August 28, 2026
Cheltenham Town picked up a point in a 1-1 draw against Gwalia United in the opening group stage game of the FAWNL Cup at Kayte Lane on Thursday evening, as Molly Kehoe’s free kick ruled out Evie Murphy’s first goal for Cheltenham.
First Half:
Chloe Snook had the first shot of the game when Benedicte Haaland’s clearance fell at her feet; however, the striker couldn’t convert.
Up the other end, former Robiness Issy Newns’ effort was held by debutant Chloe Jones in goal.
Snook was involved again a few minutes later, getting the ball out to Libby Bell, whose ball into the area narrowly avoided the boot of Leo Joyce in the middle, and Gwalia were able to clear.
Snook called Haaland into action multiple times just after the 25-minute mark, but the Norwegian shot-stopper came out on top twice, denying the striker her first Cheltenham goal.
It was then Joyce’s turn to knock at the door, her effort from the halfway line narrowly dropping wide.
A few moments later, Bell’s cross into the area found Joyce again, but she couldn’t convert, and it ended goalless and level at half-time.
Second Half:
The Robinesses got off to a good start in the second half, and went one-nil up on the hour mark thanks to a goal from Murphy.
Casi Evans did brilliantly to win the ball back high up the pitch; her crossed missed by keeper Haaland, and there was defender Murphy to slot home at the near post.
Gwalia did equalise with just over 10 minutes left to play, Kehoe’s free kick cannoning in off the unfortunate Jones in net to level the game.
Charlotte Salisbury-Williams was inches away from regaining the lead for the hosts, her effort from outside the box hitting the bar.
The Welsh under-19 international tried her luck again a few minutes later, but her effort was deflected wide, the following corner cleared by the away side.
After a handful of half-chances for both sides and six minutes of added time, it ended 1-1 at Kayte Lane.
Cheltenham make the trip to Oxford United on Sunday as focus returns to the FAWNL Southern Premier Division.
Cheltenham: Jones; Bell (Salisbury-Williams 65), Vine, Owen, Hall (Wellesley-Davies 71), Murphy; Curtis, Jones (Evans 58), O’Keefe (Day 65); Joyce, Snook (Power 77)
Attendance: 102
