24th January 2017
Cheltenham Town Development 2-3 Ilminster Town
It was another frustrating day at the office as Cheltenham Town Development let a 2-1 lead slip go with just 10 minutes left in the game to somehow lose.
The game started very evenly with both teams trying to play passing football but no chances being created. Cheltenham looked strong at the back and the midfield were recycling the ball nicely. The first goal came towards the end of the first half as a good ball over the top by Becca Harris seemed to be a little over hit and coming to nothing. As the Ilminster defender tried to clear the ball though she mistimed her kick and it innocuously found its way in the net going over the goalkeeper’s head.
At half time Cheltenham were forced in to a few positional changes which seemed to disrupt the flow of the team with many players having to swap around. This led to an Ilminster equaliser as they had a good passage of play down the left wing. The subsequent cross found the Ilminster forward in the box who took a touch and finished calmly. Cheltenham responded excellently though and found another gear as they took control once more. They continued to threaten without making any clear cut chances. The goal did come though through Molly Kilpatrick who was played in over the top and she finished sublimely volleying the ball over the keeper’s head.
Ilminster started to push further forward as the second half continued but Cheltenham looked fairly comfortable still and were trying to pass the ball around. The pressure told though as an error at the back led to a tap in for the Ilminster forward. The game looked to be heading for a draw at this stage and with only a few minutes left, Ilminster broke forward. The intended through ball took a big deflection and managed to fortunately fall in to the path of an oncoming Ilminster attacked who finished well to win the game.
Cheltenham will be disappointed they couldn’t hold on for at least a point, as they the very least they deserved but it is another feeling of ‘what, if’ for manager Adam Ryman.
