4th December 2023
Report by Grace Gunn.
Cheltenham Town’s very own Una Lue struck the only goal of the game to take all three points away from promotion-pushing side Hashtag United.
A cagey opening 45 minutes saw the sides level at the break, with the hosts, Hashtag, coming close.
With the deadlock yet to be broken, Robiness captain Emily Owen produced a vital goal line clearance just two minutes into the second half.
The resilient Robinesses proved to be too much for the table toppers as Cheltenham left Parkside with all three points.
First Half
It was the hosts, Hashtags, who started bright as their first chance came just two minutes into the first half but a great block from Courtney Jones, saw their opportunity fade away.
Full debutant Ella Pemberton was proving to be too tough to handle for Hashtag as the midfielder battled off two United players, breaking free but a mint shirt couldn’t get on the end of it.
Tom Davies’ side began to grow into the game as Una Lue (pictured) drove down the field, looking to take aim, but United’s defence held off the young scarlet.
Moments later, Lue was through down the wing again but was wiped out in the process, winning a free kick.
Jones sent in the set piece, reaching her defensive counterpart, Owen, but the captain’s attempt was blocked.
Hashtag went close, rattling the cross bar, before Phoebie Poole drove down the field, into the box, but the number nine’s shot was intercepted.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock as the two teams headed in level at half time.
Second Half
A rapid start from Hashtag saw them come within inches of breaking the deadlock but a crucial goal line clearance from Owen, saw the Robinesses stay level.
Just minutes later, Cheltenham went close themselves as Lily Billingham sent a looping ball into Lue, but the striker was met by two yellow and blue shirts, preventing the goal.
The great spell of pressure from the Robinesses paid off as Lue broke the deadlock with just 15 minutes to go with a clinical low driven strike.
Davies’ side didn’t let up there; Allen was just inches away from scoring a second stunner within two games, but her edge of the area strike curled just wide of the post.
Despite the high pressure from the hosts, it was Cheltenham who looked likely to score the next as Lue broke through once again, sending the ball into the substitute Charlie Taylor but the ball rolled just past the number 8.
The resolute defending from the visitors continued as the closing stages saw Owen and Jones prevent Hashtag’s attack from striking on goal.
With just seconds to go, Taylor held off the sea of blue shirts and won a free kick after being brought down.
The Robinesses saw out the final closing stages to secure a massive three points away to league leaders Hashtag United.
Cheltenham return home next week as they host Reading in the third round of the FA Cup.
Cheltenham: Watson, Jones, Llewellyn, Owen, Davies (Collis 62), Buxton (Lewis 71), Pemberton (Ackerman 71), Allen Billingham (Taylor 62), Lue, Poole
