Men's 3s -vs- Lydney
21 February 2009
2 - 0
The first half saw a skilful but slightly lacklustre Cheltenham struggle to either create any quality chances or make the most of a string of short corners. In the second half the tempo and commitment lifted and a few good moves finally started to break down the Lydney defence, which lead to more chances. It was ultimately fast, accurate passing and speed of break that brought a good goal from Tristan Gardner and, as a final flourish, set up Rich Ballinger for an outstanding run into the D and neat finish. Overall, a tough game and an impressively gritty performance, particularly from the back 4.
Goal Scorers: Tristan Gardner, Rich Ballinger
Player of the Match: Alec Summersgill
Ladies 1s -vs- Sailsbury
21 February 2009
5 - 1
Cheltenham Ladies strengthened their position in the West Premier Division with a 5-1 victory over struggling Salisbury. It was not all plain sailing however, as despite taking an early lead when captain and girlie of the game Gayle Ashby was on the end of an Emma Jones pass to tip in a penalty corner, Salisbury equalised on the stroke of half-time with a penalty corner of their own. Cheltenham started the 2nd half clearly meaning business. The defence was rarely troubled with Gemma Stevens back in the 1st team excelling, Daisy Noble combining attack with defence from right back, Sian Evans calm and controlled at centre back and Corrie Farrell in the Cheltenham goal maintaining concentration and marshalling the defence well despite rarely touching the ball. After some great attacking flair from youngsters Georgie Jefferies and Laura Jaques, the breakthrough came when Justine Naylor broke through the Salisbury defence and slammed the ball home in style. Cheltenham quickly made it 3 when Fi Maffey's long ball from defence was swept home by Nat Lewis. Naylor added another with a coolly converted penalty stroke and Kim Cook made the score-line more reflective of the game when she broke from right back and nutmegged the keeper.
Goal Scorers: Ashby, Naylor (2), Lewis, Cook
Player of the Match: Gayle Ashby
Ladies 2s -vs- Newent
21 February 2009
2 - 0
Cheltenham faced a tough battle this weekend, playing Newent who are currently 2nd in the league. Cheltenham came out strong from the start, with the midfield creating some excellent goal opportunities early on in the game. Sophie Whittaker slotted away the first goal after 15 minutes from a break away in midfield, creating a one-on-one opportunity with the goal keeper. Newent had a few scoring opportunities within the 1st half but Cheltenham's defence worked together to keep them out of the game, with a few crucial saves from goalkeeper Lara Harvey. Cheltenham had a number of shots on goal that were created from some fanaticise midfield play, Sophie Whittaker claimed her 2nd goal from a deflection just before the end of the 1st half. Newent came back strong in the 2nd half, determined to put a goal away but Angie Pearce and Emma Dunn worked extremely well at the back to keep them out of Cheltenham's 25. Cheltenham were strong throughout the game and worked extremely well as a unit this week.
Goal Scorers: Sophie Whittaker (2)
Player of the Match: Lara Harvey
Ladies 3s -vs- Lansdown 3s
21 February 2009
5 - 0
It took Cheltenham Ladies 3s a while to break the goal silence, and the score remained at 1-0 throughout the first half, but after half time the girls picked up the pace to finish 5-0 winners. The opposition gave Cheltenham lots of space, and the defence and midfield capitalised on this by playing switching hockey. Skilful stick work from Sarah Dale won her man of the match, as she outpaced the opposition and outskilled them in the D. A great team performance.
Goal Scorers: Vanessa Burton, Fran Centamore, Steph Richardson, Cat Drum, Becci Brown
Player of the Match: Sarah Dale
Ladies 3s -vs- Shipton Oliffe
22 February 2009
9 - 0
What a match! The pace was slow to begin win, and Cheltenham suffered some poor tackles, one resulting in Fran Centamore losing a tooth. However Cheltenham kept their composure, and after half time the goal flurry began. Rachel Smith put away 5 of the goals by getting on the end of well positioned balls in the D to fire them home. Some excellent short corner strikes from January Vibart were rewarded with two goals. Becci Brown got another goal from a short corner by sweeping it into the backboard from under the keepers pads. Great reactions were the key to all goals, with Jemma Jones being rewarded for her great running and skills on the ball to put one of the 9 goals away. The defence did a super job throughout the game, feeding the ball through to the midfield and forwards. This result puts the Ladies 3s into 3rd place in the table.
Goal Scorers: Rachel Smith (5), January Vibart (2), Becci Brown, Jemma Jones
Player of the Match: Rachel Smith
