FA Cup: Cheltenham Town Match Preview

Cardiff City Ladies will mark the start of a new era in the club’s history when they welcome Cheltenham Town Ladies to Spytty Park on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick off).

The Dragons will be playing at the stadium for the first time when The Robinesses make the short trip over the Severn estuary for a Women’s FA Cup first round tie.

‘City will be hoping to replicate last season’s success in the competition, when they reached the 5th round before bowing out to championship side Lewes. 

Opposition Focus

The sides will be meeting for the second time already this season after a 2-2 draw in the league back in September.

Chloe Lloyd’s second half equaliser ensured that ‘City came from behind to secure an important away point at Bishop Cleeve’s Kayte Lane ground.

The Robinesses have made a steady start to their FAWNL Southern Premier campaign, sitting in 7th place with three wins and two draws from their opening ten games.

Cheltenham’s squad features a strong Welsh contingent, including former Liverpool, Manchester City, Reading and Aston Villa forward Natasha Harding. 

The 100-time former Wales international made her senior debut with Cardiff City in 2007 before going on to make over 150 WSL appearances. She announced her retirement from professional football earlier this year, before making her Cheltenham debut against Oxford United last month.  

New Surroundings 

Spytty Park will see FA Cup football for the first time in 12 years this weekend as the Dragons take to the field there for the first time.

The stadium last hosted the competition in November 2011 when previous tenants Newport County played Shrewsbury Town in front of a crowd of 2,362.

The 5,000 capacity stadium was County’s home from 1994-2012 and has since hosted Wales women’s and age grade internationals. 

Address: 

Newport Stadium

Stadium Way

Newport

NP19 4PT

Form guide

The visitors come into the game unbeaten since the middle of October, while ‘City will be looking for a reaction after two consecutive league defeats. 

Last 5:

Cardiff City – WWDLL

Cheltenham Town – LLLWD

Tickets

 Just £5 for adults and free for Under 16s, click the below button to book your tickets:

How to follow 

For supporters who cannot make it to Spytty Park, game updates will be available across our social media pages.

Twitter/X – @CardiffCityLFC

Instagram – @cardiffcitylfc