Exeter City Women wanting an FA Cup run

Exeter City Women start their FA Cup campaign with the visit of Keynsham Town to the Exwick Sports Hub on Sunday, Barrie Newton’s side familiar opponents to the Grecians over recent seasons.

The K’s saw two key departures over the summer, goalkeeper Charlotte Haynes, who picked up eleven opposition player of the match recognitions last season, departed for Swansea City, with talented forward Brooke Stirrup also moving away from The AJN Stadium. Klaudia Wojtyczka signed from Pontypridd United, the former Bridgwater United and Cardiff City goalkeeper filling the number one spot vacated by Haynes. Beatriz Kretteis arrives in Somerset after starring for Mississippi Valley State, she is joined by another player with US College football experience, former College of Saint Rose player Ciara Lundy signing for Newton’s side.

A steady start to the season sees Town sitting in fifth place in Division One South West. Defeats to Swindon Town and Moneyfields countered with wins over Bridgwater United, Southampton Women’s FC, Bristol Rovers and Bournemouth Sports. Last season’s top goal scorer Naomi Clipston has begun this campaign in a similar form, hitting twelve goals in her ten appearances. Kretteis was the K’s star performer in the FA Cup third round Qualifier, her four goals helping Town to a 8-1 win at AEK Boco and setting up Sunday’s tie.

City have a good record against Newton’s side, winning the past five fixtures between the two sides. Sarah Stacey has a particular liking for this contest, she scored eleven goals in those five games. A 5-0 win in Somerset in April was the last occasion the teams met, Stacey (2), Jenna Markham (2) and Connie Pengelly the Grecians goal scorers.

Abbie Britton’s side have enjoyed an excellent start to the league campaign and will be hopeful of a good cup run, with three clean sheets in their last three games and a forward line in form City will be hopeful of finding the key to unlock the K’s defence and progress to round two.