20th September 2016
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Never could there be a better description about a game of football, as Cheltenham Town Ladies in the 1st half of this exciting game, finally arrived at the FAWPL party for this season. Despite, going a goal down to an unfortunate own goal, a cross was fizzed in to a crowded penalty area, a richohet from a Cheltenham foot, and Plymouth took the lead in the 15th minute.
From then on, Cheltenham started to believe that they are more than able to compete at this level, and took the game to their excellent, strong opponents. On 23 minutes, an excellent passing move, and a subtle pass over the Plymouth defence, saw Louise Fensome score with a powerful header. 10 minutes later, the home side were in front, a quick counter attack, saw Ella Hitchcox, sprint towards goal, a diagonal pass to the onrushing Ria Saleh, who finished the move with aplomb, Cheltenham in front 2-1.
Plymouth, continued to probe, but the home defence were good, a few moments when they looked in trouble, but the excellent Bec Panniers in goal, preserved the lead. With the clock ticking down for half time, Plymouth won a corner, and a looping header somehow managed to find its way into the Cheltenham net.
2-2 at half time.
The 2nd half, within 10 minutes, from two corners, delivered in the same place, scored in the same way, the home side were 4-2 down.
Despite, introducing three substitutes, Cheltenham were unable to sustain their 1st half performance, and from a defensive mistake Plymouth, completed a 5-2 victory.
Manager Graham Fletcher, commented after the match:” A game of two halves, was the only way I could describe that game. We had pace, power, strength, counter attacking really well, and throughly deserved the lead. Normally, our defence is strong and compact, but from three corners, we concede three goals. We have to be physically strong in this league, we normally are, but today, we weren’t, and I know the players are hurting after playing so well, but sometimes just being strong for 90 minutes will get you through. It will be no surprise, that at training this week, we will be learning how to defend corners.
“Overall, we are getting there, we are still a new team, learning to play together, and with so many talented individuals, we will get there. Credit to Plymouth, they are set up really well, they are attached to the mens club, which is a big help, and on occasions they looked fantastic. In saying that, we matched them and were better than them. We have an excellent group of players, who want to keep learning, and I know their commitment is fantastic too, and we will get it right.”
Final score
Cheltenham Town Ladies 2 Plymouth Argyle Ladies 5
