March 17, 2025
Report by Ben Stevens.
Photo courtesy Marc Payne Photography.
Cheltenham Town Women picked up a crucial three points against AFC Wimbledon on Sunday, beating the Don’s 2-1 away from home.
Una Lue opened the scoring with a deflected finish before Ashlee Hincks equalised. Henna Butcher (pictured) scored what proved to be the winner in first-half stoppage time, with a powerful effort past Kite.
First Half:
After the 8-0 win against Forest Green Rovers to send his side through to the County Cup final, Tom Davies reverted to a more familiar side. Mia Smith kept her place, whilst Meg Attenborough, Libby Bell, Ella Pemberton and Doris Greenwood all returned to the starting XI.
The Robinesses made a lightning start, with Una Lue putting the ball in the back of the net within two minutes, but she was called offside. However, she made up for it, giving the away side the lead in the 18th minute.
A brilliant ball found Libby Bell on the right wing, who crossed the ball into Lue, who took her time before scoring her 20th goal of the campaign.
Wimbledon then equalised through captain Ashlee Hincks with a counterattack that Hincks forced past Smith, despite the goalkeeper being able to palm the ball into the post.
Cheltenham kept the pressure on the home side despite the equaliser, and eventually their hard work paid off.
Henna Butcher won the corner, which was initially cleared away towards Abbey Hateley on the halfway line. The wingback then put the ball back into the box, and it fell to Butcher, who smashed her shot into the far corner of the goal just before the halftime break.
Second Half:
Cheltenham’s backline defended well and dominated possession throughout all of the second half and restricted Wimbledon to few chances.
The Robinesses had a few chances to add a third, with the best being a free-kick from the captain, Emily Owen, on her 92ndappearance, which was tipped onto the crossbar by Rose Kite and fell just behind the goal.
The team held on to secure an important three points which moved them up to eighth in the Southern Premier Division.
Next up is a trip down to Exeter, before our final home game of the season against Lewes on March 30.
Cheltenham Town: Smith; Jones, Owen (c), Wellesley-Davies; Hatelety (Morgan 82), Bell; Pemberton, Attenborough; Butcher (Trinci 90+1), Greenwood (Collis 86), Lue.
Cheltenham Player of the Match:
Chosen by Sponsor: Ella Pemberton
