Ladies forced to settle for Brislington draw

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CHELTENHAM Town Ladies failed to reach the high notes of their previous outing and laboured against a resolute Brislington, having to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Having beaten their opponents twice already this season it came as no surprise that Brislington would be keen to avoid becoming three-time losers.

In fact they caught the Robins cold very early on as a well worked cross from their right was headed past the diving Bec Panniers.

Less than two minutes later Cheltenham were on even terms as Sally Butterfield turned in the box and powered a shot into the net.

In sticky conditions both teams tried to play passing football and after a goalmouth scramble on 26 minutes teenager Georgia Brown stabbed the Ladies in front.

The Ladies then had a chance cleared off the line before Brislington equalised with a sweetly-struck free kick given for a fairly innocuous challenge outside the box.

The second half did not live up to the excitement of the opening 45 and as the game wore on it became increasingly likely that the away team had settled for the draw.

Cheltenham had a last effort in the final moments as a strong header from Brown went over the target.

Manager Alex Cheal said: “Having beaten Southampton previously perhaps our players thought this would be an easy win. Brislington proved a tough nut to crack.

“We were missing three defenders today and credit must go to those who stepped in to rather unfamiliar positions. We have reached a double figure points total before the halfway point and I hope we can end the year with a home win next week.”