Exeter City Women travel to Home Park to face local rivals Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday evening in the first league fixture between the two sides in over eight years.
Greens Manager Ryan Perks moved to strengthen his team following the availability of players from Reading’s Barclays Championship demotion, Lulu Jarvis and Caitlin Smith signing alongside the returning Georgia Wilson. Ava Kuyken, who began her career with Arsenal, with spells at Hibernian and Bristol City, is making a return to football following a long-term injury and will offer further quality to Argyle’s midfield options. Former Grecian Katie Grigg and Brighton loanee Comfort Erhabor complete a busy summer of recruitment for Perks.
With a new look side, it has been a tough start for the Pilgrims. Despite easing past fourth tier opposition in cup competition, league points have been harder to come by. A heavy opening day defeat at Cheltenham Town was followed by a further home loss to Oxford United. Perks’ side secured victory over Bridgwater United in the League Cup before routing MK Dons 5-1 at Stadium MK, Charlotte Whitmore (2), Taya Pomfret, Lulu Jarvis and Kathryn Dickson with the goals.
Hashtag United won comfortably at Home Park before more league cup action saw Georgia Wilson at the double in a 3-0 win over London Bees. Defeats at Billericay and Lewes come either side of a cup win at Maidenhead United to leave Argyle in the hunt for points on Wednesday evening to climb out of the relegation zone.
Last season’s top goalscorer Ellie Sara has been amongst the early season goals once more, Whitmore and Wilson the other leading forwards, with Whitmore already claiming four opposition player of the match awards.
Abbie Britton’s side come into the game on the back of two league defeats. Sunday’s wash out against Billericay delivered the perfect performance before the rain intervened, City leading 3-0 at half time with goals from Mollie Taylor, Sarah Stacey and Sophie Gillies.
These two teams have been involved in tight games in recent seasons, with Devon County Cup ties rarely decided by more than a goal. Another tight game will be anticipated on Wednesday with Home Park the venue for Devon’s top two Women’s teams set to showcase the growth of the sport in the south west.
Tickets
City supporters have been allocated 200 tickets for the Devon Derby in the Kawasaki Barn Park End on sale at the following prices:
- Adults – £10
- Over 65 – £5
- 14-17 – £3
- Under 14* – FREE
*must be accompanied by a paying adult or senior.
Buy Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online via your ticketing account here, or in person at St James Park or by calling 01392 411 243.
