31st July 2017
Cheltenham Town Ladies FC 3 – 4 Cardiff City Development
Cheltenham Town Ladies went down by the odd goal in seven as they played their second pre-season friendly against a lively Cardiff City Development side of the Welsh Premier League.
Manager, Graham Fletcher again fielded two different sides as he continued to assess his full squad ahead of the new season start on August 20th.
The first half saw Cheltenham start well and play some attractive football but Cardiff City showed they were well drilled as they started to get more possession. It was the home side who struck first. A fast passing move and a spectacular finish from Ellie Briscoe put the ladies the ahead. The lead was short lived and within a few moments following another quality finish Cardiff were level.
Cheltenham continued to dictate play and Ella Hitchcox found some space in the penalty area to make it 2-1. Again the lead didn’t last long as Cardiff hit back to equalise. And so it finished 2-2 at the end of a fast paced half.
Graham Fletcher rang the changes with his team at half time and the game remained a lively, committed affair.
This time Cardiff took the lead, with a well crafted goal. Cheltenham, who played five under 18’s in the second half, really started to play some good football, and a great run from striker Holly Rogers produced a fantastic cross for Yas Francis (pictured) to score with a terrific header. Both players are 17 years of age.
The game seemed to be petering out for a draw, but in the last attack of the game Cardiff produced a neat finish to end a really good game of football.
Manager, Graham Fletcher was pleased after the game: “I thought both sides played well. I was able to give all of my players 45 minutes, so good for fitness, and our team play was excellent. What was great was that we had eight under 20 year olds playing today and they are all looking good. Competition for places is great and we have to make sure we keep getting better in the remaining friendlies.”
Attendance: 50
Our next game is on Thursday 3rd August against a Gloucestershire FA under 20’s side at Hartpury College, 7:15pm KO.
