6th September 2016
Old Abbotonians 3-1 Cheltenham Town LFC Development
Match report by Manager Adam Ryman
The start of the match was a very close affair with both teams trying hard to create but no clear cut chances presenting themselves. As the game progressed Oldlands gained a bit more control with a flurry of corners but the Cheltenham back five of Ash, Jaqs, Amber, Tzara and Emily held strong and didn’t give away many chances whilst making some excellent tackles.
After roughly 35 minutes though, a goal did eventually come for Oldlands in the most unfortunate manner. Cheltenham were just starting a counter attack from inside their own half when the attempted through ball cannoned off the referee and fell straight to the Oldlands centre midfielder. She in turn, played the ball through to the striker who finished calmly. Cheltenham regrouped well though after the setback and started to threaten more just before half time.
The second half could not have begun in a worse way for Cheltenham. Barely 2 minutes in, a penalty was awarded to Oldlands for a foul in the box following a corner. Ash did manage to guess the correct way but the penalty was too far in to the corner and the Oldlands player made it 2-0. Again though, the Cheltenham girls showed fantastic commitment and desire to get back in to the game.
The wingers of Yas and Becca were starting to threaten more and more with their pace and eventually a chance fell Becca’s way. She calmly made her way towards goal and chipped the ball over the keepers head. It looked in all the way but managed to hit the base of the post and stay out. This did not deter the girls though and they finally got their reward for their efforts with a goal. Lydia took a great free kick from the right hand side of the area that the Oldlands keeper could just not keep the ball out. Game on.
As Cheltenham continued to press and look for a goal they were caught on the counter attack right at the end. A ball was played over the top and the striker just managed to beat Ash to the ball before slotting home. It was a cruel end to the game but a magnificent effort from the Cheltenham girls which is a good sign for the season ahead.
