Exeter City Women continue their pre-season preparation with the visit of Adran Welsh Premier League Champions Cardiff City Women on Wednesday evening, the Grecians final home game before the league campaign begins.
Iain Darbyshire's side enjoyed a stunning 2022/23 season, finishing unbeaten in the league on their march to the title and picking up the Welsh FA Cup along the way. Ffion Price was awarded the Player of the Season accolade for the division with her consistent performances from wing back as City overcame all obstacles put before them.
Despite such a positive season, there has been some rebuilding for Darbyshire over the Summer with the talented duo of Lily Billingham and Phoebie Poole departing for Cheltenham Town. The Bluebirds have recruited steadily however, with six additions already added. Kelly Adams, Amelia Forkings, Tija Richardson, Emma Beynon and Mackenzie Olden arrive from fellow Welsh League Clubs, whilst Cayman Islands forward Molly Kehoe joins after beginning her career in the US.
Cardiff have set themselves a tough pre-season, with three fixtures against English Southern Premier sides. A comeback win at Plymouth Argyle, after trailing at half time, has been followed by home defeats to Wolverhampton and Portsmouth. A challenging pre-season will serve as preparation for the Bluebirds Women's Champions League Qualifier against Lithuanian champions FC Gintra in early September.
Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley will look to shuffle the squad once more, as the search for match fitness continues. With this the final pre-season home fixture for the Grecians, the focus will be on a strong performance against another difficult opponent.