CIRENCESTER TOWN V CHELTENHAM TOWN LADIES

BRAVE BATTLE FOR CENTURION LADIES

Cirencester Town Ladies 0 Cheltenham Town Ladies 1

After the eagerly anticipated tie between the two titans had been abandoned the previous week due to appalling weather conditions, the much awaited clash between Cirencester Ladies and Cheltenham Ladies started to schedule.

The Centurions commenced the tie demonstrating how the underdogs hadn’t turned up as a mere formality but they in fact meant serious business. They immediately got stuck in with some outrageously crunching tackles, good passages of possession play, and ultimately a great deal of heart against a superior team a league above.

The second half, proceeding at the goalless stalemate saw further vigour from Cirencester with Vickers, Dunn, and Wadd leading the way with some hair-raisingly brutal tackles. The midfield and forwards provided a handful of chances that bar a disallowed goal went closely unconverted. Cheltenham equally had their own opportunities, but with a solid defence, and ‘Player of the Match’ Rohan making some fine saves in goal the score remained unbroken.

A fiery final ten minutes saw Ciren pressurise the Cheltenham goal mouth further driving for a winner. Cheltenham were also reduced to ten players after an off the ball retaliation incident gave the referee no other option but to give the Cheltenham player her marching orders.

With a goalless finale, the teams faced extra time. The Centurions showed extreme grit and determination after an already fast tempo to the game but were unexpectedly beaten by a fortunate break and a cool finish. Ciren showed great character and motivation fighting to take the match to penalties using every ounce of energy but unfortunately time ran out.

An outstanding effort by all where everyone put 120% and more in.