Exeter Women open with win

EXETER City Women made it a winning start to their 2025/26 season with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Cheltenham Town Women.

- CHARLIE HOWELL Football correspondent

After a goalless first half where the Robins created the better chances, captain Bow Jackson broke the deadlock with a looping header midway through the second 45.

Just over ten minutes later, Sophie Gillies doubled the advantage, latching onto Sarah Stacey's clever flick to secure all three points.

Abbie Britton handed Leah Burridge her City debut in a side that still largely consisted of players who had taken the Grecians up from tier four over a year ago. Bow Jackson captained the team in her second season at the helm, while the familiar strike partnership of Gillies and Stacey continued up top. New arrivals Emily Poole and Georgina Presswell were unavailable as the club awaits international clearance.