Levett is the hero as Ladies make progress after penalty drama

ROBYN Levett was the hero for Cheltenham Town as the Robins won a Vitality Women’s FA Cup first round epic against Exeter City on penalties.

Two hours of gripping football could not separate the sides at the Hub and with the contest locked at 1-1 after extra-time, Levett’s decisive save helped Cheltenham hold their nerve and battle into round two.

The visitors, who play alongside Exeter in Division One South West of the FA Women’s National League, took the lead after 33 minutes when Billie Haynes finished off a fluent passing move to put Cheltenham in front.

They took their lead into the interval as a see-saw contest unfolded in Devon, with both teams looking to play expansive, free-flowing football with a spot in the second round up for grabs.

Exeter established a real foothold in the game after half-time and forced a brilliant save from Levett, as the hosts’ duo of Hope Suominen and Connie Pengelly linked up well.

They continued to push throughout the second period and eventually got their reward with the final whistle looming when Pengelly was brought down in the box and Abbie Britton coolly slotted home from the spot.

Cheltenham were denied a winner with Abby Bevan scoring what looked like the decisive goal.

But after deliberation with the linesman, it was ruled out for Lauren Kayll’s apparent involvement from an offside position, much to the bemusement of the Cheltenham camp.

Neither side could force a breakthrough in extra-time, so a nervy penalty shootout ensued under the Hub lights.

Both sides scored their first three spot kicks, but a brilliant save from Levett, followed by Anthea Kaptein’s fifth effort hitting the crossbar, sparked jubilant scenes and propelled Cheltenham into round two, where they will be away to Portsmouth.

Manager Tom Davies was “lost for words” on what unfolded on the pitch.

He told the club’s website: “Obviously Exeter are a fantastic side, and it was a fantastic game.

“And everyone who’s come of the pitch has said that.

“A penalty shootout is never the nicest way to win, but it’s difficult when that has to be the situation.

“Ultimately, I’m really proud of the side today. I said before the penalties that I was really proud of our extra time performance.

“The work rate and determination of the side was simply outstanding.

“No matter what could have happened in the penalty shootout, I let the side know how well they played today and we know where we are at as a team.

“It was great to be back and nice to win the penalty shootout.”

Davies’ side now face the task of taking on runaway FA National League Division One South West league leaders Southampton FC at the Big Local Stadium this Sunday (December 20). Kick-off is at 2pm.