Cheal’s praise for players after 1-1 draw

CHELTENHAM Town Ladies manager Alex Cheal was full of praise for his players after their best ever season ended with a 1-1 draw away to Larkhall Athletic on Sunday.

He said: “Although it is frustrating not to end end on a winning note we must look at what where we have come from and what this group of players has achieved.”

The Robins started the game well and should have been in front within the first 10 minutes.

Some wayward finishing and good goalkeeping from the experienced Larkhall stopper Nicki O’connell kept the scores level until Annie Martin scored on 28 minutes, taking her tally to 32 for the season in all competitions.

The Robins had further chances to extend their lead but went into the break with the one goal advantage.

The second half started as the first ended with the midfields cancelling each other out and few chances being created.

Cheal introduced his substitutes as he urged his team on for the vital second goal but it was Larkhall that finished stronger.

With just over five minutes to go the Larks equalised when an unmarked midfielder nodded in from a corner to draw level.

There was last minute drama as a handball in the box by a Larkhall defender was missed by the officials and the home team held on for the point.

“Teams now see us a major scalp and clearly raise their game against us,” Cheal said.

“That is a great compliment to the players who this season have played some superb football and in a total of 30 games were only beaten five times and scoring 101 goals in the process.”

The result left Cheltenham third in Women’s National League Division One South West, but Buckland Athletic could go above them if they win their final match against Southampton Saints and Girls and Ladies.