19th September 2020
Cheltenham Town Ladies kick off the new FA WNL season tomorrow (Sunday, 20 September; 2pm) with something of a local derby as they make the trip down to Bristol.
The Robinesses return to league action following the cancellation of the 2019/20 season which saw the team sit third in the table prior to the voiding of the records. Their final fixture of the doomed season saw them pick up three points on the road, 3-1 win over Maidenhead United Women.
Looking ahead to 2020/21, the team are prepared for a strong start after some confident performances in pre-season, including wins over Bedworth United Ladies and Sporting Khalsa Women and a rather impressive 4-4 draw away at Solihull Moors Women.
New Manager, Tom Davies, has been active in recruitment during the summer, with a number of players with FA Women’s National League experience joining up ahead of the campaign as well as the returns of playmaking midfielder, Charlotte Criddle and defensive leader Mai Butler.
Team News
Tom Davies is expected to field a typically strong team for his first official league game as Manager.
New signings Jade Grove, Lauren Kayll, Ruby Scahill, Jess Hood, Billie Haynes and Rebecca Halford could all be within a chance of making their debuts on the opening day.
Long-serving centre-back Sam Morris could also see herself involved, which would be her first competitive match since the end of the 2018/19 season after picking up a serious injury in July 2019.
Opposition
Brislington look to start the season on a strong footing after a productive pre-season.
Along with the rest of the FA Women’s National League, Brislington Ladies haven’t played a competitive fixture since March 8th, playing host to Buckland Athletic. In an entertaining spectacle, the two clubs would draw 3-3, with the home side coming from 3-1 down to share the spoils.
The Bristol side have made a few changes over the summer, but have managed to retain the majority of their key players, including Sophie Whelan, Kim Maggs, Adele Brown, Chelsea Heal and top goalscorer, Paige Morgan Sawyer.
Previous Meetings
The teams met twice last season, with both games taking place at The Big Local Stadium. The Robinesses came out on top in both fixtures, with a Lauren Ellis brace and Georgia Brown penalty securing the three points in the FA Women’s National League, in front of a record crowd of 142.
The following occasion saw them face off in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, with Charlotte Criddle, Georgia Brown, Mai Butler, Kerry Bartlett and Annie Martin all hitting the net in a 5-0 drubbing.
Cheltenham’s last trip to Brislington Stadium came on the opening day of the 2018/19 season and produced an 11-goal thriller which saw the Robinesses picking up the win. An Annie Martin hattrick, combined with goals from Ellie Briscoe, Ella Hitchcox and Sophie Wyatt for Cheltenham.
Directions and entry prices
Brislington Stadium
Ironmould Lane,
Bristol,
BS4 5RS
