Second-half goals cap dominant performance

GOALS from Annie Martin and Annabel Davies in the second half capped off a dominant Cheltenham Town Ladies performance as they beat Larkhall 2-0 at the DN Fire Stadium.

Davies was a last-minute selection after an injury to Ella Hitchcox in the warm-up meant the winger came off the bench to start.

The win moved the Robins to within two points of second-placed Keynsham Town, whose game away at Southampton Saints was postponed.

Fans were allowed free entry if they brought food, with all the food going to Cheltenham Foodbank and the record crowd of 91 saw Cheltenham dominate the first half

Georgia Brown headed over a Martin corner early on before Sally Butterfield came close, but the winger couldn’t find the target and dragged her low shot wide of the ‘keeper’s post.

The best chance of the half fell to Martin, who was played through by Rose Knuckley, but the pacey striker couldn’t lost control of the ball.

Larkhall’s only chance of the half came right at the end and Bec Penniers made a fine save to keep the scores level.

But whatever boss Alex Cheal told them at half-time worked.

The hosts came out and despite the weather being freezing - they managed to produce some hot form in front of goal.

Martin netted her customary goal after Brown’s shot cannoned off the crossbar and rebounded to the striker, who poked into the empty net.

Almost immediately, she turned provider for Davies, who picked up a clever position at the far post and tapped in and the two quick goals stunned Larkhall.

Martin came close to a third with an effort from outside the box, while Larkhall were restricted to few chances - a testament to how well the home side defended.

Cheltenham defender Sam Morris insisted her side never lost belief, despite seeing so many of their chances pass them by in the first-half.

“We knew we were playing well, especially after last week (3-2 loss to Buckland Athletic),” she said.

“We deserved the win, and, perhaps we should have been two or maybe three up in the first-half.”

Amy Leask believes “patience” was what won the match.

“Patience paid off in the end,” Leask said. “We were clinical in the secondhalf. It was a great performance from all of the girls.”