24th March 2024
Report by Grace Gunn.
Cheltenham Town Ladies return to winning ways at Kayte Lane following a dominant 4-2 victory over Billericay Town Women on Sunday, March 24.
The Robinesses went ahead inside just 12 minutes after Charlie Taylor outleapt the defence to head home the openerbut a calmly dispatched penalty from Leanne Bell saw the visitors equalise.
High pressure from the hosts paid off as two quick goals from Phoebie Poole and captain Emily Owen (pictured) saw Cheltenham ahead at the break.
Billericay struck back just before the hour mark but a wonder strike from Emily Allen extended their lead, wrapping up all three points.
First Half:
The home side came out flying, winning a free kick just minutes into the game as Ffion Llewellyn whipped in a great ball but Maisy Collis’ effort nestled into the keeper’s arms.
Cheltenham’s dominance almost paid off as the side won consecutive corners with Daisy Ackerman’s set piece almost curling into the top corner itself, but Baker tipped it over.
Minutes later the deadlock was broken as Charlotte Buxton sent a well-weighted ball into the feet of Ackerman who then floated in the ball, finding the head of Taylor, netting her second in three games.
The chances continued to flow for the hosts as Taylor looked to grab a first half brace but the slight deflection on her shot, fell nicely for the keeper who pushed it wide.
Despite the early pressure from the Robinesses, Billericay were awarded a penalty following a coming-together with Aimee Watson before Bell slotted her spot kick into the bottom corner.
Cheltenham retained their dominance with Poole regaining the lead for her side with a long-range curling effort, giving Billericay’s Baker no chance.
Two soon became three as skipper Owen volleyed her effort into the top corner, putting her side 3-1 up at the break.
Second Half:
The hosts’ intensity remained the same, winning an early corner but despite a good delivery, the sea of blue shirts cleared their lines, preventing the danger.
Billericay begun to grow into the game as they applied the pressure before Kayleigh Stead drilled her effort into the top corner, reducing the deficit to just one.
However just minutes later winger Allen cut inside, curling a great ball into the back of the net to extend their lead once again at home just beyond the hour mark.
The home side weren’t looking to finish there as Poole drove down the wing to find Henna Butcher who looked to flash one across the face of goal, but a Cheltenham shirt was unable to connect.
The dominance and pressure were too much for the visitors as the Robinesses wrapped up all three points at Kayte Lane with a 4-2 victory over Billericay.
Cheltenham: Watson, Owen, Llewellyn, Buxton, Ackerman (64’, Lue), Allen, Collis, Pemberton (31’, Harding), Taylor, Butcher, Poole (80’ Finch (90’, Lewis))
Attendance: 234
