Exeter City Ladies will play at St James Park for this first time in over 10 years when they take on Buckland Athletic in the semi-final of the Westward Development Devon Senior Cup on Sunday, February 17 in a 2pm kick-off.
The match, which is being sponsored by Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, has been moved to St James Park to give the ladies team a chance to play at the stadium as well as the opportunity for supporters to come and cheer them on in familiar surroundings.
Speaking about the decision to switch the game to the stadium, Exeter City Ladies player and joint-manager Abbie Britton said: “We are very excited to be playing at the park. I have been told it is over 10 years since the ladies’ team have had the opportunity to play there so it is a big deal for us.
Player-manager Abbie Britton congratulates goalscorer Sophie Gillies
“Of course with it being a semi-final and against local rivals it has made the game even bigger than normal. The redevelopment that’s gone into the stadium over the last few years means that some of our girls will not have played on a bigger stage than that and, when you add the fact that some of them are really big City fans, the chance for them to play at St James Park is amazing for them.”
Buckland will provide a strong test for the Grecians though as they currently play in the division above City in the FA Women’s National League South West and have won five of their 10 matches this season.
“It will be a huge test,” said Abbie. “They absolutely stormed our league last year, going unbeaten the whole season, and that takes some doing. They are on the back of some good results as well, having recently beaten Southampton. Having watched their games, I know they play some really good, exciting football so it’ll be a big test for our young squad.”
Carmen Morrison on the ball
City currently sit second in the South West Women’s Football League Premier Division, having won 10 of their 12 games this season. However, they need to finish top of their division to get promoted and sit two points behind leaders Keynsham Town development with a game in hand. So, when you add this fixture in to a run of eight more games in the league to play, then there is still plenty of work to be done between now and the end of the campaign.
“It’s been a great start, but ultimately we have achieved nothing yet,” said Abbie. “Winning trophies and promotion is the sign of a good season and that’s something we are striving towards. We know if we turn up and play our game, on the day we are capable of beating anyone. To reach a final will take some doing, so we will go into the game and give everything.”
Exeter City Ladies would really appreciate your support at the match on Sunday, February 17. The game kicks-off at 2pm with the prices as follows:
- Adults: £3
- Concessions: £2
- Under-16s and Trust members: Free*
*Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult and Trust members must carry their Trust membership card to get free entry.
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