September 15, 2025
By Abi Harding
Cheltenham Town Women suffer a heartbreaking 4-3 loss against a strong Watford side at Kayte Lane.
Goals from Emily Owen, Bella Hall and Casi Evans weren’t enough to salvage all three points.
First Half:
Casi Evans had the first shot of the game, stinging the palms of Chloe Samson, whilst Libby Bell unleashed a powerful effort on the right-hand side, her effort sailing wide of the far postmoments later.
The visitors started piling on the pressure, Courtney Jones’ was on hand to deny Maddison Perry a shot on goal.
Louise Guymira was on hand to try and break the deadlock after Samson spilled a free kick, however, her effort from a tight angle dribbled wide.
It was Watford who got the first goal of the game, Grace Garrad’s shot deflecting unfortunately in of Ffion Llewellyn.
Llewellyn was on hand to prevent a second before the break, blocking a great Watford attack before it amassed to anything else.
Seconds later, after Cheltenham looked for an equaliser, Llewellyn denied a potential two on one situation on the counterattack.
The Robinesses found themselves one goal down at the break.
Second Half:
Two minutes into the second half, the visitors found themselves down to 10 players after Dre Georgiou was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Guymira.
Skipper Owen got the equaliser from a free kick, her low driven effort catching the Hornets defence off guard.
Watford were soon in front again through a penalty, Perry’s spot-kick hitting the roof of the net, regaining the visitors lead.
The Robinesses did have chances to equalise as the clocked ticked towards the 70-minute mark, Guymira having her effort saved after Newns and Hall narrowly missed Guymira’s by-line cross.
Hall eventually did level the score, turning before volleying an effort past helpless Samson against her former side.
But Watford managed to take the lead again moments later, Coral Haines on target for the Hornets, but again, moments later, an action packed second half saw Cheltenham level the score.
Evans’ strike from long-range looped over Samson in net, drawing the game, however, the lead didn’t last long.
In the last five minutes, the visitors retook the lead, Maya Kendell finishing from close range, as goals were flying in at either end.
In the end, the three goals weren’t enough to put any points on the board, as we travel to AFC Bournemouth in the hunt for our third league win next weekend.
Cheltenham: Haynes; Salisbury-Williams, Jones (Arnott 57), Owen, Llewellyn, Bell; Evans, Curtis, Guymira; Hall, Lue (Newns 34).
Attendance: 160
