Two long-range efforts proved the difference as Exeter City Women were narrowly beaten on the road by Hashtag United.
The Tags opened the scoring on the half-hour mark with a stunner from Francesca Finlay, before Florence Donnelly doubled their advantage ten minutes after the restart. Despite a spirited push to get back into the game, the Grecians couldn’t break down a resilient United defence and left Essex empty-handed.
Abbie Britton made four changes from the side that had beaten Plymouth Argyle 6-0 in the County Cup Final, the headline being Sarah Stacey’s place on the bench, as instead Amber Pollock partnered Sophie Gillies up top. Jaydee Seaman and Emily Toogood returned in defence, while Liv Giles and Phoebe Baker both recovered from their knocks to be named on the bench and in the eleven, respectively.
First half
The hosts enjoyed the better of the early possession, but the Grecians’ defence stood firm, setting up to catch Hashtag on the counter. Just seven minutes in, Exeter carved out their first break using exactly that strategy — a ball over the top from Ishbel Zuurmond sent Pollock racing through on goal, but her fiercely struck effort flew wide of the target.
City continued to exploit the Tags with pace, with Maya Kendell next to break down the left. She skilfully chipped the ball over a defender’s foot before drilling a low cross into the box, but neither Gillies nor Pollock could reach it.
The Grecians were showing attacking intent, but still had to remain wary of the hosts’ threat. After Abbi Bond made a sharp block to deny a chance, the resulting corner was headed narrowly wide by Jade Keogh.
Gillies sent a low effort wide from the edge of the box in the 20th minute, before Zuurmond swung a teasing cross into the arms of the keeper.
In the 30th minute, Hashtag broke the deadlock with a moment of individual brilliance from Finlay. After Donnelly picked up a loose ball inside City’s half and found Malika Apinda, the midfielder laid it off to Finlay, who took a touch inside before unleashing a superb 30-yard strike beyond the reach of Bond.
A lovely cross from Gillies almost found Pollock for the perfect response just minutes after the opener, but the ball just evaded City’s 23.
The game was halted for some time at the end of the half, with Bow Jackson going down injured. City’s skipper had to be helped off the pitch and was replaced by Beth Everson, as Abbie Britton used the change as an opportunity to shuffle her tactics.
Second half
The Grecians created the first opportunity after the break, as Hashtag failed to clear Mollie Taylor’s deep free-kick. Everson and then Fearne Slocombe both had efforts on goal, but each was blocked as the Tags defended bravely to preserve their lead.
That defensive resilience paid off minutes later when United doubled their advantage. Donnelly this time took aim from distance, her strike flying beyond Bond to make it 2-0.
Bond was called into action again with 25 minutes remaining, making a crucial save with her feet to prevent further damage as Britton made a series of attacking substitutions to search for a way back into the match.
Kendell, now operating on the right, carved out a golden chance ten minutes from time, cutting the ball back after reaching the byline. Gillies and Everson were both denied by heroic defending, before Frankie Angel produced a smart low save to deny Gillies, who had raced through one-on-one.
It was not to be for City against a Hashtag side set to finish second for the second consecutive season in tier three, but the Grecians will take plenty of lessons into their final fixture.
Today’s results have set up a straight shootout for third place, as Exeter prepare to face Watford at St James Park on April 27th. We’ll need all your support - kick-off is at 2pm, so grab your tickets and help Pack The Park!
Hashtag United Women: Angel, West, Gillard (C), Keogh, Finlayson, Baigent, Baker, Donnelly, Fronc, Apinda, Rowland.
Substitutes: Griffin, Fleming, Norton, King.
Exeter City Women: Bond, Taylor, Seaman (Sandland, 85'), Jackson (C) (Everson, 45+3'), Toogood (Ireland, 67'), Kendell, Slocombe, Baker (Cunningham, 83'), Zuurmond, Pollock, Gillies.
Substitutes not used: Giles (GK), Stacey.