Men's 1s -vs- Bath Buccaneers A
11th October 2008
3 - 0
Cheltenham achieved their third consecutive league victory in fine fashion. Bath Buccaneers, who fielded a bare eleven, proved obstinate opposition as they defended strongly throughout. Adroit play from both midfields saw the game locked in an impasse during a fraught first half. Notwithstanding a reasonable number of short corners won by Cheltenham before the break, none were converted owing to commendable goalkeeping. The second moiety was far more eventful. A frenetic pace was maintained for the opening quarter, leaving Bath especially fatigued given their lack of substitutes. Their resilience postponed the inevitable for quite some time, forcing Cheltenham to fight hard for their opening goal. Tom Gower was the scorer, making an adept run into the heart of the Bath defence before carefully placing an upright reverse stick shot into the bottom corner. What followed was a lengthy period of counter attacks, as the losing team sought their equaliser against an impermeable defence. A panoply of saves from Giles Rooke ensured that Cheltenham kept their lead during the onslaught. Alex Hay's assiduity produced the sealing goals; in both cases he played an assist to the otherwise quiet Robert Cullimore. The second goal of the game was taken round the keeper and flicked into the net, whilst the third was created by Hay's intricate run and selfless pass that yielded a free shot for Cullimore. The well-umpired and generally good spirited contest was brought to a close with both teams having shown tremendous brio. Ultimately it was Cheltenham who were able to capitalise, demonstrating an astute set of tactics that continue to pay dividends.
Goal Scorers: Tom Gower, Robert Cullimore (2)
Player of the Match: Robert Cullimore
Men's 2s -vs- Cirencester
11th October 2008
5 - 6
Cheltenham A were unlucky in their quest for further points in North Division 1. They were narrowly beaten by a well organised and physical Cirencester side. Cheltenham dominated the opening period and Chris Hill should have scored when the goal was at his mercy after some good work from the Cheltenham midfield. But is was Cirencester who scored first against the run of play. Cheltenham then equalised through a well worked short corner which was finished smartly by Giles Smith who drag-flicked the ball low into the goal leaving the goal keeper with no chance. Cheltenham then followed up with another short corner which was finished by Ollie Clayton who sent a thunderous drag flick into the top left hand corner. Cirencester equalised through a good passing move and then took the lead after a goalmouth scramble with Purnell in the Cheltenham goal saving the ball twice, but he was unable to prevent the third attempt from entering the goal. Cirencester then extended their lead after halftime with a well struck short corner giving them a 4 - 2 lead. Cheltenham responded by changing the formation to bolster the midfield and were rewarded with a goal, following good passing and vision from Lewis and Brookes in the centre of midfield, Smith slotted the ball home from close range. Cirencester then pushed forward looking for more goals, but the Cheltenham defence stood firm with good performances from Woodford, Edwards, Brookes and Lewis.
Evans had the vision to play a defence splitting ball from 25 to 25 which was received by Smith with his back to goal. Showing great skill and an extreme turn of pace Smith pushed his way passed his man and rounded two others before coolly firing the ball into the roof of the net. With the game level the hockey was end-to-end, but Cirencester took the lead again, with a well struck short corner. Cirencester were reduced to 10 men and Cheltenham jumped on this, and through a high press inside the Cirencester 25 equalised when the ball broke to Chris Hill who calmly placed the ball low to the keepers right. With the game at 5-all Cheltenham pressed their advantage, but not wanting an easy finished were then reduced to 10 men as well when Hammonds was yellow carded from the bench. With the game heading for a draw Cirencester broke passed the Cheltenham midfield and with a man advantage pushed through the defence and rounded Purnell in the Cheltenham goal to score just before the full time whistle.
Goal Scorers: Giles Smith (3), Oliver Clayton, Chris Hill
Player of the Match: Giles Smith
Men's Castlers -vs- Cirencester C
11th October 2008
1 - 2
The Men's Castlers enjoyed a thriller of a game against Cirencester C this weekend, narrowly losing by 2 goals to 1. The Castlers converted a last minute goal, however this proved not enough for the strong opposition, who were 2 goals ahead; one scored early in the first half and the other late into the second half by Cirencester C. The Castlers felt that they should have got more out of the game at times, however things just didn't fall their way; with several shots that were saved and a couple going wide of the target. The Castlers never gave up as a team and finally got a goal at the end of the match. If this had come a little earlier, the feeling was that the match could have been drawn, or maybe even won. However the opposition were a strong team and the Castlers were rightly pleased with some aspects of their game.
Goal Scorers: Pete (aka Pedro)
Player of the Match: Pedro
Ladies 1s -vs- Firebrands 2
11th October 2008
3 - 2
For the second week running, Cheltenham showed great fighting spirit to gain a result in the last few minutes of the game. Cheltenham dominated the first half against newly promoted Firebrands 2 and were rewarded with 2 open play goals in the first half - the first swept in at the far post by Emma Jones, and the second scored by Nat Lewis after a flowing attacking move. The second half was a reverse of the first, with Cheltenham under constant pressure and Firebrands bringing the score back to 2-2. With less than 2 minutes to go, an injury time-out gave Cheltenham the chance to regroup. Upon the re-start, Cheltenham's forwards got the ball quickly into the Firebrands' circle and after a barrage of shots saved by the Firebrands keeper, the ball broke to Emma Jones who made no mistake from a tight angle. This win leaves Cheltenham 6th in the West Premier League.
Goal Scorers: Emma Jones (2), Nat Lewis
Player of the Match: V Illage
Ladies 2s -vs- Marlborough
11th October 2008
4 - 1
Cheltenham made a positive start to the game, with lots of attacking play in Marlborough's defending half, however, within the first 5 minutes Marlborough got a lucky break-away, allowing Gemma Taylor a successful shot on goal. 1-0 to Marlborough. Cheltenham held up strong, fighting back hard and keeping the majority of possession. A well placed pass from Rachel Chicken at the top of the 'D' found Vanessa Burton who slotted the ball in, getting Cheltenham on the score sheet. 1-1. Marlborough kept their heads up and tried to press Cheltenham's attack but with some great transfers round the back four, switching the play. With some strong passing from Cheltenham's midfield, Cheltenham dominated. This proved too much for Marlborough's defence allowing Karen Keating the opportunity to drive the ball through to Ellie McNulty on the penalty spot, who slotted the ball into the back of the goal with ease. Cheltenham 2-1 up. Marlborough soldiered on but not long after her last shot, a repeat performance by Ellie McNulty got her a second goal. Cheltenham 3-1 up. Still hungry for more, Cheltenham pushed on through. Some excellent driving by the midfield and good runs by Fran Centamore and Sophie Jowett provided yet more opportunities for Cheltenham to attack. Several shots on goal later and Louisa Dowsett made a sprint for the back post, deflecting the ball into the back of the goal, giving Cheltenham a 4-1 lead. Marlborough tried to force the play into their attacking half but anytime Cheltenham lost the ball they tracked back excellently, regaining possession and never giving the home side the chance to get the break away they needed. Cheltenham proved too strong for Marlborough, and the game ended with Cheltenham's second victory of the season.
Squad: Lara Harvey, Fiona Maffey, Simone Williams, Lucy Howell, Isobel Shale, Hannah Tredgett, Karen Keating, Sophie Jowett, Rachel Chicken, Francesca Centamore, Louisa Dowsett, Ellie McNulty and Vanessa Burton.
Goal Scorers: Vanessa Burton, Ellie McNulty (2), Louisa Dowsett
Player of the Match: Vanessa Burton
Ladies 3s -vs- Ross-on-Wye
11th October 2008
2 - 1
This was an excellent win under some tough circumstances - only 11 players and Sahara-like heat!. Everyone worked extremely hard, especially considering that due to an unexpected loss of players, the formation was changed at the last minute to 4-4-2, thanks to Graham's advice. This enabled solid defending with great work from Gail and Sarah D and some fabulous attacks on goal which paid off with a flurry of short corners and even a penalty flick at one stage, which Jemma Jones converted. It was a tiring game, but the result truly reflected the skill and team work demonstrated on the pitch. The solid team performance meant that no single player was chosen as player of the match, because everyone worked so well together and fought so hard, as the team were cheered on to victory from great home crowd support.
Goal Scorers: Cat Drum, Jemma Jones
Player of the Match: Everyone!
