Ladies 1's 2 - 1 Cheltenham

Swindon 2 Cheltenham A 1

Swindon closed the gap on Prem 2A league leaders to two points as they won away at Cheltemham and Newent lost.

The first half of the game was a very one sided affair as Swindon dominated and regularly created chances. Captain Gemma Scrase opened the scoring after three minutes after she followed up from a penalty corner and forced the ball home.

Swindon second goal came from midfielder Rachel King after she dived full length to pounce on a loose ball and smash her reverse stick shot into the net.

Swindon controlled the game with Linda Brouwers and Charlie George dominating in midfield and the forwards creating regular scoring opportunities. As Swindon failed to take their chances, Cheltenham created their first real attack and took it at the first time of asking. They penetrated the circle and as the Swindon defenders failed to mark the Cheltenham forward, the slightest of deflections trickled past keeper Sarah Anstey to make the score 2-1 at half time.

In contrast to the first half, Swindon's free flowing game fell apart as Cheltenham began to take control of possession. It was the Swindon defence who were under pressure with Claire Tyas and Claire Sage being kept busy for long periods and in the final minute, an umpiring decision saved Swindon. Cheltenham had originally put the ball in the net only for the umpire to change his decision to a penalty corner which was eventually cleared by Swindon to end the game 2-1.

After the game, player of the match Claire Tyas was relieved "we were really hanging on there at the end. We need to be more resilient when things aren't going our way and learn to retain possession better in their half"

Joint MOM - Linda Brouwers and Claire Tyas