11th January 2020
Following a poor defeat to Chichester City Ladies in the FA Women’s National League Plate back in December, and the postponement of the Robins Derby scheduled for December 22nd, Cheltenham Town Ladies return to action, tasting FA WNL Division One South-West football for the first time since September 29th at home to Maidenhead.
The fixture also bears the significance of being the Robinesses’ first away trip since September 22nd, when the club faced league-leaders, Southampton FC, at AFC Totton’s Snows Stadium.
With new signings being announced and players still returning from inuries, manager Alex Cheal hopes some of the new faces in his side will take their opportunity against the Dolphins and return to winning ways ahead of a tough grouping of games, Swindon at home (Jan 26th), Buckland (Feb 3rd) and Larkhall Athletic (Feb 9th).
Team News
Alex Cheal is expected to field a strong team as the Robinesses return from the New Year’s break.
Vice-captain Cerys Dolloway remains out of action after picking up an ankle injury against Chichester, and joins Chloe Rogers and Sam Morris on the list of unavailable centre-backs.
Goalkeeping coach, Alyta Norman returns to the squad in place of Bec Panniers. Captain, Annie Martin returns to the side after being absent against Chichester, while Sarah King remains in the side after her spell with the England College’s team.
Holly Fenton and Elle-Mae Simpson step up from the Reserves, new signee Jasmine Bull, who joined on Thursday night from Keynsham Town, is included in the squad.
Opposition
It’s been a tough season for the Dolphins who are still without a win in the FA Women’s National League. With a tough start to the campaign, with losses against Cheltenham, Southampton Women, Exeter, Swindon and Maidenhead, Danielle Maidment and a Faye Hawkins brace handed them their first win in the FA Cup against Winchester Flyers.
With following heavy losses against Cheltenham again in the FA WNL Plate, as well as Southampton FC and Buckland Athletic in the league, Poole got the chance to play the role of the dominant force, steamrolling Verwood Town in the Dorset County Cup.
They returned to action in 2020 with a trip to Chesham, losing out 3-1.
Previous Meetings
The first meeting resulted in a dominant display for the Dolphins, who strolled to a 6-1 win at St. Andrew’s FC which was later complimented by a 2-0 victory at Petersfield Park.
In 2018/19, the tables were turned as Cheltenham were on the positive side of a strong, 7-0 victory.
Louise Fensome scoring from outside the box, combined with goals from Annie Martin, Georgia Brown, Sally Butterfield, Ella Hitchcox and a Rose Knuckey brace scooped three points in emphatic style.
The return fixture, played at Cheltenham Civil Service, due to a waterlogged pitch at The Big Local Stadium, saw goals from Abby Bevan, Ella Hitchcox and four from Georgia Brown overcome Samantha Gubb’s 25th, and Sacha Paynter’s 59th minute strikes as Cheltenham ran away with it 6-2.
The Dolphins and the Robinesses have already met twice this season, both at The Big Local Stadium.
The opening day of the campaign saw a shuffled Cheltenham Town Ladies pull out a 2-0 win in a dominant display. A debut goal from centre-half Mai Butler and a perfectly placed strike from Abby Bevan picking up the win.
The two teams would meet again in the FA WNL Plate First Round, with a considerably higher scoreline. Kerry Bartlett and Annie Martin picked up a brace each, along with Sally Butterfield, Georgia Brown and Abby Bevan adding to her personal tally against the visitors, as Cheltenham ran out 7-0 winners and would go on to face Chichester in the next round.
Directions
Specsavers Dorset FA County Ground
Blandford Close
Poole
BH15 4BF
Prices are £3 for adults; with Concessions for £1 and U16’s go free of charge.
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.
