25th October 2018
Cheltenham Reserves went in to Sunday’s game against Oldland Abbotonians looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season to a talented Frampton. Knowing that the game was vital to keep up their pressure at the top of the table the squad shaped up to keep things tight at the back and enable us to hit the opponents with pressure and numbers going forward.
Hannah Bingham in goal this weekend was vocal throughout and ensured the team were organised from the back of the pitch. Jade Wiltshire, Jenna Lepore, Amy Leask and Abby Dance making up the back line, Lydia Amarquaye, Sophie Wyatt, Emily Skipp and Suze Berry completing towns midfield and Catherine Reilly and Emma Levett completing the starting 11 up top.
Cheltenham started the game lively, gaining lots of possession early on. Suze Berry and Jade Wiltshire (both on their season debuts) linked up well down the right hand side, supported by the superb vision from player of the match Sophie Wyatt in the middle. The first half was a frustrating period for Cheltenham, good spells of possession were leading to some fantastic attacks and if it wasn’t for the exceptional performance from the Oldland’s keeper would have been 4-0 up going into the break, the best chance falling to Berry, where the keeper pulled off a double save from Berry, unable to find the back of the net from just under the posts.
Second half saw another impressive start from the team, and on the 47th minute a beautifully weighted ball in from Jade Wiltshire was headed home from Leanne Haden-Godwin. A couple of minutes later after another period of pressure Cheltenham were 2-0 up with Diana Toth (pictured) slotting home following a goal mouth scramble. On the 65th minute Berry put the game to bed, 3-0 with a beautiful goal from out on the right side of the pitch following some good build up play. The game was nearly over when the 85th minute saw a beautifully delivered Emily Skipp corner headed home by CB Jenna Lepore! (Substitutes, Diana Toth, Leanne Haden-Godwin, Summer Rankin, Courtney Lusmore and Kayla Garland were all used giving us plenty of options and impact from the bench)
Manager Sarah Haden-Godwin said: “The most pleasing thing about this result was how we bounced back from the disappointment of the Frampton game. We were sensible on the ball, compact and organised at the back, worked our attacks well and were patient with waiting for the goals to come. The girls are in good spirits and know we have some tough games ahead of us now on the run up to Christmas to really put a challenge on for this league. We find ourselves on the road again this weekend and Im hopeful that we can continue to build our momentum once again and work hard, play some clever and exciting football and continue to maintain our position up towards the top of the table”
