6th September 2022
Report by Kieran Neller.
Sunday’s match on the road to Oxford United saw the home side continue their winning start, as the Robinesses remain in the middle of the National League Southern Premier table.
Oxford scored their first goal in the 14th minute as Leah Burridge fired her shot high into the net from just inside the box, before doubling the side’s lead with a header seven minutes later.
The league leaders added a third goal minutes after with a header from Riva Casley. The lively Carly Johns rounded off the first half scoring with a chip in the 32nd minute to put the hosts firmly in the drivinf seat.
Cheltenham responded with a strong effort before the break as Jade Grove rattled the crossbar from a distance
With Cheltenham fighting back into the game, a Billie Haynes shot from the wing narrowly missed the top corner, reminding Oxford they weren’t going to have it all their own way.
At the end of the half, Cheltenham had a ball bouncing on Oxford’s goalline, but the defence recovered to clear the danger and the officials deeming it had not crossed.
Emily Owen had a turn smashing the woodwork on the other side of the break, as keeper Rose Kite tipped her shot onto the crossbar.
Johns rounded up Oxford’s scoring in the 65th minute with a run from deep.
Aimee Watson made a double save to deny Burridge’s hat-trick as the game came to close.
Cheltenham sit in sixth place in the league after the result, and look on to this Sunday where the Robinesses face AFC Wimbledon in the FA Women’s National League Cup Determining Round at the Corinium Stadium (2pm).
Cheltenham: Watson, Jones (Newns 74), Owen, Finch (Taylor 63), Beck-Esson (Asker 63), Butcher, Liggett, Collis, Haynes, Grove (Congrave 74), Wathan.
Subs not used: Hannam.
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Lacy-Jai Liggett
