Men's 1s -vs- Devizes
15 November 2008
2 - 4
Cheltenham suffered their first league defeat of the season following a horror 10 minute spell in the 1st half, after which Cheltenham found themselves 3-0 down at half time. A double sending off of Alex Hay and Tom Glenister added further woe to a miserable 35 minutes, although being down to 9 men woke Cheltenham from their slumber.
The 2nd half was a different game as Cheltenham started to play, putting sustained pressure on the Devizes goal. Don Cock pulled 2 goals back and despite the Devizes keeper being sin binned, Chelt couldn't find an equalizer and conceded a fourth on the break late on.
Goal Scorers: Don Cock (2)
Men's 2s -vs- Somerset Gryphons
15 November 2008
2 - 0
Cheltenham produced their most complete display when they took on Somerset Gryphons. Cheltenham arrived at the ground and after some heavy flirting between John Moore and the elderly receptionist Cheltenham managed to locate the changing rooms, where captain Edwards delivered a comprehensive albeit drawn team talk. The preparation continued without much more of note happening.
The game began as is traditional, at the beginning, this normality posed no problems for Cheltenham as they were quickly into their stride moving the ball around the back at good pace and probing the Gryphons backline like an attentive gigolo. However the first clear opportunity did not fall to Cheltenham as after a slick move Gryphons were awarded a short corner. The Gryphons forward flicked past Purnell however, as increasingly the norm; Woodford was proving more obstinate than our troubled keeper and saved the ball with much aplomb.
Although it appeared to be another hurdle in the passage of the game this moment proved pivotal as Cheltenham proceeded to dominate.
The only rest bite for the Gryphons came when Edwards had a 'Brookes' moment as he was struck down like a solider on the Normandy beaches complaining he had been shot. Normal service was resumed when it was pointed out that rather than taking a hit from ol' Gerry's Karabiner 98k it was in-fact a poorly struck hockey ball. Nevertheless a bemused Moore stepped in at left back.
Some nifty work from Fynn and a smart lay-off from Williams-Ellis led to the inevitable short corner; after a brief discussion common sense prevailed and Richardson struck the short corner. However despite beating the keeper, I would like to say the back board was the recipient of a heavy thud, disappointingly it was not, and it remained all square. A pattern of smart hockey good shots falling agonisingly wide or well saved by the Gryphons keeper continued to the interval. A team talk of an unusual positive nature ensued and Cheltenham were out and at 'em.
The Gryphons had little resistance of a traditional nature left in the second half and proceeded to devise ever more ingenious ways to stop Cheltenham scoring. Unfortunately, for them, breaking point was reached and as Fynn drove into the D and at the keeper 4 Gryphons players decided to halt proceedings. The umpires did not agree that this was fair and just and awarded a penalty stroke, this was sloppily converted by Fynn. Gryphons rallied but the attacks were stopped and Hurcombe proved with the other forwards a useful outlet scurrying at the backline and creating some difficult chances. Amongst this period the umpire took arbitration to Cheltenham's coach and silver fox offering some helpful pointers and a brief interlude was taken for discussion.
On the right Whitfield was proving like Dennis somewhat of a menace and this eventually proved fruitful as after a passing move involving almost the entire team he drove at the base line and pulled the ball back for Hill to convert. This cemented Cheltenham's lead however Gryphons certainly stepped up the tempo but Cheltenham looked composed at the back and the tireless efforts of all saw all attacks displaced with some disdain. Finally Gryphons got a shot off but Purnell proved equal to the task and nonchalantly played the ball away.
Unlike previous weeks Cheltenham remained solid until the end and closed the game out for a victory by two goals including their first clean sheet.
Goal Scorers: Richard Fynn, Chris Hill
Men's 3s -vs- Gloucester City
15 November 2008
4 - 0
The Men's 3s notched up another victory this week to go top of the table. The normal feisty game against Gloucester was a fairly timid affair mainly due to the superior play of Cheltenham. The first twenty minutes was fairly even, although Cheltenham looked more dangerous in the “D”. However it was not until shortly before half time that Cheltenham scored their first goal, closely followed by the second, to go into the break 2-0 ahead. The second half was one way traffic, with two more goals coming through the half. The Gloucester goalkeeper had an excellent game and was the difference between the 4-0 score line and an absolute thumping. A good all round performance, with little for the Cheltenham keeper to do. The defence did not give a short corner away in the whole match. The style of play and understanding in the team is improving week on week. Now that the 3's are at the top of the league, it is a position that they do not intend to relinquish.
Men's 3A's -vs- Winchcombe
15 November 2008
6 - 0
The Men's 3A's had a top of the table clash with Winchcombe this week and ran out 6-1 winners, to go top of the H & G II. A good start was ruined when Winchcombe broke down the right and scored a scrappy goal to go 1-0 up. Cheltenham had most of the ball and quickly drew level, and then went ahead through a Dave Fielding short corner strike. They extended their lead in the first half to go in at the break 3-1 ahead. Cheltenham dominated possession and it was only a matter of time before the lead was extended. Game over - and two more goals followed. A great team performance, but special mention should go to Jonny Brayshaw whose goals and his tireless running always put pressure on the Winchcombe backs resulting in them clearing the ball hastily and gifting the ball to Cheltenham's midfield where Jon Stott also had a good game. Once again, top of the league.
Men's Castlers -vs- Ross on Wye A
15 November 2008
2 - 1
The preparations started badly as Peter Ledger injured his back in warm up, Cheltenham were down to 10. Step in Lee Robson, who kindly started as our stand in striker.
Cheltenham started brightly and took a quick lead, 1-0 up in the first ten mminutes. The remainder of the half was fairly even with good chances being created at both ends. But both goalkeepers stood firm and the first half ended 1-0.
We knew the second half would be tough and one goal would not be enough to secure the points. This proved correct as Ross scored an equalizer early on. The second half followed the same format as the first with chances being created by both sides. It seemed as if it would finish 1-1, that was until Lee Robson scored with the last hit of the match after a cross from the right.
Well done to Cheltenham in gaining their first win of season!
Goal Scorers: Peter Cole, Lee Robson
Player of the Match: Graham Bogle
Ladies 1s -vs- Isca Dragons
15 November 2008
2 - 4
Cheltenham suffered another disappointing loss away to ISCA Dragons. Despite a changed team and unfamiliar water-based pitch, Cheltenham's passing was accurate, but they never quite managed to get into their trademark pacey play. ISCA took their opportunities with an early short corner strike and cross in from the right swept in at the far post. Cheltenham always looked dangerous, and were rewarded when Nat Lewis picked up a loose ball on the top of the ISCA circle, and made no mistake with a hard strike. The game hung in the balance with Cheltenham having the better of the possession and attacking play with Girlie of the Game 15 year-old Frankie Mayes creating chances at left wing, but the Cheltenham attack was unable to beat the ISCA keeper. While pressing for the equaliser, ISCA twice broke late on to make the score 4-1. Nat Lewis scored again on the final whistle for a consolation Cheltenham goal.
Goal Scorers: Nat Lewis (2)
Player of the Match: Frankie Mayes
Ladies 3s -vs- Bourton
15 November 2008
0 - 3
Another late game, and the Cheltenham ladies 3's first disappointing loss for a while. The team simply could not find the back of the opposition's net, and suffered the unfortunate situation in which the whistle was blown too quickly for a short corner which denied them a goal. Cheltenham lost the first half 3-0 due to three successful short corners from the opposition, but drew the second half 0-0, through improved short corner defensive work and marking out key playmakers. Some excellent saves in play won goalkeeper Brown joint player of the match with Stevens. The pitch was slow and this meant weak passes were punished, especially in the opening stages of the game while Cheltenham were settling into the match. The defence controlled the press well, and Cheltenham looked the better team in terms of supporting play and remained positive and united throughout the game. There was a little less running and passes available up the line, due to tight marking, and the starting line up was slightly different to previous weeks, which had an effect on the ladies 3s ability to put goals away and push up the pitch. However the 3s certainly performed well in possession, with great skills demonstrated by Sarah Sutton who also got nominations for player of the match.
Player of the Match: Jenny Brown & Bev Stevens
