20th February 2020
It’s been a frustrating start to 2020 for the Robinesses, who have only been able to take to the pitch twice since the turn of the new year, ahead of tonight’s trip to Brislington (7:30pm)
Their first outing of the calendar year saw Cheltenham run out 2-1 winners against a competitive Poole Town Women. Georgia Brown on the 6th minute followed by an Abby Bevan longrange finish on the 14th was just enough, as Poole fought back in the second half with Faye Hawkins clawing a goal back on the 61st minute.
Their next fixture, at home to Buckland Athletic, was originally moved forward a week, to close the gap between fixtures, however due to a waterlogged pitch, the game was postponed. It eventually took place on its originally scheduled date, February 2nd, with Abby Bevan netting the winner just after the half an hour mark.
The visit of Larkhall Athletic was thrown into date the following weekend with the arrival of Storm Ciara. The decision was made early to postpone the game due to the storm’s amber warning and safety concerns surrounding player, official and supporters traveling to and from the fixture.
The scheduled trip to Pucklechurch Sports Ladies in the Gloucestershire County Cup Quarter-Final last weekend was also postponed due to Storm Dennis waterlogging the Pucklechurch pitch.
Team News
Cheltenham welcome back midfield playmaker, Georgia Brown, after her spell in the Scottish Women’s U19’s camp.
Young centre-back, Elle-Mae Simpson retains her place in the side after a good debut performance against Buckland at the start of the month. She’s joined by fellow prospects, Hannah Galpin and Caitlin Marron who are also included after promising performances recently.
Despite making great strides in her recovery, defender Chloe Rogers does not feature against her old team.
New signing, Kerry Walklett, is poised to maker her debut for the Robinesses.
Opposition
After a tough campaign, Thursday’s hosts are looking to end a three-match losing streak.
Their recent results have seen the Bristol side up against it, including a 2-1 loss to second place Southampton Women and a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Keynsham Town in the Somerset County Cup. Their latest result, almost a month ago, saw them lose out on the road to bottom-of-the-table Poole Town Ladies, 3-1. Paige Sawyer’s opener cancelled out by a Sacha Paynter goal and Faye Hawins as the Dolphins picked up their first three points of the campaign.
Previous Meetings
The two clubs go back as far as 2016/17 in the FA WNL.
Their first meeting in the Women’s National League, saw Cheltenham lose 3-1, with Louise Fensome grabbing Cheltenham’s only goal. Now-Robin, Chloe Rogers, lining up against her current side in the centre of defence.
The return fixture saw Brislington go one better and pick up a 4-1 victory, Holly Rogers’ goal sparing Cheltenham’s blushes.
2017/18 saw the two clubs face off three times. The first encounter, a League Plate fixture, followed the previous season’s line, with Brislington winning 4-2. Cheltenham’s scorers on the day, captain Jen Brown-Wealls and winger Ellie Briscoe.
The league encounter a couple of weeks later saw the visitors overpower the Robins again, 4-1. Louise Fensome adding to her personal tally against the Bristol side.
Later that season, Cheltenham would travel to Brislington where a gutsy performance saw them dig out a 0-0 draw.
Last season the teams would meet three times again, but with considerably different results. The two sides met on the opening day, with Cheltenham’s Ella Hitchcox, Ellie Briscoe, Sophie Wyatt and an Annie Martin hattrick producing a 7-4 win over the hosts.
A month later the SSE Women’s FA Cup would push the teams together. A brace from both Annie Martin and Ella Hitchcox enough to put Cheltenham into the Third Qualifying Round.
The teams would meet for the last time just before the New Year’s break. Georgia Brown and Sally Butterfield finding the net, but the Robins could only earn a draw, 2-2.
As in the past two years, the two clubs will meet for the third time tomorrow evening. The teams first met near the start of the season, with Cheltenham picking up a 3-1 win at the start of September. A Lauren Ellis brace and a Georgia Brown penalty picking up the three points.
A month later the sides would face-off again in the Women’s FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. Charlotte Criddle, Georgia Brown, Mai Butler, Annie Martin and Kerry Bartlett, all hitting the back of the net as The Robinesses marched into the next round to face Exeter City Women.
Directions and Price
Brislington Stadium,
Ironmould Lane,
Brislington,
Bristol,
BS4 4FZ
Match Coverage
For real-time match coverage, follow our twitter page, @CTLadies. You can also check the club’s Facebook and Instagram for half time and full time scores.
