5th February 2023
Report by Kieran Neller.
Cheltenham rock league leaders as they break the visitor’s unbeaten streak with goals from Issy Newns and Laura Holden.
The Robinesses came into the game on the back of a brilliant performance against Billericay Town, winning 4-0. The side hadn’t played at home in the Corinium since October.
In the tenth minute, Issy Newns (pictured) broke the deadlock with a superb goal. The forward duck through the Oxford defence and beat the keeper with a looping shot inside the box. The goal marks the first time the visitors have conceded away from home in the league this season.
The league leaders tested Cheltenham’s defensive resolve, but the home side held strong. The closest Oxford came was striking the crossbar inside a congested box after a corner, but Cheltenham steered the ricochet to safety in the aftermath.
Laura Holden collected the ball on the break and unleashed an effort from long range that stranded the keeper in no-man’s land as the ball sailed over and into the net to put Cheltenham two goals ahead just before half time.
Watson is forced into action early in the second half. A powerful shot in the box is bound for goal, but the number one managed to tip the effort over the crossbar to safety.
Oxford halved their deficit with a half volley from Swaby. The goal saw Oxford’s spirit’s revitalised, but Cheltenham still had the advantage.
In the 70th minute, Oxford seemed certain they had scored. A shot from distance was cleared in front of the line, and Oxford took the ball to the halfway line, but the ref pulled the play back for a Cheltenham free-kick.
Courtney Jones put her body on the line with ten minutes to go, as she took a thunder shot to the face to protect Cheltenham’s lead.
The final ten minutes were filled with Oxford pressure. The away team brought a centre-back up front and were pushing for any chance, but the Robinesses weren’t giving them anything.
The result puts Cheltenham one goal behind 5th place Billericay, with a packed list of fixtures this month.
Cheltenham return to the Corinium Stadium to face Watford on Sunday, 12th February 2023.
Cheltenham: Watson, Finch (Jones 68), Fallon, Owen, Collis (A. Davies 90+2), Holden (Wathan 61), Taylor, Nolan, Haynes, Cook (L. Davies 86), Newns (Congrave 76).
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Aimee Watson.
For the digital match programme for this game, click here.
