Cheltenham Town Women 4-4 Exeter City Women: Eight-Goal Draw Steals the South Conference Show

Cheltenham Town Women and Exeter City Women played out a remarkable 4-4 draw in the English Women's South Conference on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with a stoppage-time equaliser capping an extraordinary night of football. Exeter led three times, Cheltenham stormed back to lead late, and a 90th-minute goal rescued a point for the visitors in a match that had almost everything.

The result leaves both teams with mixed emotions. Cheltenham will feel they should have closed out the game after scoring four times at home, while Exeter will be relieved to have salvaged a draw after twice surrendering the advantage. For neutral supporters, it was a thrilling advert for the attacking quality in the South Conference.

Match Overview

Exeter City started the brighter and took the lead in the 11th minute when Sophie Wren finished off a quick counter-attack. Cheltenham responded well, equalising in the 24th minute through Mia Turner, who converted from close range after a sustained spell of pressure. But Exeter regained the lead in the 39th minute, Wren again finding space in the box to score her second.

The second half was even more chaotic. Turner grabbed her second in the 58th minute to make it 2-2, and when Georgia Vale scored in the 67th minute, Cheltenham had their first lead of the night. Wren completed her hat-trick in the 76th minute to level the score at 3-3, only for Lauren Brent to put Cheltenham 4-3 ahead in the 84th minute. Just as the hosts looked set for victory, Exeter's Katie Doyle struck in the 90+2nd minute to make it 4-4.

Key Moments

• 11' — Exeter goal: Sophie Wren finishes a fast break to put the visitors ahead.
• 24' — Cheltenham equaliser: Mia Turner reacts quickest in the box to make it 1-1.
• 39' — Exeter retake lead: Wren scores her second with a composed finish.
• 58' — Cheltenham level again: Turner completes her brace after a flowing move.
• 67' — Cheltenham lead: Georgia Vale fires in to make it 3-2.
• 76' — Exeter equalise: Wren completes her hat-trick with a clinical strike.
• 84' — Cheltenham go ahead: Lauren Brent scores what looked like the winner.
• 90+2' — Exeter rescue a point: Katie Doyle scores a dramatic late equaliser.

Tactical Story

Both teams prioritised attacking football, and the tactical battle was less about caution and more about who could impose their rhythm in the final third. Cheltenham Town Women used width effectively, with their full-backs pushing high to create overloads. Exeter City Women, meanwhile, were devastating on the counter, repeatedly exploiting the space left behind Cheltenham's advanced defenders.

The midfield areas were often bypassed, leading to an end-to-end contest with numerous turnovers. Cheltenham's pressing created chances but also left them exposed to Exeter's direct running. In the end, neither defence could contain the opposing attack, and the scoreline reflected the openness of the game. Both managers will likely focus on defensive structure in training, but the attacking intent was undeniable.

Standout Players

Sophie Wren was the standout performer for Exeter City Women, scoring a brilliant hat-trick and causing problems throughout with her movement and finishing. Katie Doyle also deserves praise for keeping her composure to score the late equaliser. For Cheltenham, Mia Turner was excellent with two goals, while Georgia Vale and Lauren Brent both contributed crucial strikes.

Goalkeepers at both ends had busy nights, and while they conceded four each, there were still several saves of note. The match was a showcase for the league's attacking talent, even if the defending left plenty to be desired.

Season Impact

The draw keeps both Cheltenham Town Women and Exeter City Women in the mid-table mix of the English Women's South Conference. Cheltenham will be frustrated to have dropped two points from a winning position, especially after scoring four at home. Exeter, on the other hand, will take confidence from their resilience and the quality of their forward play.

In a division where goal difference and momentum can shape the season, this eight-goal thriller may be remembered as a turning point for one or both sides. Cheltenham must tighten up defensively if they are to challenge for the upper places, while Exeter will believe their attacking firepower can carry them up the standings. On this evidence, both teams are capable of entertainment and frustration in equal measure.