MATCH REPORT

Sunday 26 September -
FA Womens's Cup -
2nd Qualifying Round

Exeter City Ladies 1 Newquay 7

City started brightly playing some great passing football, and keeping last season's treble winners under pressure. City were rewarded with a goal after 15mins when, from a throw in, Jo Goldsworthy went around a player and with an inch perfect pass played in Mandy Earle. Earle in her first game back since injury struck it first time and powered it into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance.

Exeter continued to press, however, Newquay scored a goal against the run of play as City failed to clear the ball in the area. Newquay scored a second goal with a well placed free kick to put them 2-1 ahead at half time.

City again started well in the second half, but again found themselves unlucky to concede a goal against the run of play after 25 minutes from another well placed free kick. Minutes later, a seemingly good challenge from Kellie Hall was deemed very late from the linesman to be a foul. Hall who had earlier been booked was dismissed, the referee acting on the linesman's decision, even though he admitted it was dubious. Hall was having a superb game, being pivotal in defence so this was a major loss to City. This had an immediate impact on the game. With such a key defender missing Newquay went on to score four in quick succession. City then began to fight back continuing to play good pasing football throughout, and the score doesn't reflect the way the team played.

Manager Steve Mclear said: "I couldn't have asked any more of my players, they played quality passing football and worked well with each other. We were more than in the game until the linesman's poor decision cost us the match. Considering the ref wasn't going to give it and it was clear Hall won the ball, how the linesman gave it is beyond me. Even their coaching staff felt it was the wrong decision. The score flattered Newquay and didn't reflect our performance at all. feel now we're very close to turning the season around.