BASINGSTOKE Town Ladies deserved a point at Cheltenham Town, but in the end went down 2-1 in their Women's Premier League Division One South West encounter.

Town Ladies manager Robert Quilter said: "The game was fairly even in the first half but we dominated the second but couldn't make the most of our chances. They owe a lot to their goalkeeper for the win."

The home side opened the scoring after eight minutes, but the visitors replied from the penalty spot four minutes later.

A hand ball gave Charlie Powell the chance from the spot, which was saved by the legs of the goalkeeper, but Powell put away the rebound.

Cheltenham so nearly re-took the lead a minute later, but her shot hit the post.

Then on the 20 minute mark, Cheltenham took the lead after a long ball over the top of the Basingstoke defence.

Just before the break, the visitors nearly levelled things again, as Helen Ogle was put through on goal by Lindsey Beverley, but her effort was saved.

On the hour mark, a Basingstoke corner saw a goalmouth scramble with several shots being blocked and a suspicion of another handball, which was not given.

With 10 minutes left, another corner saw Beverley fired in from an acute angle, but the Cheltenham goalkeeper tipped the ball past the post.

This Sunday, Basingstoke Town Ladies will be looking for a giant killing in the Hampshire Cup quarter-final tie in southern Hampshire.

The last time these side's clashed was in the final of the same competition last year which Portsmouth won 2-0.