19th August 2024
Report by Ben Stevens
Cheltenham Town Women opened their 2024/25 season in dominant style, with a 4-0 over Plymouth Argyle Women.
Despite an even opening 15 minutes, Cheltenham took the lead through Henna Butcher, before Lacy-Jai Ligget (pictured) added a second just before half-time.
The Robinesses added a third shortly after the break through Una Lue. The captain Emily Owen joined in on the scoring for Cheltenham’s fourth.
First Half:
Cheltenham took the lead after 17 minutes. Anais Trinci’scorner was met by Ffion Llewellyn, whose shot was tapped in from close range by Henna Butcher.
Cheltenham kept the pressure on the visitors and soon after the lead was doubled after a great team was finished off by Lacy-Jai Liggett. Butcher found Una Lue in the middle, who slotted the ball perfectly to Liggett. The forward finished calmly to score on her second debut for the club.
The ball had been in the net for a third time, but Lue was ruled to be offside.
Second half:
Tom Davies’ side started the second half as they finished the first, with Lue getting her goal. Butcher turned from scorer to provider for the youngster to put Cheltenham in firm control of the match.
Cheltenham kept Plymouth quiet, with goalkeeper Mia Smith left with little to do on her Robinesses debut.
Captain Emily Owen added a fourth for the home side just after the hour mark. Another great corner from Trinci was met by Owen, who headed into the far side of the goal.
Cheltenham controlled the final half-hour of the game to see out a fantastic victory to kick-start their season and pick up the three points.
Cheltenham: Smith; Sharpe, Owen, Llewellyn; Trinci (Bell 68), Hateley, Collis, Attenborough (Greenwood 77), Liggett (North 85); Lue (Pemberton 77), Butcher (Pengelly 71).
Cheltenham Player of the Match:
Chosen By Opposition: Lacy-Jai Liggett
Chosen By Sponsor: Maisy Collis
Attendance: 131
Photo courtesy of Marc Payne Photography.
