29th September 2024
Report by Ben Stevens
Cheltenham Town Women progressed to the Second Round of the FA Women’s National League Plate with a 4-1 win over Boldmere St. Michaels.
Libby Bell, Emily Owen and Connie Pengelly scored goals in the first half. Boldmere pulled one back early into the second period, but the three-goal advantage was restored by Doris Greenwood (pictured).
First Half:
Cheltenham took an early lead through Libby Bell after her cross from the right-hand side looped over Grace Glass in Boldmere’s goal. Only minutes later, the lead was doubled. Great play by Connie Pengelly in the box forced a handball from the defence, giving Cheltenham a penalty.
Emily Owen stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home to give the Robinesses an early 2-0 lead. The game settled down after this with both sides having half chances. Janelle Straker forced a great save from Carys Pugh-Jones with a shot across goal before some great play from Pengelly, Una Lue, and Libby Bell moved Cheltenham up the pitch well. Ella Pemberton almost finished off the move with a lovely strike on the half-volley but it was saved by Glass.
The Robinesses then made it three, with Pengelly getting her first goal for the club. Lue made a great run to win the ball back from a Boldmere free-kick with the youngster finding Pemberton. The midfielder hit the ball over the top of the back-line and it fell to Pengelly, who poked the ball past Glass to give Cheltenham a three-goal lead.
Second Half:
Boldmere started the second half better and quickly pulled one back through Grace Gregory’s long-range effort. However, it was Doris Greenwood who restored the three-goal advantage. Another great pass by Lue found Greenwood, who easily smashed it past Glass for her third goal for Cheltenham.
The remainder of the game was quieter than the first, with little chances for both teams. Abbey Hateley almost made it five with a great long-range effort, but it was parried away by Glass. Lexie North also went close with a shot from distance, but it was caught comfortably by Glass.
Cheltenham: Pugh-Jones; Llewellyn (Norman 66), Owen, Wellesley-Davies (Finch 81); Bell, Collis, Pemberton, Greenwood (Hale 75), Hateley; Pengelly (North 75), Lue (Leach 63).
Photo courtesy of Marc Payne Photography.
