ST NICHOLAS WIN GFA WOMEN’S TROPHY

St Nicholas won the Gloucestershire FA Trophy for the first time in their history when a late Cheryl Baber goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Cheltenham Town in the Final.

Cheltenham had gone into the game as holders, having beaten St Nicholas’ reserve team on a penalty shootout last season. Two of their opponents’ squad - Libby Bell and Natasha Galpin - were hoping to go one better on this occasion.

Cheltenham had the better of the opportunities in the first half, Louise Fensome hitting the side netting with a shot and Ellie Briscoe racing through on goal before shooting straight at Sam Hollis.

St Nicholas grew stronger after the break with the pace and trickery of Baber a constant threat down either flank. Bell and Rhian Robbins both had good efforts which brought out saves from the impressive Bec Panniers.

Cheltenham almost got in as Ella Hitchcox set up Briscoe but Kirsten Prior did well to block. St Nicholas hit back and more good work from Baber saw her cross for Robbins but she miscontrolled with only Panniers to beat and the chance was lost.

Penalties were looming large and cramp was playing its part but with three minutes remaining, Sophie Morgan’s long ball forward released Baber on goal and she kept her cool to slide her shot past Panniers and in off the far post to seal victory for her side.

St Nicholas: Sam Hollis, Adele Hooper, Kirsten Rendall, Jess Werrett, Sophie Morgan, Libby Bell, Rianne Lewis, Kirsten Prior, Rhian Robbins, Cheryl Baber, Sophie Bull. Subs: Danielle Shiner, Natasha Galpin.

Cheltenham Town: Bec Panniers, Suze Berry, Naomi Purvis, Jade Wiltshire, Kayleigh Hateley, Samantha Morris, Jen Brown-Wealls, Sally Butterfield, Louise Fensome, Ella Hitchcox, Ellie Briscoe. Subs: Annabelle Davies, Louise Bull, Charlie Rowlands, Holly Kay, Sarah Walters.