August 24, 2026
Cheltenham Town suffered a heartbreaking last-minute 2-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Issy Watts and Tia Young ruled out Em Owen’s then-equaliser.
First Half:
AFC Bournemouth dominated the first half, their first chance coming in the opening minutes, but Issy Bryant and Watts could not get shots off on target.
Ex-Robiness Bella Hall was the next to try her luck, her header dropping narrowly wide, before her shot from the edge of the area was fired over.
Felgate was called into action as the half went on, catching and holding two powerful efforts to keep her clean sheet intact.
The Cherries couldn’t convert the rest of their chances, and it finished goalless and level at the break.
Second Half:
The second half started as the first half finished, but this time Bournemouth capitalised, Watts’ effort from outside the box floating into the net from long-range.
Shurima Vine was on hand to prevent a second, tussling with Jenna Markham whilst one on one and putting her off enough for the striker to fire her effort high and wide.
Vine came up trumps again, clearing an effort of the line after a mix-up between Em Owen and keeper Felgate.
The scoreline was level once again when skipper Owen got on the end of Casi Evans’ ball into the area from a corner and slotted home on the half volley.
The cherries then retook the lead with a few minutes left to spare, Young in the right place at the right time following a corner of their own.
After seven added minutes, the game finished 2-1 to the hosts.
Cheltenham host Tier Four side Gwalia United next Thursday in the FAWNL League Cup.
Cheltenham: Felgate; Hicks-Kenward (Bell 80), Vine, Owen, Wellesley-Davies, Salisbury-Williams (Murphy 77); Day (O’Keefe 60), Evans, Curtis; Joyce (Jones 71), Snook (Galley 64)
Cheltenham Player of the Match: Shurima Vine
