LOWFC Preview: Cheltenham Town (A)

Orient will be looking to reach the Second Round of the F.A Cup for the first time in their history this weekend as they travel to Gloucestershire to take on Cheltenham Town.

Last Time Out

After a hectic October schedule, the O’s had a rare weekend off last weekend which meant that their last match was the 2-1 win over QPR in the previous round of this competition.

Despite falling behind to Millie Cutler’s 7^th minute opener, Chris Brayford’s side secured safe passage to the First Round proper thanks to goals from Ellie Stenning and Otesha Charles.

The margin of victory could have been even greater had it not been for the heroics of Lucie White in the R’s goal, but Orient did well to navigate a nervy final ten minutes and set up this weekend’s tie with Cheltenham.

Opposition View

Cheltenham compete in the same tier of the league pyramid as the O’s and currently sit third in the National League Division One South West.

Other than back to back defeats to Southampton FC and Southampton Women’s, the Robins have been largely impressive this season, winning 7 of the 11 matches they’ve played.

Their most recent game saw them book their place in the First Round in a thrilling encounter last weekend as they defeated Exeter City 4-3. They went into that game in excellent form having inflicted heavy defeats on Poole Town and Brislington in their two games prior.

Cheltenham’s captain Annie Martin bagged a hat-trick in the match against Exeter and is her side’s top scorer this season with 8 goals in 8 appearances. She’ll certainly be one for the O’s defence to keep an eye one on Sunday.

Pre-Match Thoughts

Speaking ahead of the tie, O’s skipper Danielle Griffiths expressed her excitement for this weekend’s clash:

“We are looking forward to competing in the 1st Round of the FA Cup.

It gives us a great opportunity to play and test ourselves against opposition from across the country. Cheltenham play in the equivalent league to us in the South West so it’ll be an interesting East v West encounter!

Here’s hoping there are two Orient teams in the hat for the FA Cup 2nd round come Sunday evening!”

Coming to the Game?

The match takes place this Sunday November 10^th at Petersfield Park, Cheltenham, with kick off scheduled for 1pm.