Lewes chase off Cheltenham to gain first league win

A young Cheltenham team started brightly in the afternoon sun, Leo Joyce’s long range effort forcing an early save out of Emily Moore. There wasn’t much separating the two sides until the award of a penalty for an innocuous handball in the 31st minute. Up stepped former Robiness Una Lue to convert a second penalty in as many games.

A muted celebration on the pitch was met by cheers and chants from the 246 in attendance. Less than 5 minutes later Lewes extended their lead after some miscommunication from Cheltenham allowed Scarlett Kagalwala’s through ball to trickle into the net.

Cheltenham fought on in the second half still and their best opportunity to get back into the game came from an error at the back, Moore redeeming herself with a fine save after some poor distribution.

The game was put to bed when goalscorer Lue turned provider with a deep cross which was met by Ella Stephens at the back post. The wingback looked delighted to pick up her first goal for the Rooks and was named the Player of the Match at the final whistle, although it was closely run by Kagalwala.

The 3-0 win was Lewes’ first league win of the season and they will hope to take the momentum of three games unbeaten into a double header of away fixtures against Portsmouth.

A final group game in the League Cup is followed up by a league visit to Fratton Park. Lewes next play at home against Real Bedford on October 11. The date also marks the International Day of the Girl with Lewes planning to celebrate the next generation of women in football.

Lewes manager Emma Byrne said of the win: “Happy with parts of it. We had to dig in for the first 20 minutes.”

When asked what it’ll take to get Lewes to the next level, Byrne responded “Confidence, which is coming.”