Three goals in eight explosive minutes at the end of the first half set Exeter City Women on their way to victory over Southampton PGA in the WNL Cup at Coach Road.
The win keeps the Grecians top of Group B and in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages, with one final group fixture still to come in this year’s competition.
Phoebe Baker opened the scoring inside three minutes, before the Saints levelled midway through the half. But Ellie Sara, Georgina Presswell and Ishbel Zuurmond all struck in quick succession to put City firmly in control at the interval. Although the visitors pulled one back from the spot in the second half, Sara’s second of the afternoon sealed the points and maintained City’s perfect record in the group.
Abbie Britton made eight changes from her side that drew 1-1 at AFC Bournemouth in the league, with Presswell coming in to make her debut in the centre of defence after her international clearance was confirmed, while Bristol City loanee Maddie Durrant made her first start. In the absence of Bow Jackson, Phoebe Baker captained the side, while Liv Giles was given the nod between the posts in goal.
First half
After heavy morning rain, the skies cleared just in time for kick-off - and City immediately took advantage. Inside three minutes, Durrant drove forward before laying the ball back to Emily Toogood, whose cross was spilled by the visiting keeper. Baker was quickest to react, tapping home from close range.
Exeter pressed high and almost doubled their lead when Fearne Slocombe seized on a poor pass out from the goalkeeper, forcing a low save from the edge of the box.
Southampton gave an early indication of their threat just before the half hour mark, as a quick ball through midfield allowed a forward to escape through City's right, but her low shot in the box was met by the foot of Giles in goal. The equaliser arrived soon after, a Saints forward striding through the middle before curling a superb strike into the top corner, out of any goalkeeper's reach.
City didn't panic though, and within just four minutes their lead was restored. Playing in an unfamiliar role at right wing-back, Zuurmond strode down the wing before cutting inside, where she then poked through Sara. The number nine hit the ball first time across the keeper and in on the angle to put the Grecians 2-1 up.
A Saints free-kick that unfortunately hit Jess Sandland square in the face aside, City had now began to find their stride, and began to pepper the visitors' goal at the end of the half, with Durrant narrowly heading wide before Slocombe saw another effort saved.
From the resulting corner after Slocombe's shot, the Grecians struck again. Sandland's ball into the box wasn't dealt with by the defence, and debutant Presswell stuck a leg out to guide the ball home for a goal on her first appearance for the club.
And the best was still to come. In added time, Durrant laid the ball back to Zuurmond, who cut inside from 35 yards and unleashed a rocket that flew over the keeper and into the net - a stunning strike to make it 4-1 at the break.
Second half
City almost picked up where they left off, Toogood’s cross finding Presswell at the back post, her header flashing just wide. Durrant then went close after a surging trademark run from Pollock created another opening, before again City's high press stole the ball up high but Sara's shot was just wide.
At the other end, Southampton were handed a lifeline just after the hour. Substitute Beth Everson conceded a penalty, and although Giles guessed the right way, the spot-kick was drilled into the bottom corner for 4-2.
Unfazed, City continued to press, with Beth Ireland shooting wide with 20 minutes remaining, before Sara capped off the win with her second goal of the match.
Durrant again drove into the area and, after a scramble involving Gillies and Poole, the ball broke loose. Poole’s shot drew a save, but Sara was on hand to bury the rebound and round off an excellent afternoon for the Grecians.
There was time still for one more chance, as from a corner a combination of Slocombe and Presswell aimed the ball goalwards but it came cannoning off the bar.
The victory keeps City top of Group B heading into their final group game against Abingdon United later this month.
Up next
Before then, City travel to Oxford United this Sunday, September 14, before returning to Coach Road to face Hashtag United on September 21. Back City and get your tickets by clicking here!
Exeter City Women XI: Giles, Zuurmond, Sandland, Presswell, Toogood, Pollock (Everson, 60'), Slocombe, Ireland (Gillies, 72'), Baker (Poole, 60'), Duurant, Sara.
Subs: Bond (GK), Seaman, Vaccaro
Goals: Baker 3', Sara 37', 82', Presswell 45', Zuurmond 46'