Exeter City Women head to Coach Road on Sunday as Hashtag United are the visitors, the Essex side the current leaders of the Southern Premier League for a 2pm kick-off.
Sunday will see the first meeting between the two sides, with United evolving from AFC Basildon in 2020. It has been a highly successful period, a 2022 Essex Senior Cup victory was followed by promotion to tier three in 2023, a season that also saw The Tags reach the fourth round of the FA Cup. Last season’s promotion held no concerns for Jason Stephens’ side, with a runner up spot secured in their debut season at this level.
This campaign, the Essex side will be looking to go one better and Stephens’ side has certainly started strongly. The core of last year’s squad remains in place, with The Tags securing additional quality over the summer months.
Forward Holly Turner returns after spells at Billericay and Chatham, with Ghana International Freda Ayisi and Frankie Finlayson both moving to Parkside from Charlton Athletic. Midfield duo Louise Davis and Kayleigh Stead signed from Billericay Town and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, with Shauna Vassell adding to Stephens’ defensive options with her arrival from Lewes.
An opening day victory over Watford was followed by defeat at Ipswich Town, yet since then it has been an impressive run of ten games unbeaten for the Essex side. League victories over Billericay Town, Plymouth Argyle, MK Dons, Lewes, AFC Wimbledon and Gwalia United have been achieved alongside cup wins over Chatham Town, Derby County and last weekend’s League Cup victory at Ipswich Town.
Hashtag have already had one successful visit to Devon this season, goals from Holly Turner (2), Sophie Baigent, Macey Nicholls and Kallie-Georgie Balfour securing a five goal victory at Home Park against Plymouth Argyle.
Abbie Britton’s side will certainly need to be at their best against the league’s form side as the Grecians look to record three successive league wins following recent victories over Argyle and Cheltenham Town.
Match Tickets
All details on Coach Road matches and ticket prices can be found here.
How to buy
Tickets are now on sale via your online ticket account, or in person at St James Park or by calling 01392 411 243.