Exeter City Women will look to continue their fine run of form as they travel to London Seaward on Sunday, after victory over Premier South side Keynsham Town in Round One, the team will be hoping to further progress in the League Cup Plate competition.
The fact that there is a team to travel to on Sunday is testament to the dedication of those associated with the London club. Previously playing under the Leyton Orient banner, the League Two club made the decision to sever ties in the summer and begin their own Women's Development system. This left the club nameless and under funded. However, this phoenix rose from the flames and the team have enjoyed a steady first half of the season.
Early season victories over Norwich City and AFC Wimbledon helped consolidate the team in mid table, a heavy defeat against Crawley Wasps in a League Cup qualifier the only significant disappointment. An 8-0 victory over Chelmsford City, with a recent win at Cambridge United, have settled the team after such a difficult summer of uncertainty. Whilst London Seaward play at the same tier four level as City, due to regionalising, it is often difficult to make comparisons. However, a four goal win at Poole, who play in City's division, in the Plate Round One, does offer a showing of the quality that Dan McKimm's team will have on Sunday.
Abbey Dell will pose the main threat in attack, she has nine goals so far this season, with Niamh Carly hitting the back of the net on four occasions. Seaward have boosted their squad in recent weeks, Lauren George, previously of Tottenham Hotspur, has signed whilst Naomi Nash arrives from Dulwich Hamlet.
This week Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley picked up the Manager of the Month award for the National League Division One, an indication of just how good their Grecians have been recently. Sarah Stacey has six goals in her last three games, with Connie Pengelly hitting four in the same period. The defence have been equally resilient, with only one goal conceded in those last three games.
With only three remaining clubs in the competition playing at a level above City, this is a competition that they could go the distance in, and confidence will be high to do exactly that. First, a difficult visit to London where the Reds will need to be at their best to see off Seaward.