Exeter City fell to their first defeat of the South West Women’s League premier division on Thursday night against Buckland Athletic.

Buckland took an early lead as they profited from a goalmouth scramble in the City area but Kate Finch when close to equalizing before Hope Souminen was denied by a great last-ditch tackle.

Buckland then made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half as their striker headed home from a corner. Finch then had a couple more efforts to pull a goal back from crosses from Dani Skinner and Emily Toogood before Souminen had a header cleared off the line.

So it was slightly against the run of play when Buckland’s striker added a third on 75 minutes. However, a free-kick on the edge of the box and a penalty saw Buckland add two further goals late on.

Exeter City joint ladies manager, Abbie Britton said: “Myself and fellow manager Clive Watts were extremely proud of the players’ attitude. To go 1-0 down so early must have been disappointing but they showed great fight and spirit. I am confident that if we continue to perform and work hard we can be very successful this season.”

Exeter City Ladies: Shannon Watts, Amber-Guy-Kemp, Billie Denny, Bronwyn Cousins, Manfy Sharpe, Beth Beale, Dani Skinner, Hope Suominen, Emily Toogood, Kate Finch, Donna Langdon.

Subs: Jazz Hervin, Louise Ilsey, Millie Pearce, Imogen Wade-Palmer, Lannece Hole.