Exeter City Women head into this weekend with the chance to progress to Round Three of the Women's FA Cup for the first time in twenty years. Eastleigh Ladies will provide the opposition, as the team will travel to Hampshire for the all important Cup tie.
Eastleigh have had a steady league campaign to date - after an early season win at Wycombe Wanderers came between two home defeats - the Spitfires are now on a run of seven games unbeaten.
Recent league victories over Winchester and Woodley have taken a back seat to the excitement of the FA Cup campaign, a run in which has seen Ash Healey's team defeat United Services Portsmouth, Forest Green Rovers and AFC Stoneham.
The six goal victory over AFC Stoneham put Eastleigh in the Second Round for the first time in their history, rightly earning the team a host of plaudits.
Lucy Nightingale took the main headlines in the last round, her hat trick a significant part of the team's victory, however, the goals have largely been shared around this season.
Catherine Browning leads the way with six, whilst Samantha Hide, Manuela Naprta and Nightingale all have four. Defensively, the Spitfires go into Sunday's game without conceding in their three FA Cup games to date, so there will be plenty of work for the in form City front two of Sarah Stacey and Connie Pengelly to do.
Whilst the opposition may be in fine form, Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley's side are on a good run of their own. Six games unbeaten, three of which have seen victories over higher level opposition, with twenty two goals in that spell.
With Championship opposition scheduled for Round Three, and Super League teams entering in Round Four, there is plenty to play for this weekend. Cheered on by a loyal travelling support, victory on Sunday would see this team create a big moment for their growing legacy, and with it the chance to further test themselves against the best women's football has to offer in this country.
Travel
We have a coach booked for the weekend's match, with prices just £15 adults and £10 children.
The coach will depart from Exeter at 9am. Only a places remain! DM @ExeterCityWFC on Twitter to book your place.
Abbie's Thoughts
💬 We're on a run of six unbeaten and we want to make sure that is seven come Sunday evening."@ExeterCityWFC joint manager @BrittonAbbie23 on their @VitalityWFACup Second Round tie at @EastleighLFC this Sunday 👇#ECFC #OneGrecianGoal pic.twitter.com/Y3M31GzSOt
— Exeter City (@OfficialECFC) November 26, 2021