20th September 2017
In a massive game for Cheltenham Town Ladies, where three points were desperately needed, the team stepped up to the plate and produced a scintillating display.
Playing against local rivals St Nicholas. The first half was fairly even, with neither side able to get control of the ball and chances were few and far between. The 0-0 scoreline reflected the game after 45 minutes.
It all changed in the second half, as Cheltenham took the game to their opponents, and they produced a scintillating performance, scoring three great goals, passing the ball with confidence and playing some really good football.
The home side took the lead when birthday girl Sally Butterfield scored after 55 minutes, running through the St Nicholas defence to score with ease. The home side doubled their lead when a fine cross from Sarah Walters (pictured) was headed in brilliantly by Ella Hitchcox and Cheltenham were on their way to their first win. They made it 3-0 on 70 minutes when Ria Salleh scored with a excellent finish. To be fair it could have been five or six as the home pressed home their advantage. Butterfield hit the bar from a fantastic chip, Hitchcox went close again, and substitute Ellie Briscoe nearly finished a fantastic move, only for the St Nicholas keeper to make a great save.
The only thing to spoil a clean sheet, was when St Nicholas scrambled in a late consolation.
Manager, Graham Fletcher, was delighted: “I thought the team were excellent in the 2nd half, we played our best football of the season, passed the ball really well, and scored some excellent goals. The players have worked hard, listened to what we have said at training, and they deserve the success tonight.”
Team
Bec Panniers
Sarah Walters
Jen Brown Wealls (c)
Naomi Purvis
Jade Wiltshire
Ria Salleh
Louise Fensome
Annabel Davies (Kayleigh Hateley)
Sally Butterfield (Ellie Briscoe)
Ella Hitchcox
Holly Rogers (Holly Kay)
Attendance: 42
