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As Plymouth Argyle midfielder Zoe Cunningham struck her penalty, St James’ Park held their breath and at full stretch low to her right, Abbey Bond pounced to keep the ball. cue pandemonium. 10 players in red and white sprinted across the grass to pounce on their guardian heroine.
It could have been a very different career for Abbey, who describes her junior career as a goal-scoring midfielder. “I played in the Ilminster junior mixed boys and girls team and scored a few. Then I went to Avishayes before I reached the age where I needed to find a girls team.
Bond’s transition from midfielder to goalkeeper is a testament to individuality, a more generous man you’d struggle to meet, and so fate had to play its part. “I played at Bishops Lydeard and the keeper dislocated his shoulder; I was happy to help for a few weeks, but she didn’t come back and then I was the permanent “caretaker!”
At 16, the move to senior football meant a return to Ilminster, the opportunity to play and the attachment to the club, resulting in an eight-year stay. With managerial upheaval at the Recreation Ground followed a spell at Exeter City, although this was not the Grecians of 2022, with a lack of players amid mass retirements leading to the team almost collapsing and Bond moving on.
Buckland Athletic was to be the place Abbey would call home for the next five years; winning league titles, county cups and meeting the amiable George Hamill. “Geo (Hamill) was hugely important to my development. He knows me in and out of football and understands me as a player and a person. He’s a very technical coach and sort out what I’m doing, he’s seen a huge improvement in my game and I wouldn’t be at the level I’m at now without his input.”
In the summer of 2021, many offers arrived for a player of her talent, but it was a phone call from City manager Abby Britton that sparked the most interest. “Abby talked about the intention behind the scenes to grow the team and develop players and I felt it was the right move for me, I had achieved everything at Buckland and the captaincy was a big thing for me there. I just wanted to get back to enjoying football.”
With an emphasis on fitness, nutrition, and with Hamill’s constant help, Abby quickly became involved with the Britton-Wakley organization and saw immediate benefits. “The girls have been great in helping me settle in and last season I really felt like I reached new heights in my game. The management, those who work behind the scenes, being part of the men’s team, you really feel part of the football club.”
So, at St James’ Park, this crowd, this match, this penalty save. “I still talk about the day; I will never forget it. To win a derby game like that, we couldn’t have written a better script.”
Sunday’s return to the park will see even greater attendance, and it brings back fond memories for Abby. “The build-up was so special, that mix of nerves and excitement. When we walked onto the field and heard the full roar of the crowd for the first time, I got goosebumps. You just felt, this is real, this is what all the hard work is for, what an opportunity we have.”
With sister Betsy part of the sports therapy team, parents Mike and Helen regularly serving refreshments at the Exwick Hub and of course the perspicacious Geo, Abby and the Bond family are integral to the feel-good factor surrounding the Women’s team at Exeter City. If this is another winning performance for City’s number one on Sunday, few would begrudge the moment in the spotlight for one of the squad’s most iconic members.
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