SELSEY v EXETER CITY

HIGH STREET GROUND
SUNDAY 17th SEPTEMBER
2PM KICK OFF

Due to insufficient pitch markings, the game was delayed by the match officials, we hope to have the situation resolved. 

POSTPONED

"Today's game has been postponed, unfortunately there was no facility to repaint the markings on the pitch"


RESERVE TEAM
Exeter City Reserves 5-4 Cheltenham Town 

A thriller at the Hub as the team come from behind to win

Goals from Chloe Harris (2) Connie Pengelly (2) and Matilda Franchi.

Match Report by Maxine Coupe 

The game was thrown into doubt an hour before kick off as torrential rain had caused heavy flooding, but after the drainage had worked it’s magic, the referee was happy for the game to go ahead.

Exeter started slowly and were soon a goal down, Cheltenham striker Una Lue capitalised on poor defensive play to shoot past Eliza Bryant-Rowe in the Exeter goal from the edge of the penalty area. However, City responded well. Matilda Franchi picking up on a loose ball 25 yards from goal and firing past the bemused Cheltenham goalkeeper who had thought the shot was going wide.

Cheltenham striker Lue was causing the City defence plenty of problems and Kitty Rumens, who would have an outstanding game in the centre of defence, had her work cut out trying to keep her quiet. The impressive Lue would quickly extend the visitors lead with two quick fire goals that completed a first half hat trick. A third of the contest gone and City had it all to do at 3-1 down.

The young Grecians could of caved, but showed the character and desire to get back into the contest before the break. Chloe Harris was fed the ball by Franchi and on the half turn hit a 25 yard shot over the keeper’s head to pull a goal back. Exeter were creating chances from Amy Salter, Abi Whistler, Connie Pengelly, Ellen Dixon and it was no surprise when the equaliser eventually came. Exceptional wing play by Abi Harrison on the Grecians left found Pengelly, her initial shot was saved at the near post but the ball fell nicely to Harris to score her second of the game. All square at the break.

It was all to play for as the second half began and both teams were determined to get the three points. Cheltenham retook the lead when a corner on 54 minutes was headed home unchallenged in the Grecians six yard box. In a physical encounter both teams were putting in plenty of strong challenges and the game was becoming hotly contested.

You can not keep Pengelly out of the game for too long and she would fire City level once more. After playing Harris in on goal and seeing her strike partner brought down, Pengelly slotted home the spot kick to set up a frantic finish.

Manager Dale Russell made changes on 65 minutes, bringing on Jess Cockayne & Lemoni Gouldstone for Amy Salter and Harris, Danni Skinner replacing Dixon five minutes later.

Cockayne was instantly impressive in her midfield role, making incisive runs and breaking up the Cheltenham attack.

With the balance of the game ever changing, it would be City who got the winner five minutes from time. Franchi directed a precise cross field pass to Pengelly on edge of the Cheltenham penalty area, the forward then evaded three defenders with mystifying footwork before shooting past the Goalkeeper.

Exeter would need to hold on nervously for the final few minutes, Bryant-Rowe expertly holding on to a free kick to prevent Town from levelling the game once more. The final whistle then blew, much to the delight of the Grecians who had fought superbly to register their first three points of the season.