Exeter City Women will be looking to continue their fine start to the new season as they travel to face Southampton in a tricky encounter on Sunday, here is all you need to know.
- Match: Southampton FC v Exeter City
- Venue: Snows Stadium
- Date: Sunday, October 11
- Kick-Off: 2pm
Exeter City make the trip along the South Coast on Sunday to face the current National League leaders, Southampton FC. Whilst City have enjoyed a successful start to their own campaign, no one in the squad will be in any doubt as to the difficulty of the task the face at the weekend.
Southampton FC were in a commanding position in the National League before the season was curtailed at the start of 2020. With eleven games played that had recorded ten victories, drawing just once and amassing a staggering fifty three goals in the process. The Saints also reached the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, twice beating higher league opposition, before bowing out to Coventry United in front of a large crowd on their St Mary's debut.
For a club affiliated with the Premier League at Men's level, it is slightly unusual to see a club of Southampton's size at this level. However, the focus on the Women's section has certainly intensified in recent years. They are led by Marieanne Spacey-Cale, MBE. Capped 91 times by England, she is considered one of the greatest English footballers of all time. Lauren Phillips, who was Head Coach with Arsenal U21's, as well as working with England at youth level, completes a formidable Management set up.
Leading the Saint's attack is Ella Pusey. Previously with Yeovil Town, Pusey has represented England at U18 level and will provide a considerable test for the City defence. To state she is in form is an understatement, two hat tricks in the last two games offers the suggestion that this is a level that she is more than comfortable at. In defence, Southampton have experienced defender Shelly Provan and Caitlin Morris. Provan has played for Club's as prestigious as Leeds United and Chelsea, whereas Morris is a Wales U19 international.
Southampton have started the season in typically dominant style, winning all three games and hitting sixteen goals in the process. Spacey-Cale's side have actually played the same opposition as the Grecians, beating Poole Town 5-1, Buckland Athletic 5-1 and Southampton Women FC 6-0. The task at the Snows Stadium is significant, but this Exeter City squad is all about making progress and improving. After a 6-0 loss at Speeds Meadow last season, City will be hoping that they will be able to compete strongly with a side who will set the standard for everyone else to beat as the National League season develops.