City were nearly the makers of their own problems moments later, a needlessly conceded corner was headed onto the outside of the post but that reprieve would prove a brief one. Bees were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and as the ball was touched wide of the City wall, Danielle Puddefoot drilled past Bond.

Markham and Stacey both had attempts on goal as the game headed into the break, a finally poised Cup tie.

Connie Pengelly had a glorious chance to finish the tie in the early moments of the second half, in behind the visitors defence, she clipped the ball over North but it was the wrong side of the side netting for City’s liking.

The next goal always looked set to structure the pattern of the half and it would go to Marie Hourihan’s side. Patient build up play provided the opportunity to cross the ball into the City penalty area and as Bond and Taylor O’Leary collided it was the visiting striker who got the final touch to set up a thrilling finish.

The Grecians have been in strong defensive form of late and, as the Bees pressed for the equaliser, that form was tested. Jaydee Seaman and Manfy Sharpe were winning their individual battles, with the visitors largely restricted to play outside of the City penalty area and few moments to trouble Bond despite the territorial advantage.

City were nearly the makers of their own problems moments later, a needlessly conceded corner was headed onto the outside of the post but that reprieve would prove a brief one. Bees were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and as the ball was touched wide of the City wall, Danielle Puddefoot drilled past Bond.

Markham and Stacey both had attempts on goal as the game headed into the break, a finally poised Cup tie.

Connie Pengelly had a glorious chance to finish the tie in the early moments of the second half, in behind the visitors defence, she clipped the ball over North but it was the wrong side of the side netting for City’s liking.

The next goal always looked set to structure the pattern of the half and it would go to Marie Hourihan’s side. Patient build up play provided the opportunity to cross the ball into the City penalty area and as Bond and Taylor O’Leary collided it was the visiting striker who got the final touch to set up a thrilling finish.

The Grecians have been in strong defensive form of late and, as the Bees pressed for the equaliser, that form was tested. Jaydee Seaman and Manfy Sharpe were winning their individual battles, with the visitors largely restricted to play outside of the City penalty area and few moments to trouble Bond despite the territorial advantage.

A lobbed effort from the lively Whinnett that dipped over Bond’s crossbar was as close as the visitors would come, City’s move to a big three in the closing moments denting the Bees threat. It was actually the Grecians who came closest to a goal, Emily Toogood and Bow Jackson both heading narrowly wide from Mollie Taylor free kicks.

A feisty cup tie, with the referee in the game as much as any player, but one that City will be delighted to have been victorious in. The League Cup Trophy may not be a priority for the Grecians this season, but the opportunity to prove the squad's ability at a higher level is always welcome and Britton and Wakley’s side have again shown their capability.