26th September 2020
With Cheltenham Town Ladies’ opening game of the season being postponed, The Robinesses have been chomping at the bit to finally get their season started.
With Tom Davies’ side putting in confident displays in pre-season, including a 4-4 draw with Solihull Moors, a 3-2 victory over Bedworth United Ladies followed by a 2-0 victory against Sporting Khalsa Women, the team look to press on and progress further with the added edge of competition.
It should be noted that this game is cash only, and supporters are encouraged to have the correct change to reduce handling contact.
Test And Trace protocols will also be in affect. This will involve scanning the club’s specific QR code with the NHS Covid-19 app. Those who are technologically unable to, must provide contact details when entering. Hand sanitiser stations will be placed by the entrance, toilets and the club shop.
Team News
Cheltenham are expected to field a similar team to the one set to face Brislington.
New signings Jade Grove, Billie Haynes, Lauren Kayll, Rebecca Halford and Jess Hood could be poised to make their league debuts for the club.
Sarah King and new signing Ruby Scahill could miss out after not training on Thursday, while centre-half Sam Morris could make her first league appearance since Larkhall away at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Opposition
Sunday’s visitors got themselves off to a strong start in the FA Women’s National League Division One SW, as they played host to Swindon Town Women last week.
After finding themselves 2-1 down at half-time, a late surge in the final twenty minutes saw them turn the game on its head. Late goals from Karima Elouth (75), Emma Delves (80) and Gemma Fraser’s second of the game (80) saw the home side come out on top 4-2.
Previous Meetings
The two clubs haven’t met since the 2018/19 season, due to the Coronavirus pandemic resulting in the voiding of last season, so Sunday’s game will be a good test for Tom Davies’ side.
The last time the teams faced off, was in April 2019, with The Robinesses coming home from Buckinghamshire with all three points in the bag. An Annie Martin hattrick, along with a 25th minute strike from Abby Bevan saw Cheltenham running out 4-0 victors.
This Cheltenham win was a complete u-turn from the result of the original fixture, which saw Chesham pick up the points in a 1-0 win at Cheltenham Town’s training ground. Natasha Smith’s goal being the deciding factor between the two teams on the day.
Directions and entry price
Entrance to The Big Local Stadium is £3 per adult, or £5 for two. Children, Cheltenham Town FC season ticket holders and Robins Trust members receive free entry. However, under the current circumstances, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Match programmes are not available, as they post a handling risk, however they are available for free from the club website.
Location: The Big Local 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.
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.
