Exeter City Women succumbed to a second half strike from Nicole Barrett to fall to defeat on their travels this season.

Despite the Grecians having several chances, that U's strike was the only thing separating the two sides at the MGroup Stadium.

From the side that faced AFC Bournemouth two weeks ago in the league, Abbie Britton made two changes. Maddie Durrant came in for his first league start behind the two strikers, while the injured Phoebe Baker was replaced by Fearne Slocombe. 

First half

The Bristol City loanee Durrant made a lively start, with her strike from distance forcing an early corner for Oxford to defend. Durrant was the danger once more as she pounced on a loose pass from the United backline, a chipped effort over the advancing Beth Wookey was pushed wide for a corner, Bow Jackson with a good opportunity to test Wookey once more from the set piece, but her effort was dragged wide of the back post.

Nicole Bartlett’s cross was just short of Emma Thompson, the Oxford forward with the hosts first sight of goal. Abbie Britton’s side continued to get into advanced areas, Sophie Gillies with a blocked chance before Leah Burridge flashed wide of goal. Burridge was inches away from giving her new club the lead with a free kick, the City midfielder controlling the midfield with a composed first half performance and coming close to the opening goal.

Both sides would have big opportunities to take the lead on the stroke of half time, Emily Toogood denying a goal scoring chance for Oxford with a brave block, before Gillies turned the defender and raced towards goal, but her effort was comfortable again for Wookey.

Second half

Torrential rain greeted the players for the second half, but City continued to cause the home side problems. Sarah Stacey with a low cross and Gillies just failing to get the contact to give her side the lead.

After an even hour of play, United began to control the tempo of the contest and it would be a strike from out wide that broke the deadlock. Only the Yellows player will know if it was a shot or a cross, but it bamboozled Bond in the City goal and put the Grecians behind.

Holly Turner raced clear and really should have doubled the home side’s advantage, her effort was lifted over the crossbar with the goal at her mercy. Bond was the busier of the two goalkeepers as the game concluded, a strong near post stop preventing Riva Casley from a goal.

Ishbel Zuurmond fired an effort wide as the clock ticked down, but a much-improved performance from United and City’s inability to take those first half chances was ultimately the difference in this keenly contested fixture.

Up next

The Grecians begin a run of three back-to-back home fixtures at Coach Road, with the visit of Hashtag United this Sunday, September 21. Back the team to bounce back and get your tickets today!

Exeter City Women XI: Bond, Zuurmond, Seaman (Taylor, 78'), Jackson (C), Toogood (Ireland, 62'), Pollock (Poole, 78'), Slocombe, Burridge, Durrant (Sara, 62'), Stacey, Gillies.

Subs: Giles (GK), Presswell, Sandland.

Attendance: 181