22nd September 2022
Report by Kieran Neller.
The Robinesses battled hard in a defeat to title contenders Watford FC Women in the last of three successive away days.
The visitors started on the back foot with an early strike from Watford’s Georgiou putting the hornets a goal ahead.
Issy Newns (pictured) almost got the Robinesses back into the game as she blocked the ‘keeper’s clearance, the ball falling to Jade Grove who fired wide. Rossiter doubled the home side’s advantage with a shot from an angle shortly after.
Henna Butcher created another chance for Cheltenham as she dribbled through multiple Watford defenders, but failed to get a shot away at the end.
A flurry of Watford attempts were stopped by Cheltenham ‘keeper Aimee Watson to keep the home side within touching distance, but a goal from Meiwald late in the half put the Hornets firmly out of reach at half time.
Substitute Emma Congrave almost made an instant impact after replacing Jade Grove at the break, shaking off a Watford defender before unleashing a shot narrowly over the bar.
Watford continued to ask questions, their scoring with goals from Garrad (57), Mehmet (80), and Fyfe (90) to finish the game 6-0.
The Robinesses return to the Corinium Stadium this coming weekend (September 25) as they open their account in the FAWNL Cup (Determining Round) against FA WNL Divison One South-East side, AFC Wimbledon Women.
Cheltenham: Watson, Barbour-Gresham, Owen, Fallon, Nolan (Asker 75), Newns (Collis 63), Taylor (Liggett 63), Butcher, Haynes, Grove (Congrave 46), Wathan.
Subs not used: Hannam, Finch, Cook.
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Charlie Taylor.