This Sunday afternoon Cheltenham Women took on their Qpr counterparts in a secret encounter. Played at Gloucestershire football association, kicking off at eleven. In front of a few select few people. Including myself.
Starting this affair. Qpr women had the opening two opportunities. Fast paced passes, beating players for speed. Not long later. Cheltenham created their first chance. Coming forward, crossing from wide, caught by keeper Katie McLean in the Rs goal. A clever one two movement got the guest in the final third. Before a flapped shot flung over the bar. Taken from inside the area. Lumping a long pass, Ailish Carolan set up a controlled touch by Katie Akerman. Stopped seconds later before a shot could be had. Cheltenham centre half stood in the prime position to avert danger. Accelerating at impressive speeds, the home sides wide player whacked in a delivery. Destined for the travelling keepers’ hands. As the teams approached half time. The host heaped on pressure, picking up possession deep in the opposition’s half. After poor positioning put the Rs in trouble. Taking a superb save by mayor McLean to keep the score level.
Getting the second half underway. Cheltenham started the better. Sweeping away, sliding in a simple cross. Caught by the keeper at her near post. Battling brilliantly, Frankie Webster managed to bobble the ball away from two advancing players. Now playing what seemed a right back role. Sending through QPR superstar Ellen Wardlaw. Counter attacking quickly, Cheltenham thought they broke the deadlock, digging an effort into the side netting. Shortly followed by their proceeding passage. Delivery from outside the box, darting directly into Katie McLean. Keeping her team in the game by the skin of her teeth. The Qpr goalkeeper leapt low onto a loose ball, bringing a moments relief. Twisting and turning inside the centre circle. Ami Martins spun space for Ellen Wardlaw to invade, carrying the ball far into the final third. Only stopped by a shot slightly off target. Skilfully skipping past Gabby Bishop. The home side saw a way into the box. Heading home from the centre after the United attempt was stopped. Narrowly notching wide. Grace Stanley saw agony as her effort couldn’t level the score. However, Frankie Webster was able to equalise with her go at goal. Trying to increase their tally, Cheltenham’s next chance was a curled shot straight at the keeper. A second goal came for the home side before full time. Scoring their second, the host had gone ahead again. Miss punch putting the ball in space to slot into the net.
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