28th November 2016
Cheltenham Town Ladies Development 1-3 Downend Flyers
Report by Development Manager Adam Ryman
Cheltenham Ladies Development were knocked out of the County Cup on Sunday after a 3-1 defeat to Downend Flyers.
The first half was fairly even with Downend having the greater amount of possession but Cheltenham creating clear cut chances. Both teams grew in to the game gradually and the first clear chance fell to Leanna Godwin after 25 minutes. Abbie Barker played a great first time ball through but unfortunately Leanne dragged her shot wide of the left hand post. The game continued to be a midfield battle and Cheltenham were starting to build a sustained amount of pressure. Unfortunately for Cheltenham though, just before half time a defensive mix up lead to the Downend striker gratefully finishing in to an empty net. Half time was very much needed at this point for Cheltenham to regain composure and try again.
The second half started in the same fashion as the first with both teams trying to play good passing football with both defences nullifying any chances. Debutant Becky Mansfield was having a lot of joy down the right hand side and more and more opportunities were presenting themselves but poor decision making cost Cheltenham dearly. Out of nowhere it was then 2-0 as another error lead to another tap in for the Downend forward. Cheltenham continued to battle brilliantly but it was 3-0 in the 70th minute as a corner kick was headed in to the corner. Cheltenham eventually got the goal they deserved as Leanne Godwin ran through on goal and finished expertly by rounding the keeper. Cheltenham continued to push towards the end with Lauren Cable hitting the post and a few more shots being saved. It was a tough defeat to take as the girls worked so hard and on another day, it could have been a win but the upward curve of progression is continuing.
