WCWFC 1-0 Cheltenham Town
WCWFC Starting Line Up
A midweek cup clash with Tier 3 side Cheltenham Town resulted in a first win of the 24/25 season for Worcester City. The game started relatively slowly with neither side having any significant chances. On the times that Cheltenham managed to get forward, the City defence stood solid making some important challenges and Kirsty Bridgwater making several strong saves.
When City did win the ball, however, they seemed composed, with Jess Bate and Annie Sime combining with a few nice 1-2s on several occasions. As the half progressed, City began to ask more questions of the Cheltenham defence with both Chloe Bellamy and Olivia Mitcham winning the ball around the halfway line and putting searching balls forward. The best chance of the half however fell to Cheltenham number 9 Pengelly, as she twisted nicely in the Worcester box and saw her effort glance off the post.
Cheltenham came out strongly in the second half, hitting the post only two minutes after the break. Despite some sustained heavy pressure from the Cheltenham front line, City still stood firm with Bridgwater collecting long-range efforts with ease. Even with Cheltenham having increasingly frequent spells in the City box, the defence stood strong. In the 55th minute, City had arguably one of their best chances of the game to date, with Bridgwater's punch sparking a counterattack which Jess Fassnidge just put wide of the post.
The game continued to remain even, with neither side coming too close, barring a few long-range efforts. The 65th minute saw City make their first change of the match with teenager Jacqueline Corazza coming on for Holly Rogers. This attacking substitution further inspired the City front line and only four minutes later Mitcham floated a ball over the Cheltenham keeper’s head and off the post, to put City 1-0 up in this cup tie. This goal doubtlessly bolstered City’s confidence going forward with Mitcham then earning a corner despite pressure from several Cheltenham defenders. As we moved into the 80th minute, both Sophie Griffiths and Shona Baldwin came on for Fassnidge and Millie Robinson.
Corazza demonstrated her flair going forward with an outrageous flick opening up space which she then used to put a lovely ball through for the oncoming Bellamy. As we entered the closing stages of the game, City’s focus shifted to protecting their lead with Lindsey Jones coming on for Bate in defence. With only mere minutes left of the game, Cheltenham mounted another attack which Bridgwater had to get low quickly to deny. Moments after Bridgwater claimed the ensuing corner, the referee blew the final whistle giving City the win and ensuring that we progress to the next round of the FA Women’s National League Cup.
After tonight sees us claim our first win of the campaign, our focus now shifts to Sunday when we face Lincoln United at Sixways.