21st May 2024

“I’m lost for words – it’s an incredible feeling!” A South Devon College staff member is celebrating ‘doing the double’ after her regional football team achieved both the League and Devon Cup Final titles. 

Sarah Stacey, who is a visual impairment support worker at the College, has been playing football since primary school and has worked her way up through the age groups and into women’s football. She is now a striker in the number 10 shirt for Exeter City women’s team and was on the pitch as a key player to assist in the two victories.  

The first triumph was winning the Devon Cup Final against Plymouth Argyle with a 2-1 scoreline. This victory was even sweeter, considering Argyle was in the League above, so Exeter City entered the ground as underdogs.  

Despite this excellent performance, the team couldn’t rest on its laurels as it still had League games to play – and gaining promotion by winning the League had been the squad’s ambition all season.  

Sarah, who has played with the Exeter City team for three seasons, said: “We didn’t really celebrate very much after that game because we knew we still had a lot to do.” 

The League title, and promotion with it, was a series of nail-biting matches – the team was at the top of the table, and it came down to the last game of the season against second-place holders Bournemouth as a decider.  

To win the League, the Exeter City squad had to either draw or win – a loss would mean no title and no promotion. In the end, a 1-1 draw meant Exeter City lifted the trophy and their League ranking. 

^{Sarah Stacey celebrating Exeter City Women’s team double victory}

Sarah said: “The nerves were through the roof because everything came down to this game. As the final score was a draw, it meant we went the whole season without losing a game, which is an incredible achievement. 

“We have grafted hard for 10 months and have always been so focused on our main goal, which was to win the League and get promotion. I would never have dreamed of winning the double! It’s been such an amazing season and I can’t wait to see what next season brings!”  

Promotion means the team will move into the Tier 3 Women’s Football League, in the Southern Premier Division. With this comes the opportunity to play more games at St James’ Park in Exeter, as well as across southern England. 

Sarah concluded: “We have a very tough pre season coming up! But all the squad and our management team are ready for this new challenge and we are all really looking forward to the 24/25 season.  

“We’d love to see as many people as possible at St James’ Park next season – all support would be greatly appreciated! Come and cheer us on!”