Match Report
Match Report - 14 Nov 2010, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies beat Cheltenham Town Ladies FC
The Robins progressed to the first round proper of the FA Women's Cup after beating South West Premier League leaders Cheltenham Town 2-0.
In pouring rain and on a very greasy surface, both sides struggled to find any early rythm and as a consequence the first half became a scrappy affair with mistakes being the norm. Too many passing errors from the home team allowed the visitors the scent of a goal scoring opportunity. The Robins defensive unit along with Robertson between the sticks worked incredibly hard and effectively to deny any clear chances for Cheltenham. The Robins struggled to find their passing range but did manage a few strikes on goal to give the small but hardy home support something to talk about during the half time interval.
The Robins began the second half in much more lively fashion and instantly had the visitors on the back foot. Despite a combination of dogged defending and poor finishing, the Robins took their chance when it came with aplomb. Libby Shuttle struck a corner from the left under Cheltenham's crossbar, the ball was partially cleared but found its way to the expert feet of Sarah Lipscombe who struck the ball firmly through a crowd of players into the bottom corner.
Tracy Corkett settled the Robins down when she converted from close range following yet another Shuttle corner. Much of the game was being played in the visitors half but too often the quality of the final ball was lacking. When the home side created chances for themselves they frequently made the wrong choice only to see the chance disappear.
A swahbuckling run from Michelle Lewis, arguably the Robins best player on the day, was ended by a firm challenge inside the visitors half after she had won the ball on the edge of her 18 yard box and beating 3 or 4 players with a mix of pace and trickery. Paterson came closest to extending the home team's lead when she headed a Shuttle corner firmly downwards only to see the ball bounce high towards the goal and eventually cleared from under the bar.
Overall, the Robins deserved their victory which was won through their sheer doggedness and determination. Next week sees the Robins at home against Woodley for the 3rd time this season in the Berks and Bucks cup. Manager Dave Ward will be hoping his team re-discover their high tempo passing game which, when allied to their work ethic, makes them a force to be reckoned with at this level. Next week's kick off is at 1.30 with the tie to be settled on the day.
Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies 2 - 0 Cheltenham Town Ladies FC