Two wonder strikes by Jessica Brown helped Cheltenham Civil Service Ladies win the GFA Women’s Challenge Cup in fine style at Kayte Lane last night.

They defeated City of Gloucester Women 3-0 after going in front almost from the start.

“Jess’ first goal was in the second minute,” said club president Rob Morrison. “It was a great strike from just outside the penalty area.”

The left-footed Brown’s second goal, which was scored in second-half stoppage time, was also special.

“She lifted it over the goalkeeper from 25 yards out,” added Morrison. “The keeper must have been about eight yards off her line.

“Jess plays on the left wing, she’s got a very good left foot.”

Kaydee Wheeler, a first-half substitute, scored Service’s other goal when she got on the end of a good cross to slot home at the far post.

That goal, which came in the 76th minute, was a good moment for Wheeler who is returning to full fitness.

Gemma Riley, too, would have put her name on the scoresheet but for a top save by the goalkeeper Erin Strahan and Morrison said: “It was a real team effort, our goalkeeper Penny Fletcher made one very good save.”

Service have another big game on Sunday when they travel to Newent Town Women in a top-of-the-table Gloucestershire County Women’s League Division Two clash.

Third-placed Newent trail leaders Service by six points but have played two games fewer.

After Sunday, Service will have two league games remaining – at North Bristol Wanderers Women (Saturday 19^th April) and Ellwood Ladies (26^th April) – and Morrison said: “Sunday’s game is very important.”

Second-placed City of Gloucester Women, who have taken four points from Service this season,  trail the leaders by six points but have only one game in hand.

Service have a better goal difference than their two title rivals – 43 compared with City of Gloucester’s 38 and Newent’s 22.

Service beat Newent 2-0 in the league before Christmas.