Title hopes dented by defeat to Rovers
Exeter City Ladies’ hopes of winning the league took a big dent when challengers Forest Green Rovers recorded a 4-0 win at St Martins FC, Exminster.The first half was a good contest with Rovers taking a 1-0 into half-time after scoring by scoring on 18 minutes, when the defence gave away a needless corner. From the resultant delivery, the ball was played to edge of area for Elle Hitchcock to score with a first time shot.
Exeter struggled to create any clear cut chances, but efforts by Lola Garcia Sanchez and Sophie Simpson were thwarted by the visitors’ defence.
The second half belong to Forest Green who took the game to Exeter, scoring when the defence was split and a chipped effort over Carley Barber in the Exeter goal and arriving was Naomi Marshall to tap in to an empty net. The lead was soon stretched when another set piece from a corner was played to back post and defender Jodie Sheppard headed in.
Exeter appeared to be deflated by that goal and star player Charlotte King topped off a fine performance for the visitors by thrashing in from 25 yards to record a fourth goal.