Cheltenham Town Womens’ Assistant Manager Mike Harris believes having players returning from injury is “crucial” ahead of a relegation clash against Billericay Town on Sunday.
Cheltenham sit just a point above the Blues in the Southern Premier Division, after Billericay were deducted three points after fielding an illegible player against Gwalia.
The side are also boosted by the return of Jess Leach and Abbey Hateley, after the pair missed out beacause of knee a injury and ankle injury, respectively, as well as Issy Newns and Brooke Ellis being available after being cup-tied during the run of cup fixtures.
“It’s so important to us having those players back,” Harris said. “It’s a tough league physically, everyone is giving so much every single game. The quality of football is so high, but the physicality levels are even higher.
“Strength in depth is important for us and something we haven’t had in the last few weeks. Being able to have talented footballers coming off the bench to impact the game is as important as well as the starting XI.
“Having these players back is crucial for us at this stage, Abbey and Jess on their way back and great to have Courtney in the squad too. She’s settled in brilliantly as you’d expect.”
Cheltenham also recently announced the return of Courtney Jones, who played for the club last season and already has 70 appearances for the Robinesses.
CTWFC are pleased to announce the signing of Courtney Jones! 🔴✍️
— Cheltenham Town Women FC (@CTWomenFC) February 1, 2025
Welcome back to Cheltenham! @Courtz_jones84 🔴👏#CTWFC #FAWNL pic.twitter.com/a8cH5uAwkZ
Tom Davies’ side come into the game after a 2-1 defeat to Oxford United last weekend. Libby Bell opened the scoring seven minutes into the game, before a quick-fire double before half time secured three points for the ‘U’s.
Assistant Manager Mike Harris admitted that the club were disappointed not to take three points against Oxford, but the defeat won’t change their approach.
“It felt like we should have got something from the game. We put lots of pressure on them at the end, and in recent weeks we’ve got over the line in those situations.
FULL TIME: We fought to the end, but it’s defeat at Kayte Lane. Onto @BTFCWomen next Sunday.
— Cheltenham Town Women FC (@CTWomenFC) February 2, 2025
🔴CTWFC 1-2 Oxford🟣 #CTWFC #FAWNL pic.twitter.com/mDyaEkyHNH
“It’s not back to the drawing board at all. We did a lot right during the game, but ultimately, we didn’t get any points so we have to review that and have conversations about why that was.”
Earlier in the season, Cheltenham suffered a difficult 2-1 defeat but came close to drawing level after Billericay’s Ylenia Priest was shown a red card.
Reflecting back on that weekend, Harris compared the trip to last weekend’s defeat to Oxford.
“It was a long trip down there and we have no excuses at all for that result. Again, like Oxford last weekend, we should have got something from it.
“We played very well on the day, but that is what this level is all about, those very fine margins. There are some great players on both sides of the pitch.”
“It’s a great place to be at the moment, and hopefully it’s a great result to follow this and get back to winning ways.”
Kick-off at Kayte Lane on Sunday, February 7 is at 2pm.
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