6th February 2018
Cheltenham Town Ladies is pleased to be working with women’s football blogger Chelsey Downing.
Chelsey came along to our friendly against Saints Girls & Ladies last Sunday and here his her first match report for us.
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Cheltenham Town Ladies faced a tough test against Southampton Saint’s Girls and Ladies, but manager Alex Cheal was more than pleased with his side’s display at the Oxstalls Sports Park.
The Robins have had six new players join them in recent weeks – including former Forest Green Rovers starlet Charlie Rowley – and although the visitors eventually ran out 6-2 winners, Cheal was impressed with how quickly the team adapted to some new faces on the pitch.
“The result was to be expected really, we’ve got 5,6 new girls in the team and we’ve got to give them time to gel together, but they’ve played a great game.”
Midfielder Kayleigh Hateley (pictured) dominated in the centre of the pitch, reclaiming the ball at every opportunity and controlling the pace of the game. Fellow midfielder Louise Fensome linked up well with Captain Jenn Brown-Wealls and winger Suze Berry, meaning The Robins had attacking outlets on all areas of the pitch.
Cheal admitted that fitness was something he was keen to improve, after The Saints snatched a couple of goals thanks to some quick passing into space or lofted balls over the top.
“They’ve picked our pocket there a few times, but fitness will come with game time so it’s not something I’m too worried about, but it’s something I’d like to work on”.
Cheltenham Town Ladies face Poole Town LFC on Sunday, with the home side four places and two points above the Robins going into the game.
This weekend’s match could be one for neutrals as it promises to be a tight and competitive game, with both clubs keen to progress up the table. A win for Cheltenham Town Ladies could see them leapfrog Poole Town LFC into 6th place.
