Exeter City Women face another difficult challenge this weekend as Oxford United visit St James Park, the Yellows one of the leagues consistently competitive sides who will be looking to push for promotion this campaign.
Manager Sam Rose has added a host of strong additions to a squad that finished in fifth position last season, Zoe Creaney and Ruby Sealey signed early in the summer from MK Dons and Billericay Town respectively. Phoebie Poole, who was one of the league’s top goalscorers last season, moved across from Cheltenham Town, whilst former Bridgwater United goalkeeper Beth Howard signed from Southampton.
Jenna Legg, Zoe Barratt and Captain Leah Burridge are all back in Yellow for the new season. Legg had a strong season in midfield last year, scoring five goals and winning six opposition player of the match awards in her eighteen games. Barratt was one of the leading forwards last season, hitting twenty-four goals, with seventeen of those coming in the league.
Oxford had a difficult opening day, a 3-0 home defeat to Ipswich Town, but since then they have come back strong. A victory at Home Park against Plymouth Argyle (3-1) was followed by a comfortable victory against Abingdon United (10-0). More league success followed with a rout against Gwalia United at Court Place Farm (4-0) before last weekend’s visit to newly promoted AFC Wimbledon ended in a goalless draw.
Abbie Britton’s side have enjoyed a strong start to the new season, last weekend’s late comeback at Gwalia United maintaining their position at the top of the division. Oxford United will prove another challenge for this Grecians squad, but with a strong home record, they will be confident of making it a difficult afternoon for Sam Rose and his Yellows squad.
Abbie Britton's thoughts
Ahead of the match, City Women manager Abbie Britton has given her thoughts as City prepare for another tough match at SJP.
"Every week we sit around the table with the coaches and look at the upcoming fixtures and it never gets any easier, but that's what we are in tier 3 for, to compete with the best and we are going to go toe-to-toe with a team who are going to be in and amongst it come the end of the season."
Hear more from Abbie:
Match Tickets
Ticket prices in the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield Stand are as follows:
- Adult: £5 in advance / £6 on the gate
- Under-18: £3 in advance / £4 on the gate
The stand will be open from 11.30am, with access to your seats from 12pm.
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.
Changes to Key Timings
Due to a pre-booked event at St James Park which requires use of the inside facilities in the main stand building, the Nevada Construction Main Stand, Junior Grecians Zone and Centre Spot bar will be closed for this fixture.
The Fan Zone and Fan Zone bar will only be open between 10.30am and 11.30am, during which player arrival is expected.
All supporters will be seated in the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield Stand, where provisions have been made for Junior Grecians Zone facilities. The kiosks and bar will also be open in the stand concourse.
We will be offering Margherita and Pepperoni Pizza Twists for £3.50, as well as Thatchers Zero which has been added to our draft bar offerings.
The club shop WILL be open, between 11am and 1pm but will not be open during or after the game.
We apologise for any convenience and hope you enjoy the match.
How to follow
If you can't make it to SJP the match will be streamed LIVE for FREE!
To watch, all you need to do is create an account in advance, by clicking here and then you'll be able to sign in on the day and watch by clicking here.
There will be live coverage on Exeter City Women's Twitter and Facebook pages and reaction from Abbie Britton and a player after the match!
Club Shop
The club shop WILL be open, between 11am and 1pm but will not be open during or after the game. The Shop is stocked with all three of City's kits for the 24/25 season as well as a range of training gear and pocket money items.
Don't forget, Supporters' Trust members, Junior Grecians and season ticket holders save 10% on full prices purchases!
Food and Drink
One of the most important part of any match day! We have a wide range of hot and cold drinks and snacks available at the kiosk for fans.
Match Day Programme
A free digital matchday programme will be available to read online on Sunday!