SWINDON Spitfires progressed through to the first round of the FA Women’s Cup after hanging on to beat Cheltenham Town 3-2 on Sunday.
Hayley Huckin scored two while Ria Salleh netted once in an impressive Spitfires performance, with the two goals the visitors pulled back in the second period making the contest seem closer than it truly was.
Spitfires started the game strongly and had the better of the possession which allowed Sammie Smith and Huckin to get shots away, and although she missed her first attempt Huckin made no mistake second time around as she found the net following a long ball over the top by Debbie Rose.
The hosts pushed hard for a second and came close before the interval when Mel Bristow delivered a good cross only for Emma Skinner to head straight at the keeper.
At the other end the closest Cheltenham came was from a defensive mix up but the final shot fizzed harmlessly across the area and away to safety.
The visitors came out stronger after the break, but were never able to test Kellett, and they were made to pay when Spitfires added a second after 66 minutes when a good delivery from Sammie Smith allowed Huckin to nod home her second of the game.
It should have been three just a few minutes later after Huckin broke free down the left before crossing to the far post where Bristow could only thunder her shot against the bar, and after Spitfires failed to extend their advantage the visitors grabbed one back when Sarah Haden found space to power an effort over Kellett with 15 minutes to go.
The two-goal advantage was quickly restored when Huckin and Emma Skinner fed substitute Salleh to slot home, and although Cheltenham were able to haul themselves to within a goal following a generous-looking penalty, Spitfires were able to hang on and secure a place in round one.
Spitfires were drawn away to Bath-based side Larkhall Athletic in the first round in yesterday’s draw.
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