Exeter City went into the Christmas break in the South West Combination Premier Division on a high after a 2-1 win against Newquay.
A depleted Grecians side were made to work hard for their victory, with Josie Copp scoring the winner after Newquay had pulled themselves level.
City took the lead as they pressurised their visitors to win a corner.
Tash Knapman's in-swinger and dummy-runs from her teammates flummoxed the goalkeeper, and the ball dropped straight into the net.
Newquay, reinvigorated after the interval, caught Exeter on the counter-attack to work their way back into the game.
Winning a free-kick from City's retreating defenders, the ball was stumbled in despite Copp's desperate attempt to hack it off the line.
But it was Copp who had the final say. After good work down the left by sub Sophie-Lou Simpson, a pass was diverted into the path of the midfielder, who hammered a volley into the top corner.
Budleigh Salterton closed the gap to leaders Activate in the Westward Developments Devon Women's League Division One by completing the double over their hosts.
The Robinettes are now three points behind in second place but with two games in hand on Activate.
The match was very tight and the only goal of the game came in the 86th minute.
Abby Yukon took a chance, strode forward and unleashed a shot which the goalkeeper could only parry for Celine White to tap home.
In the Premier Division, Exeter & Tedburn Rangers, Feniton and Heavitree Social all recorded away victories in the race to finish as runners-up behind runaway leaders AFC Plympton.
Exeter & Tedburn Rangers won 3-1 against Bideford with goals from Jana Richards (2) and Abi Breban.
Heavitree won the city derby against the University of Exeter 5-1 and Feniton beat the University of Plymouth 4-1 with goals from Jodie Francis, Stef Matthews, Nat Matthews and Nicola Brown.
Plympton showed Exmouth Amateurs no mercy, trashing them 11-0.
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