Devon-sent.

---

Intro

Going into the business end of the season, the Division One South West of the FA Women’s National League is looking to be a close-run thing. Exeter City are currently leading the way and are in a decent vein of form, barring a 2-1 loss to 3rd place AFC Bournemouth. Before that the last time they didn’t win was back in early December, away at MK Dons in the League Cup. The Grecians were up in this neck of the woods last weekend; beating Keynsham Town 3-0. The low point of the season was probably a 5-0 loss to promotion rivals Cardiff City way back in September.

Contrastingly, the Larks are fighting for dear life at the other end of the table. Currently occupying the penultimate relegation spot and having played a couple more games than most of those around them they need to find some results in the near future. Despite having lost all but 3 of their league games so far, Larkhall have rarely been on the end of a thrashing. Last weekend saw them gain a vital 3 points against local rivals Swindon Town. After today they have 5 games to save their season, two of which are against relegation rivals AFC St Austell, and Maidenhead United; these could well be season-defining matches.

---

The Ground

This is my 3rd visit to Plain Ham, after I saw the men’s team play a preseason friendly against Roman Glass St. George in 2017, and an FA Cup match against a Farnborough team featuring Jamie Cureton. The ground is well known on the non league scene for its spectacular views and it didn’t disappoint today. The shallow seated stand runs along most of one side of the pitch and is a good few metres above pitch-level allowing for good views of the play. Opposite is a small covered area for standing only. Behind the far goal is one of the smallest stands I’ve scene. This was occupied by the travelling Exeter ultra who had brought his drum and impressive catalogue of songs with him.

---

The Match

The visiting Devonians looked to gain control of proceedings from the outset, and got off to the perfect start with a goal on 8 minutes. Ishbel Zuurmond sent in a low cross which was turned in by Sarah Stacey. 10 minutes later the hosts had their first real chance of the game – a corner was cleared to Chloe Snook whose shot on the turn flashed wide of the Exeter goal. At the other end Stacey sent a header straight at Larks keeper Erin Foley from a good cross. Just before the 30 minute mark home captain Mia Brain bundled over Exeter captain Manfy Sharpe in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was converted by Zoe Watkins; finishing low into the corner. Larkhall looked to get a goal back straight away as Snook cut inside, but her shot was wide of the target. In first half injury time Foley was called into action again. Exeter sent in a deep free kick which took a touch towards goal; Foley was there to prevent a third goal to the visitors.

The home side defended well for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but it was soon 3-0 to Exeter. An attempted overhead kick from Stacey went straight up and Jenna Markham was there first to head it in. A fine through-ball by Markham two minutes later found Stacey whose shot was just wide. The number 10 was played in again 5 minutes later but once more was just off target as Foley came out to meet her. With a quarter of an hour remaining the Grecians found themselves 4 goals to the good – Markham and Stacey combining well to find Zuurmond in the box who finished with a low shot. Zuurmond almost got her 2nd of the game as the match was coming to a close, but her impressive long run could not be matched by the finish which was just over the bar.

The home side failed to achieve much more than a half-chance in the second half as Exeter showed why they’re challenging for promotion. As always it was an enjoyable visit to Plain Ham, and an entertaining game to match.

---

The Photos

The full gallery of match photos is also available HERE