11th February 2024
Report by Peter Hill.
A late Tash Harding strike earnt Cheltenham Town a great point in 2-2 draw against Ipswich.
Cheltenham took the lead against the run of play when Henna Butcher (pictured) capitalised on an Ipswich mistake.
A penalty from Bonnie Horwood just before half time and an own goal late on had put the Tractor Girls in front at Kayte Lane.
Tash Harding however, only moments after the own goal, was able to secure a point for the Robinesses.
Ipswich had the first chance of the game when Lucy O’Brien played in Natasha Thomas and her shot forced a good save from close range by Aimee Watson.
Moments later it was O’Brien again who had an opportunity to put Ipswich in front when she cut inside, but the Cheltenham defence managed to clear.
Ipswich continued to apply the pressure and this time Sophie Peskett’s effort required more great goalkeeping from Watson.
It would however be Cheltenham that took a shock lead, when a mistake from the Ipswich defence allowed Butcher to run 1-on-1 and finish well under Poppy Soper
Cheltenham then could’ve doubled that lead when Una Lue’s cross found Emily Allen, but she couldn’t apply the finish.
A minute before half time Ipswich were offered a lifeline as Peskett was brought down in the box for a penalty.
Horwood would have no issues with the penalty which she slotted into the bottom left.
The visitors were the first to have a chance in the second half when O’Brien’s cross found Kyra Robertson, but she couldn’t steer the header on target.
It would then be Robertson who found O’Brien as her shot cannoned against the crossbar.
The game then fell into a lull period where neither team could create a great chance.
It took until the 81st minute when Tash Harding’s header needed to be tipped over the bar.
With five minutes to go Ipswich took the lead when a cross into the box came off Charlotte Buxton and went into the net for an own goal.
Only two minutes later, Cheltenham would manage to equalise when Harding was played through, and she brilliantly finished into the top corner.
The home side held on for a brilliant point with a trip to Cardiff City next on the agenda.
Cheltenham: Watson, Ackerman, Finch (Llewelyn 82), Allen (Jones 90), Taylor, Buxton, Butcher, Owen, Pemberton (Davies 90), Collis (Harding 68), Lue (Billingham 82).
Attendance: 232
