Cheltenham Town Women continued their impressive run with a commanding 4-0 win over Exeter City Women, a performance their manager Tom Davies described as “emphatic.” This victory marks their second consecutive win, showcasing the team’s growing confidence and quality.
“To come here and deliver such a statement win, in the manner we did, is truly emphatic and highlights why we maintain such high standards in training. I’m really pleased; it’s a perfect way to close out the year,” said Davies.
Although Exeter put up a spirited fight in the first half, at times putting Cheltenham on the back foot, a resilient defensive display from the Robins turned the tide. The breakthrough came from Una Lue, who showcased her speed and precision after capitalizing on a well-placed through ball, calmly slotting the ball past Exeter goalkeeper Olivia Giles from distance.
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Barely a minute later, Cheltenham doubled their lead when Clarabella Hall cleverly flicked a high-bouncing ball over the goalkeeper, adding to Exeter’s woes. A disallowed goal for a foul on Giles did little to deter Cheltenham’s momentum, as Lue struck again to complete her brace, finishing once more in a composed one-on-one situation.
Returning to the touchline after serving a two-game ban, Davies was quick to credit his players and staff for the victory. “I’m thrilled for the entire squad and staff—it’s their achievement. I’m just excited to be part of it,” he commented.
The win propels Cheltenham to 19 points, reaching this tally in significantly fewer games than last season. Davies attributes this progress to tactical improvements: “We’ve sharpened our clinical edge, fortified our defense, and refined our attack. The recruitment has paid off.”
Lue capped off her remarkable performance by scoring the sole goal of the second half, calmly lobbing the keeper following a defensive lapse by Exeter. “She’s a fantastic talent and a great person,” Davies praised. “Her goal-scoring is no surprise; we see her skill every day in training. It’s about positioning her where she can make the most impact.”
With back-to-back victories to close 2025, Cheltenham prepares for their New Year’s clash against Real Bedford on January 4. Holding fifth place and just seven points shy of the top spot, the Robins are optimistic but cautious.
“Our goal is safety first, and we’re close to achieving that. Beyond that, we aim to collect as many points as possible, continue developing our players, and enjoy the journey,” Davies said.
The club enters the festive period with renewed optimism, a sentiment echoed by Davies: “I’m really pleased; it’s a perfect way to end the year.”
Exeter City Starting XI: Giles; Poole (Slocomb 57), Seaman, Jackson (Durrant 57), Toogood; Pollock, Baker (Ireland 71), Burridge (Sandland 91); Zuurmond, Stacey, Gillies.
Cheltenham Town Starting XI: Haynes; Salisbury-Williams (Ellis 84), Jones (Norman 78), Owen, Llewelyn; Arnott (Brittain 45), Trinci (Bell 69), Evans, Curtis (Newns 90); Hall, Lue.