Exeter City Women progressed to round two of the FA Cup with a commanding performance at Plainmoor on Sunday afternoon as they put six past Torquay United.
Manager Abbie Britton made six changes from the side that beat Fulham Women 4-2 last Sunday in the Women's National League Cup as the Grecians made the short trip to the Riviera.
First Half
The Grecians made the perfect start with five minutes on the clock, Beth Everson winning a corner and Jess Sandland’s delivery headed in from close range by Emily Toogood.
Maddie Durrant, Ellie Sara and Beth Ireland tested Yellows Goalkeeper Carly Kelland before Sarah Stacey doubled the lead. Everson’s cross was blocked into the path of Durrant, and her cross was glanced into the net off the head of Stacey.
There was a touch of fortune about the Grecians third, Sandland with another perfect cross from the corner, this delivery avoiding everyone and dropping into the back off the net.
Sara forced a fine save from Kelland with a shot from distance, but it would be Stacey who was next to score. Emily Poole’s dangerous cross was met by the city forward with another unchallenged header to extend the City lead to four goals.
A succession of crosses from Everson were met with determined United defending, Kelland with another good save to deny Sara, but it would be Abbie Britton’s side going into the break with a firm grip on the tie.
Second Half
Sarah Stacey was replaced by Sophie Gillies at the break, and it was city who continued to control the tempo of the game. Kelland made a stunning fingertip save onto the crossbar to deny Sara, but the Grecians number nine would get her goal moments later. Ishbel Zuurmond and Gillies linking play on the city left before a cut back for Sara was converted from close range.
Gillies headed over a Toogood cross, Everson cut inside the United defence to fire over the crossbar and Sara struck the woodwork again, this time from a header, as City continued to create a steady flow of chances.
Gillies struck the crossbar with an effort on the slide from a Poole cross, but a moment of real quality gave the Grecians a sixth goal. Gerogia Vaccaro netting her first senior goal with a net buster, collecting the ball on the edge of the penalty area and firing into the top corner.
It was not to be Gillies’ day, a surging Phoebe Baker run and cross put wide by the city forward who had been a constant threat since the break but did not have the goal her play deserved.
Appreciation at full time from a record Torquay United Women attendance of over 1,000, the Yellows attacking the afternoon with desire and commitment and a performance Manager Ryan Perks will be proud of.
The Grecians now look to the Monday evening draw and the chance to progress in the competition, with an opportunity to emulate last season’s run to round four a genuine target.
Up Next
On Wednesday, October 29 at 7.45pm, Abbie Britton's side will kick off their first ever Devon Derby under the lights at SJP. Make sure you get your tickets now and back the Grecians!
Exeter City XI: Giles, Everson, Toogood, Poole, Sandland, Zuurmond (Vaccaro 63'), Ireland (Burridge 63'), Baker, Durrant (Taylor 63'), Sara, Stacey (Gillies 45').
Subs: Bond (GK), Seaman, Slocombe,
Goals: Toogood 5', Stacey 18', Sandland 22', Stacey 31', Sara 59', Vaccaro 83'.
Attendance: 1010 (96 Grecians).