Both teams have had a poor start to the season, with Cheltenham Saracens having one win in four and Bishops Cleeve losing both of their openers.
This Sunday, it’s ninth vs tenth in Division One of the Gloucestershire County Women’s League as Cheltenham Saracens host Bishops Cleeve, who have been lucky to avoid sitting rock bottom thanks to a Iron Acton points deduction.
Iron Acton have been the one team that Saracens have picked up points against so far this season, courtesy of a 3-1 win on the road with goals from Grace Dyer, Hannah Galpin and Bethany Sullivan.
The hosts’ other three games, however, have been less impressive, as they’ve fallen to defeat to AEK Boco Reserves, Southmead and Bristol and West.
Bishops Cleeve, who won their season opener in the FA Cup against Cirencester before being knocked out by Corsham, have also struggled in the league, losing 7-1 to newcomers Hartpury and 3-1 away to Olveston.
Their only goal scorers in their opening two matches have been Kirsty Richardson and Leigh Mitchell, with the former being missing for the trip to Olveston.
90+1’ | FULL-TIME
— Bishops Cleeve Ladies FC (@cleeveladies_fc) October 5, 2025
A late Leigh Mitchell goal isn’t enough, and we fall to defeat in Olveston. Thank you to all who came along 💚
🟡3-1💚
They’ll no doubt be looking at those two when it comes to goals, as well as star forward Leonie Gough, who impressed greatly in both pre-season and the two FA Cup clashes.
Saracens, on the other hand, have relied on Dyer, Galpin and Sullivan for goals so far this campaign, as well as Sophie Sharpe, who has two to her name.
The last time these two sides faced was back on March 9th of this year, and it resulted in a 3-2 win for the Mitres. Belle Torrington bagged a brace, and Alice Jackson made it three in the 77th minute.
On the scoresheet for Saracens were Sharpe and Leah Rhodes. The latter scored 16 in 19 appearances the season before.
Looking ahead of the derby, Mitres midfielder Molly Winter spoke to us about how she was feeling.
“We’ll have to pull together as a collective to ensure we compete to the standard we know we can.” Winter has played in all four competitive games this season, and now has over 50 Bishops Cleeve appearances on record.
She also added, “Cheltenham Saracens always give us a competitive game… but we know we can produce a good result.”
Despite the two side’s recent performances, anything could happen on Sunday. Derbies seldom take form into account, and players for both Cheltenham Saracens and Bishops Cleeve will know exactly that.
Kick-off is at 2pm at Petersfield Park.
