Exeter City Women travel along the coast to Lewes this weekend, their first away game of the campaign and a big challenge against a side who competed in the Women’s Championship last season.
Relegation has seen big changes at the Dripping Pan, with manager Natalie Lawrence promoted to the role following her previous position as assistant manager. A significant overhaul of the playing squad has transpired, only three of last season’s squad, Lois Roche, Hannah Godfrey and Emily Moore, retained to join a host of new signings.
Layla Proctor, Becca Teale and Olivia Carpenter have arrived from Elite Academy football, with Mia Adaway and Muna Eze signing from Portsmouth and London City Lionesses respectively. Ella Hunkin and Adekite Fatuga-Dada have experience of tier three football following their spells with London Bees and MK Dons, whilst Poppy Derhun and Sarah Harvey both arrive from college football in the United States.
Sydney Schreimaier is a talented young midfielder signed from Brighton, with pacy full back Che Thomas a player the Grecians came up against in last season’s League Cup tie at Billericay. Such has been the transition for the Rooks, last week’s first game of the new season saw nine debutants in the starting eleven for Lawrence’s side.
A pre-season victory over MK Dons (4-1) and a draw with new Division One South West entrants Worthing (1-1) was followed by last weekend's opening day draw against newly promoted AFC Wimbledon. After falling behind in the first half, the Rooks rescued a late point through an own goal in the ninety-third minute.
Abbie Britton’s side will travel in confidence after a victory on opening day but will be aware of the tough challenge awaiting them this weekend. In front of an anticipated large crowd and with many home players making their debuts, this is sure to be the Grecians’ first baptism into the level required to compete regularly in tier three. A significant test awaits, but the type of test this team will surely relish as they head to East Sussex.