20th March 2017
The weekend trip to the Isle of Wight, worked perfectly for Cheltenham Town Ladies as they produced another first class performance defeating Shanklin Ladies 4-0 in their latest FAWPL South West Division fixture.
Starting with a fast tempo, Cheltenham put the home side under pressure and with the quality of their passing began to create chances. It was no surprise in the 20th minute that a slick passing move to find top scorer Ella Hitchcox on the edge of the box enabled her to score with a crisp shot into the top of the net.
Cheltenham continued to pressurise the home team, even though Shanklin still posed a threat, and it took a sharp save by keeper Bec Panniers to preserve the lead.
In the 35th minute captain Jen Brown Wealls produced a stunning long pass, for the excellent, hardworking Jade Wiltshire, to finish calmly, and double the lead.
Half Time 0-2
The 2nd half started in the same vain and chances for the Robins Ladies started to flow but some good goalkeeping from Shanklin kept them in the game.
It was only a matter a time though before Cheltenham scored again. After Hitchcox was put through her shot was saved but striking partner Ria Salleh was on hand to finish precisely.
As the game wore on manager Graham Fletcher made three substitutions and it was from a through ball by Holly Rogers to Hitchcox who calmly finished to score her 14th goal of the season.
Full Time Shanklin Ladies 0 Cheltenham Town Ladies 4
After the game, Manager Graham Fletcher commented:
“I took the decision to take the players over to the Isle of Wight on Saturday, its a long trip, and I knew it would benefit us if we were relaxed and properly prepared for the game. I was pleased it worked perfectly, and when we got to the game, I knew the team were ready to play.
“We produced a sparkling display and allowed Shanklin only one chance in the whole game. Some of our passing was brilliant, we have pace to burn up front, and that is always be a threat in any game of football. Shanklin didn’t know how to cope, and once we scored, we controlled the game, and played some really good football.
“I’m really pleased with the way the whole squad of 16 who came on the trip, contributed to make the weekend work, we played some excellent football, confidence is high, and the team spirit is first class, which is very satisfying to myself and 1st team coach, Chris Hicks.”
Bec Panniers, Jade Wiltshire, Rose Knuckey, Naomi Purvis, Amy Leask, Jen Brown Wealls, Louise Fensome, Ella Hitchcox, Ria Salleh, Holly Rogers, Sally Butterfield, Libbie Herbert, Suze Berry, Chantelle Goldsworthy, Keziah Ley, Emma Munday.
Cheltenham Town Ladies next fixture is on Thursday 30th March, when they travel to Brislington Ladies, 8pm kick off.
The Ladies also now know their opponents in the GFA County Womens Trophy Final, as St Nicholas Reserves beat St Nicholas 1st team 4-1 in their semi final.
The Final will be played on the 11th April at Gloucestershire FA HQ, Almondsbury, with a 7:45pm kick off.
