30th August 2024
Report by Ben Stevens.
Photo courtesy of Marc Payne Photography.
Cheltenham Town Women bow out of the FA WNL Cup at the determining round after defeat to Worcester City Women.
The Tier Four side won 1-0 after Olivia Mitcham’s effort went over Carys Pugh-Jones and deflected in off the post.
First Half:
Cheltenham made six changes to the starting XI from the MK Dons game on Sunday, and made a strong start to the game. Six minutes into the game, the Robinesses had two great chances to take an early lead as they did against Plymouth and MK Dons. Lacy-Jai Liggett found herself in a great position but a strong save from Worcester’s keeper kept her out, and Connie Pengelly’s effort was also deflected away. Minutes later, the captain Emily Owen (pictured) had a brilliant header cleared off the line.
More promising chances came to Cheltenham, including Pengelly hitting the post just before halftime. However, Worcester continued to defend well, and the Robinesses couldn’t take their chances.
Second Half:
The second half was also an even affair. Liggett had a brilliant effort which almost looped past Worcester’s keeper but went just wide. Una Lue tired her distance from luck after an hour, but her effort went narrowly over. Esme Harris also had a great effort, but another great save by Worcester’s keeper kept Cheltenham out.
Despite Cheltenham having most of the ball, Worcester took the lead after 70 minutes. Cheltenham struggled to get the ball out of their box, and the ball fell to Worcester’s Olivia Mitcham who stopped Pugh-Jones off her line. Mitcham looped the ball over Pugh-Jones, and her effort deflected in off the post.
In stoppage time, Cheltenham had two efforts that went close to forcing the game to extra time. Owen had an effort but it flashed just past the post, and Liggett had another chance to cross but it was collected comfortably by the keeper.
The final score finished 1-0, with the Robinesses heading into the FA WNL Plate for 2024/25.
Cheltenham:Pugh-Jones; Finch (Norman 60), Owen, Wellesley-Davies;Trinci (Bloss 85), Liggett, Attenborough (Hale 71), Harris, Bell; Pengelly, Lue.
Cheltenham Player of the Match:
Chosen by Opposition: Emily Owen.