Newquay Ladies FC v
Exeter City Ladies FC

Sunday 7th August 2011

City kicked off their second pre-season friendly with an away fixture at Newquay Town. The home side finishing third in the Combination League (the league higher than City's new level after the Grecians were promoted last season) and were selected as opposition to give the management team a benchmark for the performance level required for the forthcoming season. Exeter, without key players Naomi Wilkins, Kirsty Caunter and Hannah Cox, started strongly. The deadlock was broken on the 15 minute mark when City's left winger Natalie Shento eluded four players to place the ball into the back of the Newquay net. City's second followed shortly after when Carla Staddon put striker Helen Kukor clean through on goal and she expertly lobbed the outrushing keeper.

With the half time whistle approaching City were awarded their first corner of the game, when Natalie Shenton's cross was forced behind. Left back Tamsin Braund converted Gabby Stoneman's delivery to give City a commanding 3-0 lead.

Newquay were determined to claw their way back into the game in the second half, forcing a full stretch save from City's keeper Max Coupe.

The Grecians then began to dominate again with Kukor providing the goal of the game with a sharp 20 yard finish from outside of the box to make the score 4-0.

A game that was going so well for City then ended in tragedy, being brought to an abrupt end on the hour mark. Centre half and captain Kellie Hall, returning from knee surgery this season, went in for a 50:50 challenge. Unfortunately this resulted in a triple fracture of her left tibia and fibula and a dislocated ankle.

The Ladies team and all at Exeter City Football Club would like to wish Kellie a speedy recovery.

Paul F