28th January 2024
Report by Grace Gunn.
Cheltenham Town Ladies suffer a tough 1-0 defeat on the road after a late goal from hosts’ Zoe Creaney.
A cagey opening 20 minutes set the tone for the game as both sides created half chances but nothing to trouble either number ones.
It was the visitors Cheltenham who came the closest in the first half after Daisy Ackerman’s cross found the feet of Lily Billingham who look to take aim, but the effort was saved by Chloe Sansom.
Despite the visitors’ strong battle throughout, the Robinesses fell to an unfortunate 1-0 defeat, yet to put points on the board in 2024.
First Half
A bright start from the Robinesses saw Maisy Collis drive through the midfield before laying it off to Henna Butcher but the striker couldn’t poke the ball past Sansom.
The first real chance came for Tom Davies’ side after MK’s misplaced pass was picked up Butcher but the number 12’s quick release saw the keeper scramble back to her line just in time.
Another chance came and went for Cheltenham after Butcher drove down the right wing, sending it into the feet of Billingham but her effort was collected by Sansom.
It was MK’s turn to attack as they looked to strike from range, but captain Emily Owen provided a crucial block.
The fiery start from both sides continued as Butcher steamed down the pitch, attempting to provide the through ball but wiped out, winning a free kick.
Ackerman floated in the set piece, clipping the head of Owen but the skipper couldn’t keep her effort down.
The nervy opening 45 minutes came to a close with nothing to separate the two sides.
Second Half
A fast start from the hosts saw them go close but a crucial block from defender Holly Finch prevented them from breaking the deadlock early on.
Moments later, the Robinesses looked to create a chance of their own after Ackerman wriggled through towards the edge of the box before letting go from range, but the wing back saw her effort saved.
With neither side yet to break the deadlock, MK sent a perfectly weighted ball into the feet of their attack, but Cheltenham’s number one Aimee Watson rushed out to prevent the shot.
The hosts continued to apply the pressure after they steamed through into the Robinesses’ box, but Watson again rushed out to narrow the angle and provided a vital save.
An opener looked to be on the horizon for Cheltenham after Ackerman’s corner was recycled before finding Owen but a scramble on the line from MK saw them clear the chance.
Despite the chances from Cheltenham, MK broke the deadlock following a scramble of their own, but it was Creaney who slotted it in.
With just minutes to go, the Robinesses continued to push, looking for the equaliser, after Emily Allen drove down the left wing, being caught on the way through but the referee waved play on.
Despite their best efforts, Davies’ side were unable to convert, falling to defeat on the road for the first time in 2024.
Cheltenham: Watson, Finch, Owen, Buxton, Ackerman, Allen, Pemberton, Collis (Lewis 71), Taylor (Davies 71) Billingham (Lue 65), Butcher.
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Aimee Watson
