Cheltenham Town Women fell to their fifth league defeat of the season against Exeter City yesterday, with Sarah Stacey scoring in her 100th game for the visitors.

Photo courtesy of Marc Payne Photography
The in form striker sealed her 98th goal for the club, shortly before Half Time, just like she did 11 months ago at Kayte Lane in the Second Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, in a game the Robinesses won 3-2.
Sophie Gillies and Zoe Watkins sealed a 3-0 win for Abbie Britton’s side in the second half, which keeps the Grecians fourth in the Women’s National League Southern Premier, six points off league leaders Hashtag United, with a game in hand.
Despite the defeat, which was their first at home since Sunday September 1, manager Tom Davies was pleased with the performance.
“We moved the ball really well, we were in good spaces, box entries were high. When we settled down, we played some good stuff.
“Em’s (Emily Owen) chance, somehow they’ve managed to keep it out. It was probably the reverse of the FA Cup game. It felt like whatever we did, we knew the outcome of it.”
It was the Robinesses’ second 3-0 defeat in as many weeks, but unlike the Oxford defeat, the performance was much improved on their clash with the U’s at Court Place Farm.
“I thought we were a good side today, goals win games if you’re on good form. Second half, a bit of luck and fortune for them, it’s not going our way at the moment.
“We worked phenomenally hard, so it’s disappointing, but overall i’m pleased. It’s a tough one, tomorrow will be better, and we’ll keep moving forward.” Davies said.
Before Stacey opened the scoring for the visitors, Robinesses keeper Mia Smith produced some great saves to keep the scoreline goalless. Ishbel Zuurmond went close for the visitors but the former Portsmouth shotstopper palmed it away for a corner.
Davies cited that Smith was unlucky to concede three goals, stating, “She’s made first contact with the first two, and the third has took a wicked deflection, so it’s difficult.
“As a team we didn’t deserve what we got today, the majority of them in that dressing room have had a great game today. It’s unfortunate but we move on.”
Davies’ side shift focus to the WNL Plate next Sunday, as Northern Premier side Wolves are the visitors to the home of Bishops Cleeve. Dan McNamara’s side come off a massive 8-0 win over Black Country rivals West Brom, which featured a brace from Tammi George and four goals from Charlotte Greengrass.
“The Plate isn’t the be all and end all in changing our trajectory as a football club, but it’s a competition we want to do well in.
“Wolves are a phenomenal side, we want to compete and make sure we’re doing the right things, if we do it’ll be a close game. We can then take that into Lewes away, and the First Round of the FA Cup.
Despite no league wins since the end of August, Davies is hopeful that positive results are very close. He said, “Once that switches, we’ll be able to go on a run. Even today at 3-0 down, we’re moving the ball round well, Results hurt, but that’s just the way it is.”