Exmouth town U15 girls recorded their first ever competitive win on Sunday after a fabulous display against Ottery St Mary, writes Emma Skinner. 

Town dominated the early stages and were soon rewarded with a couple of chances, with Rubi Young and Olivia Marles both going close, but being denied by some last-ditch tackles. Evie Aitkin then fired a long-range effort over the bar before Eliza Turner broke the deadlock, as her trusted left foot fired Town into the lead with a neat finish from close range. 

Ottery started to see a bit more of the ball after going 1-0 down and came close, Town goalkeeper Grace Wileman making a decent save to retain the lead. 

Ottery then won a series of corners but the Exmouth defence of captain Eleanor (Grealish) Harris, Megan Bishop, Lilly Worthington and Holly Green stood firm. 

The second half produced some good football, and Town created many chances. Kodi-Leigh Sanders, and Aum Marles provided some strong midfield presence, whilst Lacey Skinner and Caitlin Hill brought extra pace.

At 1-0, the game was never over and with five minutes left, ‘keeper Wileman had to bravely throw herself in front of an Ottery forward to punch away a decent through ball and stop a certain goal, taking a big hit in the process. 

Minutes later, at the other end, Caitlin Hill and Olivia Marles combined well, to tee up Evie Atkin, who powered her shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the box.

Coach Aaron Skinner said of the victory: "The girls have worked so hard for a long time now, we've been unlucky in previous games, so we really deserved it today, I'm so proud of them all." 

Coach Lee Wood added: "It's amazing to think many of these girls had never even played football up until 6/7months ago, now they're playing at a good level, who knows where it can take them? I'm buzzing after the result, they're a joy to coach, I'm so happy for them."

Aaron and Lee, along with the players would like to thank Sam Marles for his kind gesture of sponsorship for the training coats and also AJs Taxi's for the sponsorship of the kit, which the girls wore for the first time in the league.