City twice last season, including a thumping 8-2 victory on their last trip to Exeter. If the unbeaten start is to continue, the team will need to be at their very best on what promises to be a wet afternoon.
Sadly, due to the change of venue the game will be played behind closed doors. You can follow all the action @ExeterCityWFC