Exeter City Women completed a busy week with three points on the road, easing to victory at struggling Billericay Town on Sunday afternoon.
A week that had consisted of a Devon Derby double, with a 6-0 away win against Torquay United in the first round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup followed up by a 1-1 draw against Plymouth Argyle in a thrilling encounter at SJP, Abbie Britton's side now had to face the long journey to Essex where they met with lowly Billericay Town.
A season that had caused plenty of challenges for the hosts so far saw them sat rock bottom of the Women's National League Southern Premier Division before kick-off, amassing no points in their eight games played.
Seven changes for the Grecians saw Georgia Vaccaro make her first start in red & white following an impressive performance and stunning strike at Plainmoor a week before. Liv Giles was given the nod between the sticks for the first half, as well as Emily Poole, Emily Toogood, Phoebe Baker, Maddie Durrant and Ellie Sara joining the XI.
First Half
The Grecians took early control of the contest with Sophie Gillies firing over the crossbar within minutes, however this did not deter City's top scorer of the season. Moments later she was able to drill a cross into the box, converted from close range by Ishbel Zuurmond for the opening goal on five minutes.
Maddie Durrant struck a second from distance with an arrowed shot into the top corner, soon followed by Georgia Vaccaro who headed in a third from close range after sixteen minutes. At only sixteen years of age, Vaccaro followed up last weekend’s first senior goal at Torquay United with her first League goal, a clear indication of the significant talent that she possesses and her goalscoring threat in a City shirt.
As the half wore on City showed little sign of let-off, with Emily Poole firing wide after intercepting a stray defensive pass. Soon after, Blues goalkeeper Emily Mackler tipped an Ellie Sara effort on to the crossbar with a fine save. The pressure on the Billericay goal soon told once again however, causing controversy with city’s fourth. Poole struck a wonderful free kick off the underside of the bar, the ball looking to have crossed the line, before Gillies was in the right place to tap in the follow up, meaning it would be left between the teammates to decide who the true goalscorer was.
Another set piece from Poole found the head of Emily Toogood, only to see her effort hit the crossbar. Vaccaro went hunting for her second as she thundered an effort from distance that struck the over worked Town crossbar once more.
A strong first half from the Grecians as they led by four at the break.
Second Half
A half-time change saw Liv Giles make way for Abbi Bond between the sticks.
Abbie Britton’s side came out from the break in much the same attitude as the first half, not having to wait long for number five as Vaccaro found space behind the home side’s defence and fired in a low cross for Gillies to convert for her second.
Number six came three minutes later, this time Gillies striding away from the Town backline and slotting in her third. After netting her 100th Grecians goal on Wednesday, it was the perfect follow up from the league’s top scorer, Gillies’ eleventh goal in the last eight games.
As the game wore on, the tempo gradually slowed as bodies grew tired. Regardless, City were able to find a seventh through Sarah Stacey as she met a lofted pass from Toogood and drilled a low effort into the bottom corner to round off a satisfying afternoon in Essex.
The Grecians move up to sixth in the division and, with three leagues games before the Christmas break, Britton’s side will be keen to close the gap on the leading pack.
Up Next
City return to Coach Road on Sunday 9th November, this time hosting AFC Bournemouth in the second round of the Women's National League Cup! Make sure to get your tickets in advance by clicking here, and help back the team towards in their efforts to make it to the third round of the tournament!