LADIES' BIG DAY

Exeter Ladies FC face their most important match of the season so far tomorrow. They take on Women's South Western League champions Illogan at Wyvern Barracks in the third round of the WFA Cup (KO 2.0 pm). The sides are playing for a place in the last 16 of this national competition and after this round the pre- viously regionalised draw is thrown open.

Exeter choose from a full strength squad.

Exeter: B. Frayne, J. Tancock, T. Lake, M. Bowen, D. Turner, F. Crispin, J. Costello, J. Trott, A. Hesketh, B. Thomas, M. Langman. Subs: S. Trace, P. Wilson

Match Report

EXETER 4 ILLOGAN 3

This game began with Illogan applying all their effort to control the game right from the whistle. Throughout the first twenty minutes Exeter defended vigorously, doing all that was asked of them and continued to soak up all attacks effectively. The first goal came in the twenty-fifth minute, with Exeter making the most of a counter attack and scoring with a well taken goal, to open up the score sheet. Again Illogan came back with attack after attack, but Exeters' experience stood up well, and again breaking through from defence, building up with sharp passing with first class results, a goal.

With another goal, just before half-time, Exeter went into the changing rooms with a commanding lead. Illogan came out in the second half determined that their first time efforts would eventually be rewarded, and sure enough they were. Exeter then scored again, but still Illogan pushed forward and again pulled back another goal. With fifteen minutes to go Annie collided with another player and sadly was carried off unconscious, this left Exeter soaking up immense pressure, and again Illogan with a high dipping ball, scored just five minutes from time. The score 4-3 Exeter stayed calm and played very good defensive play, with the reward when the whistle finally blew of a place in the last sixteen.

All credit goes to the defence for not crumbling under the pressure, and to all the team for playing together with determination, to bring off a warming result.

Ladies reach last sixteen

Exeter Ladies FC are through to the country's last 16 in the Women's FA Cup. They go into the national draw after an exciting 4-3 win over Illogan at Wyvern Barracks yesterday.

The Cornish side started strongly but Exeter's defence held firm and the home side went ahead through Frances Crispin. Julie Trott and Bridget Thomas increased the lead before Sally Rogers pulled one back for Illogan. In the second half the visitors continued to battle. determinedly but it was the disciplined Exeter side who scored again through Annie Hesketh. She was later carried off unconscious after a clash of heads and taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Wonford, where she was detained overnight for observation. Illogan set Exeter's nerves jangling with two late goals but the Women's Western League leaders held out