The first half of the game was very evenly contested and Exeter put considerable pressure on their hosts as they pushed forward to break the deadlock. Paige Longworth and Kayane Alencar worked together well on the left wing, while there was solid defending from Hollie Stone and Dani Skinner against a physical Enfield attack. Kate Finch and striker Sarah Hill linked well up front and try as they may were unable to score that crucial goal to take the lead. At the other end Manfy Sharpe and Courtney Sharpe held firm in the middle of the field protecting the defence while behind them all goalkeeper Nicky Lipscombe gave instructions and commanded her penalty area well on her competitive debut. Enfield enjoyed large amounts of possession but failed to break down a resolute Exeter City side as it ended 0-0 at the break. Karolayne Alencar played very well on the right side of the field but came off injured after a thigh pull and was replaced by former Portsmouth Ladies player Molly Booth.

Exeter City started brightly after the interval putting Enfield under constant pressure in the middle third. Hollie Stone was strong in the air against Enfield attackers but took a knock on her knee and was replaced by Emily Toogood. Enfield continued to play the direct ball from the centre one of which which found their striker who volleyed the ball into the top left of Lipscombe’s goal to give the hosts the lead. Exeter City remained calm and Courtney Butt produced some good through balls for striker Sarah Hill run onto. The visitors eventually drew level following a good corner by Manfy Sharpe had the Enfield defence panicking as Hill duly slotted home from six yards to make it 1-1. Exeter City worked hard to get the winner but sadly were just unable to score again as the game went to extra time. Early on in the extra time Booth found herself in acres of space on the right and whipped in a cross which was well cleared by the Enfield defence, while Finch had a shot on target that was saved by the home keeper. In the end however it was Enfield who scored with a 30 yard screamer which flew off the crossbar into the City net against the run of play. Exeter went searching for an equaliser but were hit on the break as Enfield scored their third to make it 3-1 at full time.

Afterwards City manager Grove said: “The players can be proud of themselves today, this is a new group and they put in a good performance. “We held the ball well in midfield and some great link up play from the full-backs and wingers was majestic to watch at times. I thought we were solid and resolute when we had to be. Grove added: “I told the players I wanted to come here and get a result and they responded well matching Enfield’s strengths for 90 minutes. We didn’t lose the game on differences of ability, we lost the game on differences of fitness levels. There’s a lot to be positive about after this game but there’s a lot of work to be done.”