Billericay Town 0–5 Cheltenham Town

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The final match of the 2025/26 FA Women’s National League South season at New Lodge was a difficult afternoon for Billericay Town, as they fell to a five-goal defeat against Cheltenham Town. Despite the result, the game saw several debutants from the youth system step up into the first team for the final fixture.

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Cheltenham opened the scoring early, with Clarabella Hall finding the net in the third minute. The scoreline could have been higher early on if not for the performance of Emily Mackler, who produced several outstanding saves to deny the visitors. Billericay looked for a way back into the contest, with captain Abbi Smith coming close with a distant free-kick that flew just over the bar. However, Hall managed to double the advantage before the break, leaving the hosts two goals down at half-time.

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The second half began with an incredible goal-line block from Elizabeth Santiago to keep the Blues in the hunt. As the match progressed, fresh legs were introduced, including the addition of Tecia Ledwidge and Shardonna’e Kekere Ekun. Mackler continued her impressive display, pulling off a series of reflex stops and tipping a dangerous shot over the bar to frustrate the Cheltenham attack.

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The visitors' pressure eventually paid dividends in the final fifteen minutes. Hall completed her hat-trick in the 75th minute and added a fourth eight minutes later. Millie Pullen then added a fifth goal shortly after. Billericay almost grabbed a late consolation through Kekere Ekun, but her effort was well saved by the Cheltenham keeper.

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While the loss confirms Billericay's relegation to Division One South East for the coming season, there were positive signs for the future. Darcie Drewitt and Mollie Roskilly both made their starting debuts and performed well, while the matchday squad featured six players from the U23s, highlighting the club's commitment to developing young talent even in challenging circumstances.