Cheltenham Civil Service Ladies clinched the 2025/26 GFA Women’s Challenge Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory against local rivals City of Gloucester Women at Kayte Lane on Thursday evening.
Jess Brown starred with two impressive goals, while substitute Kaydee Wheeler added a crucial second-half strike to seal the trophy for Maxine Greenwood’s team.
The match kicked off with a statement as Brown scored a stunning long-range lob just two minutes in, putting Cheltenham Civil Service ahead early and setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
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City of Gloucester tried to respond, notably through Lou Norden’s 15th-minute free-kick, but Penny Fletcher, Cheltenham’s goalkeeper, was equal to the task, expertly blocking the attempt and maintaining the lead.
Cheltenham continued to threaten on the break, with Riley forcing a save from City’s Erin Strahan. City’s top scorer Kacie Anderson came close to leveling the score on two occasions around the half-hour mark, but Fletcher’s sharp reflexes and a timely clearance kept the defence intact.
Brown nearly doubled her tally before halftime, but a combined defensive effort from Querene Mbanza and Strahan prevented her from scoring again. The first half ended with Cheltenham holding a narrow but firm 1-0 advantage.
The second half saw Greenwood’s side pressing for a second goal but struggled to convert several promising chances. Riley and Mary-Ann Gittings both tested the City goalkeeper, with Gittings’ shot narrowly forced behind for a corner.
The decisive moment arrived with just over 10 minutes remaining when substitute Kaydee Wheeler capitalized on a by-line cross to slot home from close range, doubling Cheltenham’s lead.
Despite efforts from City to reduce the deficit — including a late shot by Anderson saved by Fletcher — Cheltenham maintained their control.
In stoppage time, Brown sealed her brace, curling in Cheltenham’s third goal and wrapping up the match at 3-0.
Post-match, Manager Maxine Greenwood expressed her pride: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. The girls have been absolutely phenomenal. I’m so proud of them all. City of Gloucester gave us a tough challenge, but the team battled hard against a very strong side. We’ve been following their recent good form closely.”
While celebrating their cup success, Greenwood emphasized the squad’s ongoing goals. Currently topping the Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League Division Two, Cheltenham Civil Service’s main ambition remains promotion back to Division One.
“This cup win is a fantastic bonus,” Greenwood said. “But our primary goal is to win the league and secure promotion. That’s our focus as we prepare for the coming matches.”