Men's 1s -vs- Robinsons

13 December 2008

3 - 4

Cheltenham travelled to Bristol looking to play themselves out of their mid season mini slump against Robinsons, themselves seeking revenge for two early season defeats and it was the hosts who started the quicker of the two sides.

Mike Pierce was called into action in the opening few minutes to clear off the line but from the next attack Cheltenham fell one behind after a combination of good attacking play and some slack marking. Despite the setback, Cheltenham regrouped and captain Jonny Bryan drove into the circle unleashing a fierce backhand shot which canoned in off the inside of the post.

After the goal, Cheltenham controlled the game, passing the ball well across the wet surface with Tom Cole and Tom Glenister dominant in midfield. However, a mistake inside the D allowed Robinsons a free shot and Chelt were again behind against the run of play.

Galvanised by falling behind, Chelt pressed hard for the equaliser, hitting the post twice in the process, before a brilliant ball by Tom Ward found Rich Fynn lurking dangerously on the far post to deflect home. No sooner had they levelled the score, Chelt were behind for the third time in the game after squandering possession cheaply in midfield, allowing Robinsons to drive towards goal where a wayward shot found an unmarked forward to divert in.

A 3-2 half time deficit was hard on Cheltenham and they felt confident of turning the game around. In the early stages of the second half Chelt won a short corner and after the initial shot had been saved Jonny Bryan confidently flicked home the rebound for his second and Cheltenham's third equaliser.

Once more though, Cheltenham couldn't stay on level terms as Robinsons converted a short corner of their own. Cheltenham worked tirelessly for a fourth equaliser but could've fallen further behind had it not been for Giles Rooke in goal. Cheltenham now have four weeks to recharge for an assault on promotion in the new year.

Goal Scorers: Jonny Bryan (2), Richard Fynn

Player of the Match: Jonny Bryan

Ladies 1s Bath Indoor Tournament Report

13 December 2008

Cheltenham Ladies Indoor hockey team travelled to Bath on Saturday for the warm-up tournament to the National League qualifier on Saturday 20th December. The squad built on the experience of last year's indoor campaign and came away undefeated and top of the table.

Cheltenham had a comfortable 3-0 opening victory against Redland with experienced indoor player Rachel Chicken opening the scoring, and Nat Lewis adding a brace.

The second game saw a more even contest with City of Bath giving Cheltenham a scare with an early goal. Chicken and Emma Jones converted their chances for Cheltenham's second victory.

The toughest game saw a well-fought 2-2 draw with Taunton Vale with a rare goal from Daisy Noble and another for Rachel Chicken. Youngster Charlotte Collins in the Cheltenham goal kept her side in the game with a string of fantastic saves.

Cheltenham went in to their last game knowing that only a victory would keep their title hopes alive. The team did not disappoint against Team Bath Buccs with another comfortable 2-0 victory with goals from Gayle Ashby and another for Emma Jones.

Taunton Vale, a national league side last season, lost in their last game to guarantee Cheltenham the tournament victory.

Goal Scorers: Rachel Chicken (3), Emma Jones (2), Nat Lewis (2), Daisy Noble, Gayle Ashby

Player of the Match: Whole Team