Exeter City Women’s hopes of a return to winning ways were dashed as torrential rain caused a half time abandonment of their game against Billericay Town with the Grecians leading 3-0.
City were dominant at St James Park, but the weather was the real winner as a torrential downpour left the pitch unplayable, despite the best efforts of the grounds-team and intentions of the referee to continue play.
The Grecians began strongly, Sophie Gillies beating Town Goalkeeper Aimee Watson to Jaydee Seaman’s long pass, the retreating Billericay defender clearing the goal bound effort to prevent the early lead going city’s way. From the resulting corner, Sarah Stacey fired a volley into the arms of Watson as the home side pressed.
City would utilise their next set piece to take the lead. Jess Sandland’s near post-delivery was flicked towards goal by the head of Beth Ireland, her effort bouncing off the underside of the crossbar and onto the goal line before Mollie Taylor stooped to head the ball into the net.
Zoe Cunningham’s exquisite, lofted pass found the run of Amber Pollock, her run and cross falling to Phoebe Baker, but the city midfielder could not get control of the ball as it bounced off the slippery surface and the town defence cleared the danger.
Ireland picked up the loose ball on the city right and drove towards the byline, her low cross met by the run of Baker, but Watson clawed her effort away to keep city at bay once more.
After such a bright start, the Grecians slipped into a careless passage of play, Billericay pressing high and forcing a strong low save from city goalkeeper Abbi Bond. Jaydee Seaman was in the right place to make a timely interception moments later, sliding in to deny an opportunity to run at Bond’s goal.
With the rain beginning to flood the surface, Gillies tricked her way beyond defensive tackles and puddles to cross for Stacey to fire home from six yards and double the lead. City in control of the game, but with the second goal came a pause in play from Referee Imogen Hooper.
Both teams retreated to the changing rooms as the ground staff attempted to clear the surface water and proceed with the fixture.
After a thirty-minute pause, Referee Hooper gave the game every chance to conclude as play restarted. City immediately took the initiative as Watson spilled a long-range Taylor effort and Gillies bundled the rebound home for a three-goal advantage.
The half time whistle blew and, with the rain continuing and the pitch unplayable in certain areas, the resulting abandonment was inevitable.
It was a disappointing conclusion for City as this was a game that they were in full control of, but they can now turn their attentions to Wednesday evening and the Devon Derby against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.