26th September 2022
Report by Kieran Neller.
Cheltenham Town Ladies fell to AFC Wimbledon in the FA Women’s National League Cup Determining Round.
Cheltenham were on the back foot immediately, conceding an early chance to AFC Wimbledon’s Ellie Dorey from a long-range strike.
Robinesses’ goalkeeper Shawna Hannam made a reaction save minutes later to keep the home side in the game.
Cheltenham’s Emma Congrave (pictured) levelled the scoring, after a pinpoint Izzy Cook cross finds the attacker who controlled well under pressure and powered the shot into the top netting.
The goal only kept the game level for three minutes as Wimbledon striker Ashlee Hincks returned the visitors to the lead.
Cook began a barrage of chances for Cheltenham, firing a left footed shot from outside the box which drew a great save from Dons keeper Lauren Allen.
A second shot from Cook just minutes later flew narrowly wide, before a third was saved by Allen at full extension to round out the half.
The Robinesses started the second half with intensity. A period of pressure and asking questions of the visitor’s goal area finished with a high shot from Issy Newns.
The fast start ended with a goal for Wimbledon, as Hincks had a shot deflected past the Hannam at the near post.
The Dons kept pushing the hosts and eventually it paid off as they were awarded a penalty, with Hincks tucking the spot kick away to seal her hattrick.
Cheltenham responded strongly, with Charlie Taylor almost taking the Wimbledon ‘keeper by surprise, as a hard shot was stopped but spilled on the line. Allen collected quickly with red shirts rushing in to pounce.
A fantastic strike from Maisy Collis saw the ball dip under a stretching Allen to reduce the deficit as the clock hit 84 minutes but Cheltenham were unable to close the cap.
Due to the result, Cheltenham Town Ladies will now be competing in FAWNL Plate Competition, with silverware still a possibility.
The Robinesses are again on the road Next Sunday to face London Bees in the National League Southern Premier Division.
Cheltenham: Hannam, Jones, Barbour-Gresham, Finch (Fallon 55), Asker (Nolan 64), Taylor, Cook (Butcher 64 ), Collis, Beck-Esson, Newns (Wathan 75), Congrave.
Subs not used: Watson,.
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Courtney Jones.
For the digital match programme for this game, click here.
