City Ladies get off the mark on the Isle of Wight

EXETER CITY LFC picked up their first three points of the FA Women's Premier League South West Division One season with goals from Vicky Barter and a Kirsty Caunter penalty. 

The City ladies made the long trip to Shanklin LFC on the Isle of Wight with just eleven players after injury ruled a out a host of those who started in the defeat at Keynsham last week. 

Dani Barr made her debut after three years out due to a serious knee injury picked up while playing for Newquay. She slotted in well playing in central midfield with Courtney Butt and Kirsty Caunter. 

Exeter were in control for the first thirty-five minutess until Shanklin scored from their first effort on goal. A ball over the top of the defence caught the centre-backs square and the a Shanklin defender was able to run into the area and fire past City keeper Carley Barber from twelve yards. Exeter were from then on on the back foot, allowing Shanklin to take control of last ten minutes of the first half. 

The City Ladies started brightly in the second half, creating chances but being let down by the final decision. However, the equaliser came when Dani Barr played a great through ball to Carla Staddon, who advanced into the penalty box and pulled the ball back for Vicky Barter to side foot past the goalkeeper, getting her second goal in as many games in the process. The Ladies became visibly confident that they may win the game. 

It wasn't until the eightieth minute that Paige Longworth-Wakeham made a great run through midfield and shot from twenty yards out, the ball hitting a Shanklin defenders' hand. The cry went up for handball by the Exeter players and bench, but at first the referee chose to wave play on, only for the eagle-eyed linesman to stand his ground. A penalty was given and Kirsty Caunter stepped up to convert. 

Exeter held on for the win, a first three points of the season which made the journey home from Isle of Wight a pleasurable one for all Grecians concerned