Exeter City Women are on the road this weekend as they ramp up preparations for a second season in the third tier of women's football with a pre-season friendly at Moneyfields on Sunday.
The match takes place at the John Jenkins Stadium in Portsmouth, Sunday, July 20, 2pm.
Moneyfields are no strange opponents, having offered some competitive match ups against the Grecians in the fourth tier two years ago, and will be a challenge for Abbie Britton's side this time around as they build up minutes for the new campaign.
The Grecians got their summer schedule off to the perfect start last weekend, defeating Welsh champions Cardiff City 2-1 at Exwick thanks to brilliant goals from Ishbel Zuurmond and Amber Pollock.
The Opponents
Only formed in 2017, Moneyfields play in the FAWNL Division One South West - the league the Grecians were promoted from two years ago - and finished second behind champions AFC Bournemouth last time out, having won 15 of their 22 matches.
Striker Shannon Albuery led the scoring charts in the FAWNL last season, notching 27 goals in just 29 appearances in league and cup for the Moneys.
Managed by Karl Watson since their inception, Watson has overseen the teams' steady rise from Hampshire and Southern regional leagues to the fourth tier in 2022, and led the team to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history in 2024. Though they were beaten 4-0 by Championship side London City Lionesses, their achievement was covered nationally by the BBC and Guardian, thrusting the side into the spotlight.
Previous Encounters
City last faced Moneyfields in February 2024 when the Grecians won 4-1 away from home thanks to a Mollie Taylor hat-trick and a strike from Sophie Gillies.
Perhaps the game of the season in the FAWNL came a few months prior when City ran out 5-3 winners in a topsy turvy game at St James Park in front of 1,550. Jenna Markham struck twice for Abbie Britton's side, with Sarah Stacey, Mollie Taylor and Steph Beck also all finding the back of the net.
The Venue
John Jenkins Stadium, Moneyfields Avenue, Copnor, Portsmouth, PO3 6LA
Moneyfields play at the John Jenkins Stadium, which is a community hub operated by Portsmouth FC's Football in the Community organisation. Opened in 2024 after redevelopment, it can accommodate up to 1,200 people. Moneyfields have provided a matchday guide here, but be aware that as this match is a pre-season friendly, some details may be different.
Tickets
It's free entry at the John Jenkins Stadium this Sunday for all supporters!
Follow the Match
Not making the trip to Portsmouth? Don't worry, you can follow the action on the official Exeter City Women social media channels:
- X - @ExeterCityWFC
- Facebook - Exeter City Women FC
- Instagram - exetercitywomensfc
- BlueSky - @ExeterCityWFC
You can then hear from the management team and a player after the match, with interviews available on social media and Grecian+.