Leyton Orient women made it through to the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history on Sunday courtesy of a 1-0 win away at Cheltenham Town.

Ellie Stenning scored the only goal of the game in the second half to ensure passage for the O’s, with Portsmouth now awaiting them in the next round.

Three changes were made by Chris Brayford from the side that beat Kent Football United in the week as Ria Collins, Pinja Piira and Allison McCann replaced Cheryl Anderson, Egle Trezzi and Lisa Holmback.

Orient were the first to threaten and they had the ball in the net after 16 minutes, but Sophie Le Marchand’s effort was ruled out by the assistant referee.

Stenning then dragged an effort wide of the target and saw a curling effort fly just past the post as the O’s continued to force the issue.

Cheltenham’s first attempt of any real note came just before the break as Kerry Bartlett found space inside the box, but goalkeeper Latoya Smith got her fingers to the effort to keep the scores level.

Despite the hosts enjoying the better start to the second period, it was Orient who took the lead just after the hour mark when Le Marchand and McCann both had efforts kept out by the keeper, but Stenning was on hand to prod in the rebound.

Bartlett had an opportunity to draw Cheltenham level, but Leyre Bastyr did just enough to put her off and send the shot off target.

The single goal proved to be enough for Orient in the end, though, and they can celebrate their achievement of reaching round two for the first time.