đź“ť Women's Match Preview: AFC Bournemouth (H)

Exeter City Women will look to make a big step to securing their highest League finish in seven years this weekend, as AFC Bournemouth are the visitors to the Exwick Sports Hub (2pm kick-off).

In their first season at this level, Steve Cuss’ team have had a near faultless season, losing just the one League game, with that defeat coming in their recent visit to Cheltenham Town. Recruiting well from other club’s along the south coast, the Cherries have been a free flowing side and are currently the highest scoring side in the division, with fifty two goals from their seventeen fixtures. Defensively the visitors also arrive with the division’s best record, just nine goals conceded with ten clean sheets in League football this campaign.

Becki Bath has been the main goal scoring threat, the former Portsmouth forward hitting seventeen this season, including a hat trick last time out. Her partnership with Katie James has been significant, only bettered in the division by City’s own Connie Pengelly and Sarah Stacey. There will certainly be a host of goal scoring talent on display this weekend.

AFC Bournemouth will arrive in Devon fresh from the wonderful occasion of playing at the Vitality Stadium last weekend; a crowd of 1592 were treated to a four home goals as Cuss’ team overcame Chesham United. City previously met the Dorset side early in the 2021/2022 season, a Kelly Fripp goal looked to have given the Cherries the points before an improved second half from City saw Connie Pengelly score a late equaliser.

To add to what already looks a fascinating contest, the visitors go in to Sunday’s game knowing they need a victory, so that should Cheltenham Town slip up at home to Chesham United, the Dorset side would be crowned Champions at the Sports Hub. Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley’s side will have their own motivation. With third position achievable, it is the least the team will want for a progressive season, and should Cheltenham claim the Title on Sunday, many would predict that next season’s race for promotion will heavily feature these two sides. A title on the line, the division’s two highest scoring teams... this will be a fantastic advert for National League Women’s Football and a game not to miss.

Match Details

  • Exeter City Women vs AFC Bournemouth
  • Sunday, April 17 | 2pm
  • Exwick Sports Hub, Exeter
  • Adults: ÂŁ5 | Concessions: ÂŁ3

How to Follow

You can keep up to date with the action by following Exeter City Women on Twitter: @ExeterCityWFC