City Women delivered a five-star display in the Devon Derby, cruising to a 5-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle Women.
Goals from Mollie Taylor, Sophie Gillies, Sarah Stacey (2), and Georgie Barbour-Gresham capped off a commanding display from the Grecians as they progressed to the third round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.
Abbie Britton shuffled her lineup with four changes following last week's 6-1 victory over MK Dons. Abbi Bond reclaimed her spot between the posts, and Zoe Watkins made her first start since the First Round win against Keynsham. Additionally, Georgie Barbour-Gresham marked her return to the matchday squad after recovering from a concussion.
First half
In relentless rain, Argyle took early control with a series of corners, but the City defence, backed by goalkeeper Abbi Bond, stood firm to neutralise the threat.
As possession became fragmented and neither side gained a foothold, the Grecians began to shift momentum after winning their first corner in the 20th minute. Although the set piece itself posed little danger, it helped Exeter settle into a rhythm, and soon they tested Argyle’s keeper for the first time.
Beth Ireland threaded a clever pass into Gillies, who instinctively found strike partner Stacey. The number 10 laid it off to Amber Pollock, whose low drive forced Lily Felgate into a sharp save to tip the ball around the post.
Ishbel Zuurmond followed up with a speculative long-range strike, but it was blocked before troubling the defence.
Despite Exeter’s growing confidence, Argyle remained dangerous on the break. On the half-hour mark, Bow Jackson delivered a crucial intervention. Ferne Orchard split the defence with a brilliant pass to Charlotte Whitmore, who rounded Bond, but from a tight angle, her shot was headed off the line by a composed Jackson.
As Argyle pushed to build on their earlier chance, it was City who seized the initiative and broke the deadlock.
Emily Toogood delivered a pinpoint corner from the right, finding Taylor unmarked at the back post. Taylor’s header was driven low into the bottom corner, sparking debate as Sophie Gillies claimed a touch to help it across the line. However, the goal was credited to Taylor, marking a fitting celebration of her 100th appearance.
Before the interval, both Toogood and Stacey had opportunities to extend City’s lead, but neither could find the target. The Grecians headed into the break with a narrow but deserved one-goal advantage.
Second half
Abbie Britton’s half-time team talk clearly hit the mark, as City burst out of the blocks in the second half and quickly doubled their lead.
Amber Pollock’s determined run earned a corner, which Zoe Watkins delivered into the danger zone. After a scramble involving Taylor and Toogood, the ball fell to Gillies, whose header took a deflection off a Plymouth defender before nestling in the net for 2-0.
The Grecians maintained their momentum, creating a flurry of chances. Ishbel Zuurmond forced Lily Felgate into another save before City extended their advantage.
Pollock again led the charge down the left, delivering a pinpoint cross for Stacey, who volleyed home in style, trebling the lead.
Zuurmond came agonisingly close to adding a fourth, with her ambitious 25-yard strike rattling the crossbar in the 65th minute but, City didn’t have to wait long.
Substitute Zoe Cunningham then showcased her skill with a driving run into the box, a neat one-two with Gillies, and a perfectly weighted pass to Stacey. The number 10 coolly slotted her second of the game into the bottom corner, celebrating with a triumphant knee slide on the Home Park turf.
Pollock nearly added her name to the scoresheet, cutting in from the left and unleashing a shot that Felgate tipped around the post.
Moments later, Barbour-Gresham marked her return to action in perfect fashion. Meeting Toogood’s recycled corner at the back post, Barbour-Gresham headed home City’s fifth with authority.
Despite the dominant display, Argyle managed a consolation in stoppage time. Charlotte Whitmore struck from 30 yards, her effort dipping over substitute keeper Liv Giles to give the home side a late moment to cheer.
The Grecians went forward into the next round of the FA Cup though, as they made sure everyone on this side of the A38 knew that Devon is red.
Plymouth Argyle Women: Felgate, Dickson, Thomas, Papaioannou (C), Pomfret, Whitmore, Crawford, Wilson, Orchard, Kuyken, Smith.
Substitutes: Erhabor (GK), Kearley, Sara, Knott, Jarvis, O'Shea, Geach.
Goal: Whitmore 93'.
Exeter City Women: Bond (Giles, 85'), Taylor, Jackson (C) (Barbour-Gresham, 79'), Seaman (Jones, 85'), Toogood, Pollock, Ireland (Baker, 79'), Zuurmond, Watkins (Cunningham, 63'), Stacey, Gillies.
All subs used
Goals: Taylor 39', Gillies 51', Stacey 58', 76', Barbour-Gresham 81'.
Attendance: 904