Exeter City Women wanting another Devon Derby win in FA Cup

Exeter City Women travel to Home Park to face local rivals Plymouth Argyle on Sunday afternoon, 1pm, looking to progress to the third round of the FA Cup.

Greens Manager Ryan Perks moved to strengthen his team following the availability of players from Reading’s Barclays Championship demotion, Lulu Jarvis and Caitlin Smith signing alongside the returning Georgia Wilson. Ava Kuyken, who began her career with Arsenal, with spells at Hibernian and Bristol City, is making a return to football following a long-term injury and will offer further quality to Argyle’s midfield options. Former Grecian Katie Grigg and Brighton loanee Comfort Erhabor complete a busy summer of recruitment for Perks.

With a new look side, it was a tough start for the Pilgrims. Despite easing past fourth tier opposition in cup competition, league points have been harder to come by. A heavy opening day defeat at Cheltenham Town was followed by a further home loss to Oxford United. Perks’ side secured victory over Bridgwater United in the League Cup before routing MK Dons 5-1 at Stadium MK, Charlotte Whitmore (2), Taya Pomfret, Lulu Jarvis and Kathryn Dickson with the goals.

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Defeats to Lewes, the Grecians and Ipswich followed, but recent form has been more positive for the Greens. A league cup win over Billericay, FA Cup rout of Poole Town and an all-important victory over relegation rivals Gwalia United will give Perks’ side confidence heading into Sunday’s game, despite last weekend’s defeat at home to Cheltenham Town.

Abbie Britton’s side come into the game after a comfortable victory at MK Dons last weekend. The Grecians will be keen to repeat their 3-0 success at Home Park in October, Sophie Gillies, Sarah Stacey and Emily Toogood the goal scorers.

These two teams have met with some regularity over the past few seasons, the Grecians edging the head-to-head, but with progress in the FA Cup a huge incentive to both sides and a big crowd at Home Park awaiting, this looks set to be another fascinating encounter between Devon’s top two sides.