Exeter City Women booked their place in the Devon Challenge Cup Final with victory over Marine Academy Plymouth on Sunday Afternoon.
With the Grecians having to contend with the injury crisis that has hampered the squad in their opening two games of 2026, Abbie Britton was again forced to name herself on the bench against Marine Academy Plymouth like she had a week prior against Billericay Town. Ellie Sara also found a spot on the bench after recovering from concussion, with Jess Sandland, Jas Styles and Emily Poole all starting.
Marine Academy Plymouth came into the game off the back of successive defeats in all competitions. A 5-0 loss against Plymouth Argyle in the Devon FA Challenge Cup followed by a 3-0 defeat to Ascot United in the FA WNL Division One South-West left them surely hoping to rekindle a run of form.
First Half
The game started in a scrappy manner, the Grecians unable to find any rhythm to their play as the home side sat comfortably in a resolute defensive shape. A blocked shot from Leah Burridge resulted in a City corner, but the home side were able to defend the threat with ease.
Sienna Gilbert struck wide of Liv Giles’ goal as Marine Academy grew in confidence, an exquisite free kick from Sam Drewery narrowly wide from giving the hosts the lead on the half hour mark.
Maddie Durrant was the first to test Marine Academy Goalkeeper Jasmine Reid, her effort from the edge of the penalty area held comfortably.
The Grecians would find a goal to break the deadlock just before half time, Durrant’s pass to Amber Pollock saw her drive towards goal and force a low save from Reid, the follow up turned in from Fearne Slocombe for her first City goal since signing in the summer.
Reid was quickly off her line to deny Sarah Stacey a second, the referee calling time moments later.
Second Half
Such is the length of the current injury list for the Grecians, Abbie Britton put her retirement on hold to return to action as a half time substitution, a move that provided a much needed spark to the City performance.
A succession of Jess Sandland corners found their mark, Pollock heading in from close range as City extended their lead.
Pollock was now in full flow, Britton drawing the defence centrally for the City winger to attack the full back, Reid denying a third goal with a smart low save.
The Marine Academy Goalkeeper was quickly off her line to deny the shooting opportunity for Britton, the City manager firing over the top as the chances began to flow. Reid again denied Pollock in the one on one, but the next big moment of the game would go to the home side,
A free kick on the edge of the penalty area was drilled goalwards by the impressive Lilly Dowling, the ball hitting the inside of the post and converted from close range by Sophie Pearse.
It was a goal that breathed confidence into the home side once more, the always lively Ellie Bishop striking into the arms of Giles from a narrow angle.
Emily Toogood volleyed over from close range as the Grecians looked to end the contest, Pearse growing in stature for Marine Academy as her cross was headed off target by Drewery.
Abbie Britton’s side would secure their place in the final five minutes from time, Ellie Sara, a welcome return from injury, and Burridge combining to deliver a low cross for Stacey to volley home.
An entertaining contest, one in which the home side contributed greatly, with all eyes now turning towards the Devon Derby at Home Park on Wednesday evening.
Up Next
City travel to Home Park on Wednesday night to face Plymouth Argyle in their celebration of women & young girls in sport, where supporters can collect tickets free of charge on the day.
Match Details
Exeter City XI
Giles (GK), Toogood, Seaman (C), Slocombe, Sandland, Stacey, Poole, Durrant (Britton 46'), Burridge, Pollock (Sara 73'), Styles.
Exeter City Unused Subs
Bond (GK), Baker
Goalscorers
Slocombe (43'), Pollock (48'), Stacey (86')