14th December 2019
After a couple of weeks off, and following last week’s postponement, The Robinesses return to action against Chichester City Ladies in the Second Round of the FA Women’s National League Plate.
Their last outing saw CTLFC pick up an expected one-sided victory, 13-1 in the Second Round of the GFA County Cup, against a young BLU Development side that never stopped working, despite the landslide scoreline. The defending champions will now make the trip to Pucklechurch Ladies in February.
Manager Alex Cheal is looking forward to the cup clash, and welcomes the opportunity to face a team The Robinesses haven’t faced recently, as well as the chance to test themselves against a team from a higher level.
While last week’s scheduled verti-drying of the pitch eventually took place this week, the recent heavy rainfall has resulted in more standing water on the player surface of the “The Big Local” Stadium pitch, and therefore this game will take place at Tewkesbury School’s all-weather 3G pitch.
Team News
Manager Alex Cheal continues with a strong matchday squad although there are some changes.
Mai Butler is unavailable, along with Charlotte Criddle. However the squad sees the return of defender Kirsten Rendall, winger Ella Hitchcox and midfielder Alice Kempski. Louise Fensome, who was absent for the County Cup clash two weeks ago returns to the side.
Sarah King keeps her place in the side following her international duty during the week.
Opposition
It’s been a tough season so far for Chichester City Ladies, who are yet to pick up a win in their FA WNL Southern Premier league campaign. Usually a fierce competitor and successful third tier team, 2019/20 has seen Chichester City Ladies fall from last season’s third place finish to being bottom of the table this season as we approach the Christmas break.
Their only league point so far has come from a 1-1 draw on the road to Gillingham. Their only wins this campaign come from cup football, beating Swindon in the FA WNL Plate First Round, 4-2 after extra time, and a comfortable 4-0 victory in the quarter-final of the Sussex County Cup.
Previous Meetings
Fixtures between these two teams go as far back as 2014/15, at the inception of the then-Women’s Premier League (now the FA WNL). An opening day clash at Petersfield Park saw the visitors run away with the points in a 4-1 victory. Catherine Reilly Cheltenham’s only scorer on the day.
The reverse fixture, just two months later, saw a continuation of Chichester’s dominance, this time 5-1 with Rhona Donaldson grabbing the single goal for Cheltenham.
In 2015/16, little would change as the teams would meet at the tail end of the season. Chichester would secure a 4-0 victory as Cheltenham were brushed aside at Petersfield Park.
The return fixture, two weeks later, would see the hosts clean up with a 3-1 win through a Chloe Parks finish and Lucie Challen brace. Rosie Herbert finding the net and sparing Cheltenham’s blushes somewhat.
The 2016/17 season would see the two clubs go head-to-head again on the opening day. Goals from Lauren Cheshire, Chloe Dowdell, Cherelle Khassel and Jade Widdows securing a 4-0 victory.
The scoreline would be repeated at Petersfield Park, as Charley Wilson-Blakely, Cherelle Khassel complimented two from Jess Lewry. Chichester would go on to win the FA WNL Division 1 SW undefeated, with 19 wins from 20 games.
Directions and Entry prices
Location: Tewkesbury School, Ashchurch Road, GL20 8DF. (Find it on Google maps (here)
By car:
From Cheltenham, head north-west on Tewkesbury Road (A4019) before turning onto the A38 at Coombe Hill. Follow the road until you take the right at the traffic lights outside Morrison’s in Tewkesbury. Follow the road again, and the school is your right.
Alternatively, you can head north on the M5, leaving at Junction 9 to enter onto the A38, in which case the school will be on your left after taking the exit.
By bus:
The 41 and 42 bus both serve Tewkesbury from Cheltenham town centre.
The 41 stops directly outside the school, going via Sun Street in Tewkesbury.
The 42 stops just past Morrisons on the A38, taking a left turn at the traffic lights opposite the store. The school is just under a mile’s walk.
Entrance to is £2 per adult, with children, Cheltenham Town FC season ticket holders and Robins Trust members getting in for free.
Match programmes are available for £1 to those receiving free entry, or free of charge for paying adults.
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.
