Exeter City Women capped off an outstanding 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lewes to move them second in the third tier.

Sophie Gillies’ first-half strike, converted from close range after Sarah Stacey’s initial effort hit the woodwork, proved decisive as the Grecians held firm against a determined visiting side.

For City's final game of 2024, Abbie Britton made two changes to her starting eleven from last weekend's 3-1 FA Cup win against Worthing. Abbi Bond was recalled in goal, while Pheobe Baker started in midfield. Jess Cockayne retained her spot on the bench while Georgie Barbour-Gresham returned to the squad, having recovered from a chest infection.

READ MORE: Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell challenges squad to step up with places up for grabs

READ MORE: 20 men and women face Devon courts to hear their fate

City began the game on top, threatening from an early corner, before after six minutes the Grecians took the lead. A looping ball over the top caught the Lewes defence off guard, and Sarah Stacey's lobbed effort inside the box rattled off both the post and crossbar. Sophie Gillies reacted quickest, stabbing the ball over the line to put the Grecians ahead.

However, that didn't deter City's opponents from Sussex, with Abbi Bond having to remain alert in goal to catch an effort from Lois Roche.

The visitors came even closer in the 25th minute when a corner found its way to the back post. A header from a player in pink and white was kept out thanks to a vital combination of Bond and Stacey on the line, preserving City’s lead.

Lewes began to dominate as the half progressed, pinning City back with sustained pressure. A golden opportunity from a free-kick 30 yards out went begging, as the strike sailed harmlessly over Bond’s crossbar.

City’s best moments came on the counter attack, with Gillies testing the goalkeeper five minutes before the interval. Beating the offside trap, she drove into the box from the left, but her shot was parried away and cleared by a Lewes defender.

The Grecians had to withstand a flurry of late attempts from the visitors, blocking several efforts to ensure they held onto their advantage going into the break.

City emerged from the break with renewed energy, immediately going on the offensive. An early effort from Ishbel Zuurmond was blocked, leading to an inconsequential corner, but it set the tone for the half.

The Grecians kept pushing into the Lewes box but struggled to test the goalkeeper until the 70th minute. Gillies brought down a long ball 30 yards out from goal and unleashed a powerful strike that cannoned off the inside of the post.

Moments later, Gillies rattled the woodwork again. This time, a first-time shot from the edge of the box soared over the keeper but crashed against the crossbar. Sarah Stacey attempted to capitalise on the rebound, but her effort lacked precision.

City were relentless in their search for a second goal to secure the win. Substitute Zoe Cunningham saw her shot blocked, while Zoe Watkins and Gillies both sent efforts wide of the target. Stacey then forced a smart save from the keeper, who used her legs to deny the forward.

As the clock ticked down, the Grecians shifted their focus to game management. Defensive reinforcements Georgie Barbour-Gresham and Courtney Jones were introduced to help see out the game.

In the dying moments, goalkeeper Abbi Bond confidently claimed a Lewes free-kick to extinguish any remaining danger. The referee's final whistle signaled three more points for Abbie Britton's side, who now sit second in the table heading into the winter break.

With a successful 2024 behind them, the team can look forward to an exciting 2025 full of promise and opportunity.