Exeter City underlined their attacking quality with a ruthless second-half display as they swept past Gwalia United at USW Sport Park. The home side made the perfect start when Casi Gregson headed in after eight minutes, finishing off a well-worked move involving Daisy Ackerman and Cori Williams-Mills down the right.
But Exeter responded impressively and levelled midway through the first half through Sophie Gillies, who struck decisively inside the box after a physical spell in midfield.
A chaotic two-minute period just before the break proved pivotal. Ishbel Zuurmond capitalised twice in quick succession, first converting from close range before profiting from a mix-up at the back to roll into an empty net, sending the visitors in at half-time with a commanding 3–1 lead.
Exeter continued to assert control after the restart, registering the first chances of the second half and forcing Gwalia onto the back foot. Their advantage was extended on 65 minutes when Leah Burridge converted from the penalty spot after Beth McGowan was penalised for a foul on Amber Pollock.
With space opening up, the visitors’ composure in front of goal told. Substitute Georgia Vaccaro struck twice late on, finishing clinically in the 77th and 84th minutes to complete the scoring and cap a dominant display.
Gwalia showed moments of threat, particularly through Gregson and Manon Pearce, but were unable to match Exeter’s sharpness as the game wore on.
In the end, Exeter’s clinical edge and second-half control ensured a deserved and emphatic victory.
