18th February 2024
Report by Grace Gunn
Cheltenham Town Ladies suffer a disappointing 2-1 away defeat to rivals Cardiff City at the Newport International Stadium.
The hosts Cardiff went ahead inside just eight minutes after Tianna Teisar fired the ball home from close range.
Visitors Cheltenham Town struck back on the stroke of half time after the ball dropped to Una Lue who slotted it past Cardiff’s number one, bringing her side level at the break.
Despite creating an abundance of chances, it was Cardiff who netted their second after Ruby Scahill dispatched her effort, wrapping up three points for the hosts.
First Half:
It was the visitors who started brighter after Maisy Collis (pictured) won back possession high up the field before sending it through to Henna Butcher, but the striker’s effort forced a great save.
Despite the strong start from Tom Davies’ side, it was Cardiff who broke the deadlock after the ball dropped kindly for Teisar who struck the ball past Aimee Watson from close range.
The Robinesses looked to fight back just moments later after Emily Allen took aim from the edge of the area, but Laura O’Sullivan was there to prevent the effort.
Chances continued to flow for Davies’ side as Holly Finch floated in a cross which found Charlie Taylor, but the number eight’s strike was straight at the keeper.
The high pressure finally paid off after Finch’s cross was met by striker Lue who calmly struck it past O’Sullivan, drawing her side level on the stroke of half time.
Second Half:
Just minutes into the second half, Lue looked to put her side ahead after the striker was put through, but her chipped effort was well watched by O’Sullivan who got back, tipping the lob over the bar.
The chance creation continued for Cheltenham as Allen steamed down the left wing before drifting one in towards the back post, but Daisy Ackerman was unable to keep her effort down.
Another chance came and went for the Robinesses after captain Emily Owen looked to take aim from range, but the skipper’s effort blazed over the bar.
With just 20 minutes to go, the home side went ahead once again after substitute Ellie Sargent pulled the ball back across the face of goal for Scahill who slotted it in.
The Robinesses continued to push for the leveller as Courtney Jones whipped in a dangerous free kick, but the header drifted just wide.
Despite the flurry of chances, it wasn’t meant to be as Cardiff secured all three points, with Cheltenham suffering defeat on the road.
Cheltenham: Watson, Owen, Finch (Llewellyn 71), Buxton (Jones 68), Ackerman (Poole 71), Allen, Collis, Lewis (Harding 62), Taylor, Lue, Butcher
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Charlie Taylor
