October 28, 2024
Report by Owen Mason.
Photo courtesy of Marc Payne Photography.
Cheltenham Town Women fell to a 3-0 defeat to Lewes at the Dripping Pan on Sunday.
Poppy Derhun opened the scoring as her header ran unopposed past Mia Smith. Four minutes into the second half Olivia Carpenter doubled the Rooks’ lead.
Despite a lengthy delay due to an injury to the linesman, Lewes were able to hold firm and sealed victory through Derhun’s second of the match, 12 minutes from time.
First half:
It started off relatively bright for the Robinesses, with early pressure from Lacy-Jai Liggett and Una Lue (pictured). A foul on the latter from Lewes captain Hannah Godfrey earned her a yellow card.
Godfrey was fortunate not to be sent off moments later with a similar foul on Doris Greenwood. Cheltenham continued to dominate the early proceedings, with Libby Bell’s cross being punched out by Emily Moore.
However, against the run of play, a cross into the area to Poppy Derhun opened the scoring for Natalie Lawrence’s team. A call for offside was waved away, which led to Derhun’s header, past Mia Smith.
In perhaps the best chance of the half for Tom Davies’ side, Greenwood had a shot blocked just before it could trouble Moore in the Rooks net. At the other end Derhun almost got her second, but completely missed the ball, which led to Ffion Llewellyn clearing it away.
Second Half:
Four minutes into the second half, the home side doubled their lead, as Sammy Quayle squared it to Olivia Carpenter, who slotted past Smith.
The game then had a bizarre delay as the linesman picked up an injury. After ten minutes, a fan was ready to take the reins and the game was back underway.
Cheltenham pushed to halve the deficit, and almost did when Greenwood rounded the keeper, and looked to square to either Bell or Lue in the middle, but some last ditch defending prevented any attempt.
Lewes wrapped up the game 12 minutes from time, as Derhun sealed her brace. She shot from distance, and her effort cannoned in off the crossbar.
The defeat sends Cheltenham down to 10th place, below Gwalia United on goal difference, on eight points.
Next up for Davies’ side is the visit of Tier Six side Yeovil Town to Kayte Lane, in the First Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday November 3 (2pm kick-off).
Cheltenham: Smith; Llewellyn, Owen, Wellesley-Davies (Finch 90); Greenwood (Leach 75), Attenborough (Trinci 70), Collis, Bell (Butcher 65), Hateley; Liggett, Lue (Pemberton 70).
Cheltenham Player of the Match:
Chosen by Opposition: Una Lue
