23rd January 2017
Match report by Lawrence Taylor, University of Gloucestershire Media Graduate
A hat-trick from Ria Salleh (pictured) and a goal from Ella Hitchcox led Cheltenham to a 4-1 victory over Shanklin Ladies to remain unbeaten in 2017.
Cheltenham Town Ladies had the better of the first half with repeated efforts on goal through the attack force of Martin, Hitchcox and Salleh but the Shanklin goalkeeper was in fine fettle as she denied Cheltenham taking the lead.
Although being on top Cheltenham fell behind to a Shanklin penalty after Amarquaye gave away a foul in the penalty box.
Cheltenham then got back on the front foot with balls constantly splitting the Shanklin defence with the front trio going through on goal. Hitchcox found herself beat the offside trap one more time as she went through one on one with the keeper and finally found away to score past Shanklin to level the scores.
Right before half-time Cheltenham managed to take the lead as Salleh fired a shot from the edge of the box into the top left corner.
Halftime: Cheltenham Town Ladies 2 Shanklin Ladies 1
Cheltenham came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half and extended their lead through a delightful chip by Salleh.
The ladies continued to pile on the pressure throughout the second half but chances were continually wasted.
Salleh finally managed to take one of the many chances as she completed her hat-trick after walking through the defence and firing it low into the bottom corner.
Chances still came thick and fast even with a win all but guaranteed, however no more goals were scored with Martin’s best chance of the game being cleared off the line.
The result shows promising signs for the upcoming fixtures but Cheltenham will be hoping to convert more of the chances to goals if they are to continue this winning streak.
