2nd April 2019
A strong second half performance saw Cheltenham Town Ladies overcome Southampton Saints to bring all the points back home and maintain third position.
Alex Cheal started with the same 11 as last week and for the opening 10 minutes the Ladies dominated with nothing to show. Their opposition grew into the game and started winning the midfield individual battles.
The intelligent running of the experienced Krystle Whyte and Catherine Browning often stretched the Cheltenham defence and the balance of play swung the home team’s way as they took advantage of the wind and slope.
Saints had at least one good chance to take the lead but the effort was miscued.
After some encouraging words at the break, the Robins came out of the traps meaning business and they quickly forced the home side back onto their own third.
On the 53rd minute Sally Butterfield put in a cross cum shot and Ella Hitchcox bravely headed in while also colliding with the post.
Sensing the game was for the taking, Naomi Purvis and Sally Butterfield were withdrawn to be replaced by Becky Wilkins and Sarah Walters. After more dominance, Jade Wiltshire came on for Louise Fensome. Shortly thereafter Georgia Brown played a lovely ball over the home defence for Annie Martin to stroke home her 23rd goal of the campaign and seal the win.
Alex Cheal said: “We started brightly but then lost our way and I was glad to get the players back into the dressing room at half time with the scores level. Recently we have responded well in the second half and today proved this point.
I won’t say we were comfortable winners but only one team looked like winning in the second period.
Team: Panniers, Purvis (Walters), Morris, Dolloway, Ellis, Hitchcox, Fensome (Wiltshire), Brown, Butterfield (Wilkins), Bevan, Martin.
