Exeter City Women will be looking to continue their strong start to the season with the visit of newly promoted St Austell, tonight’s fixture will be the first occasion that the two teams have met since the formation of the Lillywhites in 2019.
St Austell won a highly competitive South West Premier Division last season, edging ahead of Ilminster Town and taking the title by a single point. Manager Simon Parnell has added to his squad over the summer months, with the acquisition of some recognisable names from across Devon. Beth Everson, Katie Barriball and Alex Sheppard joined from Torquay United, whilst Izzy Mansell and Rosie Shipp signed from Plymouth Argyle.
Lucy Solloway was a key member of the St Austell attack that won promotion and she will be one to watch this evening. One notable absentee from last year’s successful side is top goalscorer Charlotte Whitmore, her summer move to Plymouth Argyle has left a problem to solve for Parnell with the forward scoring just short of half the Lillywhite's goals last season.
It has been a tough start to National League football for St Austell, the fixture calculator not being particularly kind, with highly fancied AFC Bournemouth and Cardiff City Ladies first up. A creditable 3-0 defeat on the south coast was followed by a heavy 9-0 reverse on Sunday.
City were emphatic in their opening league fixture against Keynsham Town and, with a hard-earned point at Moneyfields on Sunday, will be looking for another positive result this evening. Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley’s team face two tough games on the road next and will be focused on going into those fixtures with an important three points from tonight’s encounter.
Admission
Tickets are available on the gate for £5 adults, £3 Concessions.
Venue
City Women's home games are played at Exwick Sports Hub. The address is Ennerdale Way, Exeter EX4 2BQ.
How to Follow
You can keep up to date with the action by following Exeter City Women on Twitter: @ExeterCityWFC