We talk to...Becca Wakely (Exeter City)

After winning the South West Women’s League title last season, Exeter City have taken that form into their first match in Division One South West of the FA Women’s National League, recording an impressive 3-0 win against Larkhall Athletic.

www.exetercityfc.co.uk

We talked to Exeter vice captain Becca Wakely, who was understandably delighted about her team’s results against seasoned opponents at what had been a higher level, and is confident that they can continue to make an impact in their new league:

WSS: Well done on a good start to the new season, did things go better than you had anticipated?

BW: Thank you! We didn’t really know what to expect but we knew it would be a challenge and we have ensured we worked hard as a team in pre-season and it has paid off. We had hard pre-season friendlies and it tested us and allowed us to learn a lot about ourselves from them which has helped prepare us for the season ahead.

WSS: What was it like playing your first match in the National League, how much had the team been looking forward to it?

BW: Everyone was so excited and keen to get the season going. It was so good kicking off the season with a win and showing better teams what we can do and what sort of challenge they can expect when they face us.

WSS: To score three goals would have been pleasing but how satisfying was it to keep a clean sheet against an experienced National League side?

BW: It was great scoring three goals and gave us real momentum in the game. It was an amazing feeling coming away from our first game with a clean sheet and the win. We all work hard together to defend and that starts from the front, then midfield and defence. As a unit in defence, we work well from one side to the other backing each other up.

WSS: This week you take your first steps in the League Cup and a home tie with Plymouth Argyle as well, presumably the team is relishing this match?

BW: Everyone is looking forward to the game against Plymouth. We played them in pre-season and did so well in the first half and came back from 2-0 down to 2-2 before half time. We know what to expect from them and what we need to do to hopefully get the result we want.

WSS: After that you make the trip to Poole Town, do you see it as particularly important to build on this good start?

BW: Of course we want to build on the good start we have had and carry the momentum from the last game into the next, it is important that we do not take our foot of the gas. We know that every game is important so it’s carrying that mentality forward into each game we play is key.

WSS: Your team is, on the whole, a young one so how good is it to have the likes of Abbie Britton who are more experienced players and have played at a higher level?

BW: We do have a young squad but there is a core of older and experienced players like Abbie, T and myself who offer guidance and encouragement in helping them in their development and the team’s future success.

WSS: After the excitement of the title and promotion last season, what do you consider to be a good season for Exeter City this time around?

BW: I think a good season for us would be to break into the top 4 in our first season and look to really challenge as much as we can not just in the league but cup competitions also.

WSS: With so many youngsters in your squad, how bright do you think the future is for the club?

BW: We have so many good players in this squad and I truly can see us working our way up the leagues.

Our thanks to Becca!

Issue no. 1 - 22 August 2019news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk