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Cheltenham Town Ladies league season comes to an end as tiers three to six of the Women’s Football Pyramid are curtailed with immediate effect

The FA announced that the seasons for all teams in tiers three to six will come to and end, with the leagues being declared incomplete with no relegation or promotion to take place.

Cheltenham Town have enjoyed a positive 2020/21 season, despite the interruptions from COVID-19. The Robinesses currently sit sixth in Division One South West and whilst they didn’t have to worry about relegation, there will be disappointment now that they can’t push for a top three finish.

Head of media at Cheltenham, Dan Lodge said: “It’s unfortunate but I understand the decision. The health and safety for everyone must be paramount, especially in amateur sport where we all go to work the next day.

“In an ideal situation we’d be fine to somehow continue on, but a global pandemic is the polar opposite of an ideal situation, so while it might be frustrating, the decision comes following consultation with all the relevant clubs, and has been made with the best intentions in mind.”

With sport being allowed to return from March 29 it’s a bitter blow to both coaches and staff, that they now don’t have any league football to look forward to, but Cheltenham still have match opportunities on the horizon.

“The door is still open for clubs to get promoted via an application system, and the FA did encourage teams to provide chances to play, so there is a chance we might see friendly games taking place instead of league games,” Lodge said.

“That said, our focus right now is on the FA Cup game against Portsmouth on April 4.”

The upcoming tie against Portsmouth is set to be one of the most exciting fixtures in the club’s history, with a mouth watering clash with Arsenal on the horizon if the Robinesses can successfully navigate their way through the next two rounds.

The match against Portsmouth is set to be played in Havant with kick-off at two o’clock.

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