City Women climbed to third in the Women’s National League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Oxford United, leapfrogging their opponents.
Sophie Gillies’ early strike proved the difference on a sunny afternoon in Oxfordshire, with a resilient defensive display ensuring a crucial clean sheet.
Abbie Britton made just one change from the side that edged AFC Wimbledon 2-1 a fortnight ago, with Abbi Bond returning in goal in place of Liv Giles. Otherwise, City remained unchanged, sticking to their familiar 3-5-2 formation.
First half
City started brightly and were rewarded within just two minutes. A goal-kick was headed back towards the edge of Oxford’s penalty area, where Sarah Stacey flicked it into the path of Gillies. One touch was all she needed, slotting the ball through the keeper’s legs to give the Grecians an early lead.
Continuing to pile on the pressure in the opening stages, City threatened down the wings with Maya Kendell and Amber Pollock both causing problems. If the Grecians couldn't get the ball out wide then Emily Toogood's long passes were creating chaos from deep, one of which narrowly evaded Stacey in the 10th minute.
Gillies almost doubled her tally moments later, intercepting a loose pass inside the box, but Howard reacted well to save with Ishbel Zuurmond lurking. The rebound was sent over the bar.
More chances followed, with Stacey seeing an effort denied before Gillies fired off target.
An injury to Pollock midway through the first half left Exeter temporarily down to 10, allowing Oxford to grow into the game. A series of corners led to their first real sights at goal, though Bond remained largely untroubled.
The hosts went close in the 34th minute when captain Burridge broke free down the wing and picked out Poole in the box, but she blazed over. Oxford’s best chance came in the 37th minute, as Barratt’s cross into the six-yard box left Bond stranded, but Toogood was in the right place to clear over the bar just in time.
Second half
Oxford came out with attacking intent after the break, sending an early effort over before Bond was called into action, pushing away Barratt’s near-post strike.
While it took City time, they eventually settled into the half and responded well. Substitute Fearne Slocombe fired a powerful low strike from distance just wide, while Kendell continued to cause problems down the right, delivering crosses that tested the Oxford defence. One fell to fellow substitute Mollie Taylor, but her effort was off target.
United saw plenty of the ball and continued to send deliveries into the box, but Exeter’s defence stood firm, putting in crucial tackles throughout the backline.
The Grecians looked a threat on the counter, particularly after the introduction of Beth Everson, whose pace stretched the hosts. However, despite their best efforts, they couldn’t find a second goal to seal the result.
Oxford pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, winning a series of corners, but Exeter defended resolutely. The hosts sent a late effort wide, and City held firm to secure a crucial 1-0 win in the race for third place—sweet revenge against the U’s, who they now leapfrog in the league with a game in hand.
That game in hand comes this Wednesday against Plymouth Argyle - so make sure you back the team at Coach Road and get your tickets now!
Oxford United: Howard, Gibson, Wiseman, Creaney, Wellesley-Smith, Legg, Barratt, Poole, Burridge (C), Trinder, Barrett.
Substitutes: Gotch, Richardson, Bryant, Budaieva Smith, Bickett.
Exeter City Women: Bond, Pollock (Taylor, 56'), Toogood (Watkins, 76'), Jackson (C), Seaman (Sandland, 76'), Kendell, Baker (Slocombe, 56'), Ireland, Zuurmond, Stacey, Gillies (Everson, 76').
Substitutes not used: Giles (GK).
Goal: Gillies 2'