Cheltenham Town Ladies are the visitors to Speeds Meadow (Kick Off 2pm) this Sunday, as Exeter City Women look to continue their fine start to the new season.
With these two having a history of closely fought fixtures, the return of former Grecian Georgie Barbour Gresham, in addidtion to the fact that both teams will be looking for a Title push this season, it looks certain to be a fascinating afternoon's football.
Town Manager Tom Davies has had a busy summer, adding eight players to his squad. Aimee Watson and Lois Colley have joined from fellow National League sides Swindon and Larkhall respectively, whilst Holly Finch moved north after captaining Bristol City's U21 Academy side. Amy Wathan is a former Welsh International and the forward's move from Championship side Coventry United is a real coup for the Robinettes. For Exeter supporters, the signing of Georgie Barbour Gresham was certainly eye catching, the City star currently studying closer to Cheltenham and able to play more regularly in Gloucestershire.
Despite all the incomings, there were some significant outgoings as well in a summer of change. Top scorer Jade Grove and midfielder Sarah King both made the move to Oxford United, whilst Harriet Lambe and Ruby Scahill have joined Cardiff City in moves that see all four players step up a division.
Cheltenham got their season off to a slow start on opening day, Southampton Women picking up all three points in a 3-1 win at the Corinium Stadium. A win last weekend at Poole Town, Wathan and Barbour Gresham getting their first goals for their new Club, was coupled with a 1-1 draw at home to Swindon on Thursday evening.
Fixtures between the two sides tend to be competitive. In the last three seasons the Grecians have been drawn against Cheltenham in the FA Cup. A 1-0 defeat in 2018 was followed by a 4-3 defeat in 2019, an Abbie Britton hat trick not enough to prevent back to back defeats in Gloucestershire. The two sides met again in last years competition, Abbie Britton scoring a late penalty to take the tie to extra time, before a penalty shoot out again went the way of Tom Davies' Town side.
After a positive point on the road at AFC Bournemouth last week, and with the three senior players who missed that game hopeful of a return this weekend, this looks set to be a National League fixture not to be missed.
MATCH INFORMATION:
- Speeds Meadow, Cullompton
- Sunday, August 29 | 2pm
- Adults £5, Concession £3
HOW TO FOLLOW:
You can keep up to date with the action by following Exeter City Women on Twitter: @ExeterCityWFC