Exeter City Women continue the countdown to the FA Women’s National League Season with a visit to AFC Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, a rematch between the two teams who fought so relentlessly for the South West Division One title last season.
There has been no hangover in Dorset after missing out so narrowly on promotion on the final day, with Steve Cuss bolstering his side with some proven talent this summer.
Phoebe Williams, a consistent performer for Hashtag United in the Southern Premier last season, was first to arrive at Ringwood, the midfielder followed by the permanent signing of last year’s loanee Kelci Bowers.
Ellie Strippel, a dependable tier four performer at Portishead and Swindon will add further creativity to the Cherries midfield, whilst tier three title winner Ali Hall offers excellence to an already talented array of options for Cuss after her signing from Portsmouth.
Notably for Grecians supporters, Bournemouth’s latest addition is that of City’s current Player of the Year Jenna Markham - the talented forward heading along the coast to enhance the attacking options of a side that hit over one hundred league goals in the last campaign.
Abbie Britton will be looking for the team to continue their pre-season development, with Sarah Stacey striking twice in a 2-0 victory at Swansea in City’s previous warm up fixture.
The core of the last year’s squad has committed to another year in red and white and the challenge of tier three football is now looming large, with the season’s kick off coming on August 18th as the Grecians play MK Dons at St James Park.
These are two teams that know each other well and, considering last year’s unrelenting battle for promotion, you would anticipate a competitive fixture on the south coast.