Swindon Town

THE Town Ladies travelled to face Charlton Athletic from the Southern Premier League in the Determining Round of the FA Women’s League Cup and were beaten by five goals to two, writes Roger Reeves.

The Town kicked off and got a dream start. Beth Thompson worked her way down the Town right before laying the ball onto Chyna Collings. Her chip into the box was headed in by Sarah Uzzell. The time on the clock was just thirty seconds. The home side pressed but in the 11th minute a long ball out of defence by Laura Morgan put Beth Thompson clear to put the Town further ahead.

Charlton pushed forward and, following a goalmouth scramble Gemma, Shepherd reduced the Town’s lead. Kit Graham tested Town 'keeper Robyn Levett from the edge of the area but the Town’s defence was holding firm to restrict the home side to few chances.

Straight from the start of the second half Kit Graham forced Robyn Levett to make a fine diving save but the Town 'keeper was beaten in the 52nd minute when she saved from Gemma Shepherd and as the ball rolled towards the goal she scooped it clear but the Assistant Referee adjudged that it had cross the line.

At the other end a Michelle Rich shot from 30 yards hit the Charlton cross bar and then Sarah Uzzell found herself in a good position but Charlton 'keeper Megan Lynch held her shot. Charlton were enjoying more of the play but a Michelle Rich corner fell to Chyna Collings whose shot rebounded off the post.  In the 70th minute Charlton's possession was rewarded when Gemma Shepherd scored with a low drive and two minutes later, Kit Graham added another. T

he Town battled to the end despite having several players carrying knocks and all three substitutions made. With the game into added time Kit Graham completed her hat trick when she turned in Clare Rogers’ cross to take the home side's tally to five.

The Town will now play in the Plate Competition.