21st August 2022
Report by Kieran Neller.
The Robins overcame a 1-0 deficit at the break to win their first game of the season thanks to goals from Jade Grove and Izzy Cook.
The side played their first game in the FA National League Southern Division this Sunday as they faced Plymouth Argyle at The Corinium Stadium.
Grove and Henna Butcher were close to scoring early on with several shots narrowly missing the target.
Cook (pictured) almost put the home side ahead with a fantastic break, only for Argyle’s Rosie Train to slide in to make a last-second block.
Plymouth took the lead nearing the end of the first half with a long-range effort from Charlotte Whitmore.
Butcher replied minutes later by rifling an effort into the visitor’s goalpost before the half concluded.
Grove equalised minutes into the second half, as Cook played the ball to the striker who finished smartly at the near post.
Cheltenham earned a penalty in the 70th minute after a handball from Lucy Hack, but Courtney Jones’ shot was saved well by keeper Jasmine Read.
Cheltenham took the lead in the three minutes later after Cook found Butcher’s pass and fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Cook got her third goal contribution of the game after Emily Owen’s free kick was pushed by the keeper onto her feet and she took full advantage.
The performance was capped by a fine save by Robin’s shot stopper Shawna Hannam who tipped a dangerous long shot over the bar at full stretch.
Cheltenham start their first season in the third tier in style as they take three points from the first game.
The Robins are back at home next Sunday as they face Billericay Town Ladies.
Cheltenham: Hannam, Jones, Owen, Barbour-Gresham, Asker (Liggett 65), Taylor, Butcher (Collis 80), Cook, Haynes, Grove (Newns 85), Wathan.
Subs not used: Watson, Beck-Esson.
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Henna Butcher.
For the digital match programme for this game, click here.
