20th February 2017
Cheltenham Town Ladies progressed to the semi-final stage of the County Cup after a dominant 5-0 win over Bristol Ladies Union at Petersfield Park.
Cheltenham began the better of the sides and attacked from the off. Hitchcox broke through the middle of the defence and crossed the ball across the face of goal to debutant Butterfield who had her shot well saved by the Bristol goalkeeper.
The breakthrough came shortly after as Hitchcox found herself with the ball on the edge of the penalty area and saw her shot bounce in off the post.
The Robins continued to press throughout the first half but were struggling to find that final ball when it mattered most.
Wiltshire made a break down the left and whipped a cross into the box that was met by Berry who was on hand to double the ladies’ advantage.
The third goal followed shortly as Salleh’s paced enabled her to beat the Bristol ‘keeper to the ball in the box, Salleh remained her composure and played the ball over the Butterfield to score her first goal for the club.
Salleh continued to cause problems for the Bristol defence and her cross from the right flank was met at the near post by a powerful header from Butterfield.
Half time: Cheltenham Town Ladies 4 Bristol Ladies Union 0
Cheltenham maintained their dominance at the start of the second half and were once again on the front foot.
Butterfield continued her impressive debut as she made a surging run down the left before squaring the ball across to Salleh who played the ball off to Berry whose shot from the edge of the box fired off the crossbar.
Although the Robins remained on top it took until late on in the second half to get the fifth. Berry played a delightful ball that split open the Bristol defence allowing Butterfield to pounce for her hat-trick on her debut.
An impressive result for the ladies who remain maintain their 100% record at Petersfield Park in 2017. They will be hoping to take some of their impressive home form on the road with them as they face Brislington Ladies in the Women’s Premier League
