Some Olivia Mitcham heroics saw Worcester City Women claim their first win of the season over Cheltenham Town.
Mitcham's 69th minute goal at Sixways saw Worcester secure the 1-0 victory, and advance to the next round of the FA Women's National League Cup on Thursday (August 29) evening.
Cheltenham Town were faster out of the blocks, but were unable to find the net despite several decent efforts, stifled by City's stubborn defence, and some outstanding stops by goalkeeper Kirsty Bridgwater.
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Eventually confidence began to build for City, as Jess Bate and Annie Sime combined with a few 1-2s that got Robins hearts racing.
City began heaping the pressure on the Cheltenham defence, as both Mitcham and Chloe Bellamy began winning possession and firing balls forward.
Yet the best opportunity of the first half went to Cheltenham number nine Connie Pengelly, who manoeuvred shrewdly into the Worcester box before only being thwarted by the post.
The Robins kept their feet on the gas in the second half, hitting the woodwork once again just two minutes after the break.
City withstood Cheltenham's onslaught, with Bridgwater remaining steadfast between the posts as she collected long-range efforts with ease.
In the 55th minute City had their best opportunity of the clash, with Bridgwater's clearing punch setting the foundation for a counterattack which saw Jess Fassnidge put the ball marginally wide of the post.
Teenager Jacqueline Corazza was brought onto the pitch for City in the 65th minute, who injected some much-needed attacking punch.
Only four minutes later, Mitcham came to the fore and floated a ball over the Cheltenham goalkeeper’s head and off the post into the net to break the dead lock.
The goal gave Worcester a boost, with Corazza showcasing some flair with a stunning flick opening up space for a chance for the oncoming Bellamy.
With the final whistle nearing Cheltenham started mounting the pressure, but were once again thwarted by the swift Bridgwater, who denied the Robins with a low parry, which was sent out for a corner.
Player of the match Bridgwater claimed the following corner, following which the referee blew the final whistle, confirming City's advance to the next round.
Worcester will now turn their focus to Sunday (September 1), when a home clash with Lincoln United awaits.
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