Hopes and Expectations
And Pre-season Friendlies
2013/14

21st July 2013
Torquay LFC (Home)
Topsham Sports Ground,
University of Exeter
Pre-season friendly

Exeter City's female representatives got a good first workout ahead of their 2013/14 campaign as they overcame local rivals Torquay United 4-0.

With the goalposts yet to be erected at the Grecians' home pitch at Topsham Town, the university pitch next door was instead used in balmy conditions. The squad was bolstered with a number of trialists, including Vicky Barter, Sophie Russell, Amber Lovelock and Hannah Randall, whilst Josie Copp made her return after her maternity absence, following the birth of her son Jacob.

The 90 minutes was split into thirds rather than halves to allow for the blistering heat and the chances for the managers to make amends to their squad as necessary. And in the opening period, Exeter began to exert pressure and Lola Garcia Sanchez was unfortunate to see the offside flag raised as she turned in following Marika Ghiglia's corner - but determined not to be denied, Garcia Sanchez was released by Barter and finished coolly. Tash Knapman doubled the tally in the second period, after a dissecting ball by Kirsty Caunter sent her through to finish. In the final period Exeter dominated throughout and scored two further goals though Helen Kukor, with Leah Brooks and Sophie Lou Simpson each grabbing an assist.

Victory over the Gulls provided a positive start to a period of preparation for the Ladies' forthcoming campaign in the South West Combination.

28th July 2013
Douglas Eyre Sports Centre, London
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 5
Cheeseman 2, Wilson, O'Halloran, Baptiste
Exeter City Ladies 4
Knapman 2, Garcia Sanchez, Kukor

In a humdinger of a pre-season friendly, Exeter City Ladies were just on the wrong end of the result despite scoring four times against Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. Spurs, who play a tier above Exeter in the Premier League Southern Division, had to come from behind to take a 5-4 victory. Like their previous outings, Exeter Ladies played a fixture of three half-hour thirds. And despite the Grecians starting the brighter, and seeing Helen Kukor and Tash Knapman denied by smart saves, it was Spurs who took the lead when allowed Jess Cheeseman to race through to convert a one-on-one. Exeter heads didn't drop though and short, sharp passes drew out the opposition and Lola Garcia Sanchez netted confidently when released.
In the second period, Exeter took the lead for the first time as Kukor put on the afterburners when released by Knapman and finished well, before Knapman herself added her name to the scoresheet with a half-volley from Kirsty Caunter's deep cross. However a goal-fest in the final half-hour was the undoing of City. Spurs switched to an ambitious 4-2-4 formation and it paid early dividends as Siobhan Wilson pounced on a poor clearance before Derrie O'Halloran drew level with a header. A second for Cheeseman put Spurs back in the lead, before City regrouped and equalised when Knapman converted Carla Staddon's cross. Spurs were showing their experience and fitness in the closing moments, but the game looked set to end all-square until Bianca Baptiste headed what turned out to be the winner with just minutes remaining.

10th August 2013
PILCS Ladies 6 Exeter City 3 

Exeter City Ladies came out the wrong side of a high-scoring pre-season fixture against newly promoted Welsh Premier League side PILCS on the road.

The City squad had a selection of squad players and trialists - though it was the Grecians that began the fixture the brightest and missed early opportunities from some good build-up play.

However hard work from the Welsh side and a high pressing managed to catch Exeter out, who were trying to play out for the back, and the hosts took the lead by capitalising on a loose ball.

In spite of the setback, Exeter reacted well and some smart play by Vicky Barter released Lola Garcia Sanchez, who took her goal well to settle the scores - but the Grecians were trailing again soon enough as the energy and pressing by PILCS began to take its toll.

Two more for the hosts saw PILCS take a 4-1 lead into the interval. But the game was suddenly swinging back in the favour of the City Ladies as they gathered a second wind to show energy and desire, which saw them control much of the second half. Exeter were the better with the ball for a majority of the second period, and a second by Garcia Sanchez was closely followed by a left-footed drive by Helen Kukor from close range, making amends for earlier spurned chances. But a fantastic reaction in the second half came to a disappointing end when the Welsh side's sharpness and fitness allowed them to net two more late goals to finish 6-3 winners. In spite of the loss, there were positives to be taken from the game and the individual performances, ahead of Exeter's next friendly away at Keynsham Town tomorrow.