April 14, 2025
Report by Ben Stevens.
Photo courtesy Marc Payne Photography.
Cheltenham Town Women suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth in the FA Women’s National League Plate Final on Sunday.
The Cherries took an early two-goal lead, but Una Lue (pictured) brought one back for Tom Davies’ side.
However, Bournemouth added a third through Ellie Strippel just a few minutes later.
Late on in the second half, captain Emily Owen made the score 3-2 with a brilliant header from a corner, but the fightback wasn’t enough to force extra-time.
Cheltenham made two changes from their 3-0 victory over Lewes two weeks ago, with Carys Pugh-Jones and Ffion Llewellyn coming back in.
Bournemouth made a quick start to the game, taking the lead after 10 minutes through Kenni Thompson with a good turn and finished into the far corner.
15 minutes later, Jenna Markham added a second for Bournemouth, tapping home McGuinness’ cross at the back post.
In the 32nd minute, Lue brought one back for Cheltenham. The 19-year-old put Treweek under pressure and won the ball back on the right-hand side, and her cross fooled everyone, including keeper Erin Foley and gave Cheltenham a lifeline.
However, just five minutes later, Strippel restored Bournemouth’s two-goal lead with a strike from the edge of the box.
Cheltenham came out much stronger in the second half and put the Division One South Champions under pressure with Henna Butcher and Lue having chances to bring a goal back for Davies’ side.
After relentless pressure, the captain Emily Owen, on her 95th Cheltenham appearance, headed home Libby Bell’s corner with a brilliant header into the far side of the goal to reduce the deficit once again.
The Robinesses kept trying to force mistakes, but the Tier Four side held on to win the National League Plate for the first time.
For Davies’ side, attention quickly turns to the Gloucestershire County Cup Final on Tuesday, where they will face Bristol City Under-21s at Oaklands Park (7:30pm).
Cheltenham: Pugh-Jones; Llewellyn, Owen, Wellesley-Davies; Bell, Butcher, Attenborough (Trinci 76), Greenwood, Hateley (Ellis 93); Pemberton, Lue.
Attendance: 527
