Exeter City Women head to AFC Bournemouth on Sunday as both teams put their 100% starts to the season on the line in a top of the table clash.
Armed with a considerable budget, Steve Cuss has assembled a strong squad for the 2023/24 season. Northern Ireland international Gemma McGuinness, Portsmouth legend Gemma Hillier, Polish goalkeeper Daniela Kosinska and midfielder Olivia Maria Venditto have all been added in the summer, alongside former Grecian Chloe Gilroy.
The Cherries have won all nine of their league games, scoring forty-six and conceding only six. An extra time defeat at home to Norwich City in the League Cup is the only time Cuss’ side have been denied victory this season. Recent narrow victories over Swindon Town and, impressively, Portsmouth, make it fourteen wins from fifteen this campaign. Lucy Cooper and McGuiness have provided the main source of goals, defender Helen Bleazard also weighing in with ten.
Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley’s side will travel in confidence after a strong performance at Cheltenham Town on Sunday setting the team up for another battle this weekend.
After beating Cardiff at a similar point last season, City will be all too aware that this game will not define the season, but it will certainly have an impact on the title race heading into 2024.