Defeat in the FA Women's Premier League Plate for City Ladies
Exeter City hosted Stevenage in the second round of the FA Women's Premier League Plate on Sunday, October 23.
This was City's first game for two weeks and they got off to a shaky start which allowed Stevenage an early opportunity on goal that was saved.
Exeter started to force their way into the game with Dani Skinner looking bright on the ball before attempting to play it to Kate Finch.
The majority of possession was shared in the middle third of the pitch with both sets of midfielders looking to break down one another.
Stevenage opened the scoring capitalising on a defensive error, slotting home past keeper Reynolds. Stevenage continued to attack the Exeter goal and the pressure told as they added three more goals before half-time.
Exeter were forced into a substitution with goalkeeper Reynolds being replaced by Kelly Ball.
City started brightly in the second half and Manfy Sharpe and Courtney Butt were proving crucial in pinning Stevenage back in their own half. Centre back pairing Hollie Stone and Paige Longworth looked comfortable in the air with striker Kate Finch competed for every second ball.
Karolyane Alencar provided some dazzling runs twisting inside and out the Stevenage full-backs, but try as they may City couldn’t break through the visitors defence which stood as they won the game 4-0.
Afterwards City manager Adam Grove, said: "All season we have struggled to control the game during the first half, both home and away. The second half was much improved but the goals we conceded during the first half could not be salvaged.
He added: “Our focus is now on the league, and so far we have played four of the top five teams so we have an opportunity to start picking up points. The City players are fantastic and their spirit is undeniable, so now we will regroup and be fresh for our next group of games."