September 1, 2025
Report by Abi Harding
Cheltenham Town Women make it three wins from four opening games for the first time in six years with a 1-0 win against Oxford United at Kayte Lane.
An early goal from Bella Hall was enough to earn the Robinesses all three points.
First Half:
Cheltenham started the game well, Libby Bell having the first shot, her effort gathered at the second time of asking by U’s keeper Beth Wookey.
However, Wookey didn’t manage to catch the ball just three minutes later, spilling a cross, with striker Hall on hand to tap it home to get her second goal in two games.
From then on, the visitors were searching for an all-important equaliser, Shaunna Jenkins saw her effort go wide, before skipper Emily Owen was on hand to deny Holly Turner, who was running in on goal.
Two minutes before the break, the U’s were almost level, Adele Lindbæk playing a dangerous ball to Emma Thompson, but her effort bobbled wide of Charlotte Haynes’ posts.
Cheltenham held onto their 1-0 lead going into the break.
Second Half:
Much like the first half, Tom Davies’ side were under pressure, but without testing Haynes in goal.
The hosts had chances to double the lead themselves, Una Lue having two chances where the ball didn’t drop in her favour.
Just after the hour mark, the visitors hit the woodwork, Turner forcing a save from Haynes, before Thompson’s shot on the rebound cannoned off the crossbar.
Whilst substitutions calmed the game down from a Cheltenham perspective, Oxford having a late flurry of chances.
Turner had two headed changes as the game ticked into the 90-minute mark, the first one straight into the arms of Haynes, who then pulled off an unbelievable save to deny the Oxford striker a late equaliser from point-blank range.
Cheltenham managed to hold on to the slender lead, to make it three wins from four opening games for the first time in six years.
The Robinesses take on Birmingham City Women FC Academy as attention returns to the FA Women’s National League Cup next weekend.
Cheltenham: Haynes; Salisbury-Williams, Owen, Llewellyn, Evans, Bell (Trinci 72); Arnott(Jones 70), Curtis, Guymira (Newns 70); Lue, Hall ;(Congrave 86).
Attendance: 143
Photo credit – Lily Gurney
