14th January 2019
Cheltenham Town Ladies opened 2019 with an impressive second half performance against Maidenhead United to secure all three points and reclaim third place in the League.
The match was played at Henley Town FC’s ground and with the Robins missing a number of key regulars and playing a new formation it took time for them to settle. A first team debut was given to Katie Christopher (pictured) between the sticks while Jade Wiltshire returned from the Reserves.
After some good work Issy Newns opened her account for the Club on 22 minutes but instead of the Ladies finding their rhythm the game developed into a scrappy affair with both midfields cancelling each other out.
Half time: 0-1. Alex Cheal’s half team talk seemed to work wonders and the players came out with more confidence and a much improved first touch.
Camped in the opposition half from the whistle it was only a matter of time before a second goal was added – Ellie Briscoe notching on 59. Cheltenham then enjoyed their best spell of the game with Georgia Brown, Issy Newns and Becky Wilkins controlling the middle of the park.
The third goal was all about the persistence of Annie Martin who, having been put through by Naomi Purvis, rode two challenges to stab the ball into the net. Abby Dance and Lucy Durham came on and the latter struck a superb shot which the Maidenhead keeper did well to save.
FT: 0-3
It is the first time that the Ladies have done the double of their Berkshire opponents.
Manager Alex Cheal was pleased with the overall result. “We didn’t really get out of second gear in the first 45 but we thoroughly deserved the win after a superb second half when they only got deep into our half on two occasions. We have regained third spot and now look forward to Buckland next week.”
Team: Christopher, Leask, Walters, Dolloway, Purvis, Brown, Newns, Wilkins, Wiltshire (Dance), Martin, Briscoe (Durham).
Attendance: 20
