Exeter City Women provided a late comeback as they scored three times in the final 30 minutes to win at Gwalia United, a victory that keeps the team top of the Southern Premier Division.
With captain Bow Jackson absent due to a trip to Africa, Jaydee Seaman stepped in to skipper Abbie Britton's side, while Mollie Taylor came into the starting 11 as the only change to the lineup from the previous weekend's draw with Ipswich.
Zoe Cunningham’s dipping effort saw the Grecians offer the first threat on goal, Ellie Sargent racing clear at the other end before firing her effort into the grateful hands of City goalkeeper Abbi Bond.
Amber Pollock burst clear after being released by Beth Ireland’s pass, her low cross just evading the onrushing City attackers. Jaydee Seaman was alert to deny the home side’s counter, first sliding in to prevent a run at goal before a block tackle brought a United corner moments later. The resulting Gwalia set piece dropped in the box as heads collided, a shot fired towards goal was bravely blocked by Mollie Taylor from close range.
When the opening goal arrived, it was no surprise it went to the home side. City were exposed with slick interplay on the Gwalia right, the low cross from Sargent converted at the back post by Kylie Nolan.
The Grecians were nearly two behind minutes later, a defensive clearance charged down by Nolan, this time her effort cannoning off the foot of the post with City now firmly under pressure.
Georgie Barbour-Gresham's header was blocked on the line as Abbie Britton’s side looked for the leveler, but, in truth, apart from the surging runs of Pollock, City had offered very little in a half that ended with the home side deservedly ahead.
The second half began with the hosts doubling their advantage, the long ball over the City defence was not cleared by Bond or Seaman and as players collided the referee pointed to the spot. Elena Cole calmly slotted the ball to Bond’s left and the Grecians had it all to do.
Pollock cut inside onto her right foot and drilled an effort at Gwalia Goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan-Jones, before Sophie Gillies collected a through ball and fired a shot against the foot of the Gwalia post, Sarah Stacey’s follow up blocked for a corner. With just over an hour played, Emily Toogood’s inswinging set piece was converted at the back post by the head of Barbour-Gresham and City finally had some momentum in the contest.
Barbour-Gresham slid in to deny Sargent a goal as United broke, but City were increasingly asking questions as Britton reverted to a three player forward line. Jess Sandland, who had calmed City’s distribution from defence on her arrival, swung a deep cross towards Stacey, her effort at goal bounced into the path of Gillies and she stuck out a boot to draw the Grecians level.
Bond denied the home side as the game remained firmly in balance, springing down low to block a Nolan effort. Yet it would be City who claimed the three points at the death, Gillies sending a volleyed effort across goal for Stacey to poke over the line.
A battling and often scrappy performance from Britton’s side, with the home side suppressing many of City’s usual threats whilst causing plenty of their own. However, this team is resilient, and that tenacity saw them over the finish line as the Grecians took full advantage of the home side failing to kill off the contest.
City remain top and can now look forward to another significant challenge as Oxford United visit St James Park on Sunday, tickets available here.
Watch City's goals ⬇️
Exeter City Women: Bond, Toogood, Seaman (C), Ireland (Jones), Stacey, Barbour-Gresham, Zuurmond, Cunningham (Sandland), Taylor (Baker), Gillies (Watkins), Pollock.
Substitutes: Giles (GK), Sandland, Watkins, Jones, Baker, Dowling.
Goalscorers: Barbour-Gresham 63', Gillies 80', Stacey 89'.
Gwalia United: O'Sullivan-Jones, Poole, Lake, Gauvain, Cole, Sargent, O'Keefe, Scachill, Jones, Nolan, Gregson.
Substitutes: Piggottt, Taylor, Asker, Vine, Newns, Miller, Davies.