26th September 2016
Team Mendip 0-5 Cheltenham Town Ladies Development
Cheltenham Ladies Development managed to secure their first win of the season with a very impressive display against Team Mendip down in Somerset. Unfortunately, Team Mendip could only produce nine players which certainly made things easier for Cheltenham but the performance by every player was still of an exceptional standard.
Holly Rogers gave Cheltenham the lead with an instinctive overhead kick after 15 minutes after sustained pressure from a corner. It was two shortly after when Holly raced through again and managed to keep her cool to bag her second. Cheltenham’s forwards were having a lot of joy out wide with Becca and Kayla causing a lot of problems for the Mendip defence with direct running and quick passing. The third and fourth goals came in very quick succession just before half time. Yas Francis scored the third after the goalkeeper spilled Tzara’s long range free kick for a simple tap in. Holly then completed her hat trick with a close range finish to put Cheltenham 4-0 up at half time.
The second half was a bit tougher initially as the wind and rain made conditions difficult but the Cheltenham defence of Jacqs, Lindsay, Tzara, Lizzy and Amber, along with Kath in goal made sure that the clean sheet stayed intact with some superb defending throughout. As the second half continued Cheltenham continued to create chances with Abbie Jones coming close with a header and almost reaching a great cross from out wide. Kayla eventually made it 5 as she capitilised on a goal mouth scramble to finish excellently in to the top corner. Cheltenham continued to look for goals and Yas came close a few times but was denied by the post and the Mendip goalkeeper.
A special mention goes to Player of the match Emily Ind who played centre midfield for the first time and was excellent throughout. She passed brilliantly and kept the team ticking over throughout the game.
Manager Adam Ryman said: “This game is hopefully the first of many wins this season and was a fantastic display and a pleasure to watch.Keep it up ladies.”
