Exeter City Women face a title decider heading into Sunday's final league game, knowing that if they avoid defeat they will be promoted to the third tier of Women's football for the first time in the club's histroy.
AFC Bournemouth have enjoyed a stunning third season in the four tier, winning nineteen of their twenty-one games and drawing just two. The summer additions of Gemma McGuinness, Gemma Hillier and Daniela Kosinska were supplemented by the mid-season arrivals of Kenni Thompson, Erin Bloomfield and Kelci Bowers as the Cherries have formed a formidable squad for tier four football.
Katie James, Abby Jones, Amber Treweek and Helen Bleazard have been a fundamental part of the Cherries success this season, players who have provided the main spine to the team since the Dorset sides promotion to Division One Football in 2021. Devon has not been a happy hunting ground for the Cherries, three league defeats and one in the FA Cup mean that they travel today looking to break that sequence of losses.
Dominant in defence and attack, Steve Cuss’ side have hit 103 goals this season, conceding just twelve. In league action Lucy Cooper is the Cherries top goal scorer with thirteen, she has been supported by Gemma McGuinness (12) and Molly Barron-Clark (11.)
The two sides met back in February, Kenni Thompson’s near post header giving Bournemouth the lead just before the break, with the Grecians hitting back shortly after half time with a neat control and finish from Jenna Markham. It was a draw that helped set up today’s title showdown between the two sides.
It was final day heartbreak for the Grecians last season as they missed out on goal difference, Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley's side have enjoyed another fantastic league season and will hope to finish the campaign unbeaten and secure a promotion that they have been on the brink of for the past two seasons.
Important Match Information
MATCH KICK OFF – Sunday’s game kicks off at 2.00 pm. Gates will be open from 12.30pm and we advise supporters to arrive early to help with flow of entry into the venue.
TICKETS – This is an ALL ticket game, you will NOT be permitted entry without a ticket.
CAR PARKING – There will be NO parking at the venue, the on site car park will be closed for the fixture. We advise the best alternative as being the Flowerpot Lane Car Park, this is a short walk from the venue.
DISABLED ACCESS – If you require any additional support for this event please contact david.gribble@ecct.co.uk
BARRIERS – Please note that additional barriers will be in place behind one of the goals to allow for better visibility of the game and better flow for those in attendance.
TOILETS – There are additional toilets on site for this fixture to help with supporter comfort.
REFRESHMENTS – There will be hot and cold drinks, crisps, chocolate and sweets available on the day.
PROGRAMMES – There will be a special edition matchday programme for sale on the day, priced at £2
HOW TO FOLLOW
If you are not at the game, you can listen LIVE on BBC Devon from 1.45pm.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the action by following Exeter City Women on Twitter/X: @ExeterCityWFC