28th September 2019
After a tough result last weekend, Cheltenham Town Ladies look to bounce back with a win over mid-table Maidenhead United this weekend (2pm kick off) – and will be joined by the vocal support of the 1887 Red Army, a Cheltenham Town supporters group who are looking to bring their great atmosphere with them from Whaddon Road to The DN Fire Stadium.
But with Cheltenham stumbling at the previous attempt to play in front a lively crowd (a 2-2 draw with Swindon at Whaddon Road), Alex Cheal is certain history will not repeat itself.
“It should be a good occasion. The fact the guys are coming down shows how well the players are doing this season. The fans group made such a noise at the Swindon game last season and therefore their presence will add to the occasion. For us, on the field, it’s just another game. We bounce back from last week and get back to our normal levels of performance.
“In comparison to the Swindon Game, we don’t have the environment of Whaddon Road. Our regular home is at the DN Fire Stadium, so that puts that performance last year in isolation. We are a better team now and to date we have been much more professional in our performances. I expect a reaction from last week, if we get that, we will put ourselves in with a great chance of winning the game.”
Team News
Alex Cheal maintains a familiar side to recent weeks, however goalkeeper Robyn Levett is absent, so Bec Panniers resumes her place in goal for only her second start of the campaign.
Young striker Holly Fenton remains absent due to illness, while Kerry Bartlett [achilles injury] is named in the matchday squad for the first time since failing a fitness test hours before the start of the campaign.
In Cheltenham’s other injuries, Sam Morris and Chloe Rogers remain unavailable, both likely to make returns after the winter break.
Paige Stewart remains absent due to work commitments.
Opposition
After a difficult time last season, Maidenhead found themselves with a tough start to the new campaign. They were up against it early, losing out 4-0 on the opening day against Buckland before being beaten 5-1 by Cardiff City in the FA WNL League Cup Determining Round. The following week saw them lose 6-0 on the road to Larkhall before a bottom-of-the-league clash against Poole saw them pull out a good 2-0 victory to bring the losing run to an end.
This was followed by another 4-0 drubbing at the hand of Chesham, before they picked up another win, this time a sneaky 2-1 over Swindon Town Women.
The wins over Poole and Swindon sees them equal their win total for the whole of last season, which will undoubtedly provide a real confidence boost as they come to the DN Fire Stadium.
Previous Meetings
Ties between the two clubs go back as far as 2015/16, with the two teams meeting twice before the New Year’s break. The first National League clash between the sides saw Maidenhead pick up the win at the DN Fire Stadium, 3-2. Cheltenham’s goals provided by Adele Brown and Emily Skipp.
The return fixture, just over a month later, would see Maidenhead collect all three points, in a 3-0 drubbing.
The following season would see the teams trade home wins over each other. The first clash, saw Maidenhead overturn a 1-0 deficit at half time to run out 2-1 winners, Ella Hitchcox’s first half goal undone by Rachel Panting and Lucy Smith. At the DN Fire Stadium a month later, three goals in twenty minutes from Jen Brown-Wealls, Ella Hitchcox and Holly Rogers saw the Robins claim a much needed win. One of only four they would collect that campaign.
2017/18 saw Maidenhead pick up the double over the Robins, once again turning over another 1-0 deficit at half time at Whaddon Road to finish up as 2-1 winners. At York Road, an Alex Dover goal, combined with a Lucy Casey brace was enough to secure a 3-2 win. Ella Hitchcox and an own goal providing Cheltenham with their couple.
Last season, it was Cheltenham that would have the last laugh, chalking up five goals in a 5-1 rout, with Sam Morris, an Annie Martin hattrick and Ella Hitchcox adding to her personal tally against the Magpies.
The last meeting between the two teams, back in January, saw the Robins storm to a 3-0 victory. Issy Newns, Ellie Briscoe and Annie Martin all on target for the Robins, with young goalkeeper Katie Christopher making her senior team debut.
Address and Entrance Price
Location: The DN Fire Stadium, off St. Peter’s Close, GL51 9DX. (Find it on Google maps here)
By car:
Turn off Tewkesbury Road onto Moors Avenue and take the first left, onto St. Peter’s Close. On St. Peter’s Close, keep left and go around the outside of the housing estate. Follow the road round and the car park and entrance to the ground are directly in front of you.
By bus:
The C, 41 and 42 buses from Cheltenham town centre all stop at The Range, or The Moors, opposite the Lexus dealership on Tewkesbury Road, both of which are a short walk from the stadium.
Entrance to the DN Fire Stadium is £2 per adult, with children, Cheltenham Town FC season ticket holders and Robins Trust members getting in for free.
Match Coverage
For real-time match coverage, follow our twitter page, @CTLadies. You can also check the club’s Facebook and Instagram for half time and full time scores.
