4th February 2020
CTLFC Reserves 6
Downend Flyers 0
Goalscorers:
Cheltenham: Griffiths 20′, 67′, H. Marshall 45′ 85′ 87′, Donnelly 73′
Downend:
Report provided by Erica Holford
After the disappointment of a postponement the previous week, Cheltenham Town Ladies Development took to the field in Tewkesbury looking to keep the pressure on the teams around them with games in hand at the top of the table.
The game took a slow start, with both teams taking about 15 minutes to get into gear. The tempo soon picked up as the teams settled, which led to a a string of corners for the Cheltenham side. The action continued as a stop-start game but Cheltenham continued to just stay on top, peppering the goal with shots but the Flyers ‘keeper was stopping everything.
20 mins was all it took for Griffiths to make it 1-0 with an assist from fullback Hannah Dix. The game continued with a steady pace for the rest of the half until a burst of energy and a clinical finish from Hannah Marshall made it 2-0 right before the break.
Half time: CTLFC Dev 2-0 Downend Flyers
Cheltenham would shake the rust from the first half and it would be goals galore after the break. The home side taking the game by the scruff of the neck with some good attacking play.
After steady pressure, Griffiths chalked up her second of the game on the 67th minute. Minutes later, Becky Donnelly made it two goals in two games with one of her own on the 73rd.
Hannah Marshall, after having hit the net at the end of the first half, was not to be outdone by Griffiths, and notched up two goals in quick succession, on the 85th and 87th minute, the last one coming from the young attacker capitalising on a goalkeeping mistake to see the home side finish the game with all three points.
Reaction
Manager Cam Cheal hailed his team’s performance:
“It was a fantastic performance from a much younger side than normal. We created so many chances in closing, and we were unfortunate not to win by more. That said, I can’t be too critical when the rise of two or three players to the first team allowed us to provide those that haven’t played as much football so far the opportunity to stamp a claim on their position which was one they all rose to!
“We went through a shaky period at the end of the first half, but powered through and I’m really happy with the way we played. We kept the ball secure and moved it with intent which enabled us to create so many opportunities. Credit to Hannah Marshall for her hat-trick, all taken superbly, and a brilliant display along with the return of [Catherine] Reilly who controlled and dictated the pace of the game in midfield.
“These were just a couple of standout performances from an all-round positive showing. We now look onto next week [Chipping Sodbury] which will be a tough game again but one we will be fully prepared for and one we where we’ll be challenging this talented group again.”
