March 24, 2025
Report by Ben Stevens.
Photo courtesy Marc Payne Photography.
Cheltenham Town Women suffered a narrow defeat to promotion-hopefuls Exeter City.
The Grecians took the lead through a curled effort from Amber Pollock.
However, Cheltenham started the second half on the front foot and equalised through Doris Greenwood (pictured) and threatened to score a second, but Exeter scored again just after the hour mark to take all three points.
First Half:
Tom Davies named the same team that beat AFC Wimbledon last weekend to face Exeter at St James Park.
Cheltenham threatened the home side early on, with Doris Greenwood almost breaking away on the counter multiple times, as well as Lilly Wellesley-Davies’ header from a corner going just wide of Abbi Bond’s goal.
However, it was the home side that took the lead after 27 minutes, after Amber Pollock’s effort curled into Mia Smith’s goal.
Greenwood went close to equalising for the Robinesses, after cutting inside well but her effort went just over Bond’s goal.
Second Half:
Cheltenham started the second half brilliantly, with Greenwood scoring just three minutes into the half.
Libby Bell did well to win the ball back off Exeter, and a nice one-two with Una Lue forced a throw-in for the home side, which Bell took quickly towards Lue.
The young striker’s first touch was a perfect through-ball into the path of Greenwood, who got to the ball before Emily Toogood and Greenwood rounded Bond and slotted home the ball into an empty net for her fifth of the season.
The Robinesses kept the pressure on the home side, but the Grecians retook the lead in the 62nd minute through Maya Kendell.
Lue had a great chance to draw Cheltenham level after a corner fell to her, but her shot from close range was blocked.
Deep into stoppage time, Cheltenham had more chances with free-kicks and corners, but Exeter’s defence held strong to hold on to the three points.
Next up for Davies’ side is the final home game of the 2024/25 season against Lewes FC, with tickets available now.
Cheltenham: Smith; Bell (Curtis 66), Owen, Jones, Wellesley-Davies; Pemberton, Attenborough (Collis 70), Butcher; Hateley, Lue, Greenwood.
Cheltenham Player of the Match:
Chosen by Opposition: Courtney Jones
