Men's 3s -vs- Gloucester City C
28 February 2009
5 - 2
After a strong start, with some brilliant fast, simple passing right from the back setting up a few early goals, Cheltenham dropped the pace slightly to allow Gloucester back into the game. However Cheltenham were still able to retain their dominance and hung onto possession for the vast majority of the match. Cheltenham also showed fantastic fight and commitment to weather the short periods where a young but obviously talented Gloucester side put on some pressure. While it was disappointing to concede a couple of soft goals, overall this was probably fair reward for the glimpses Gloucester showed and if Cheltenham had been able to raise the percentages on short corners, this could have been an even more comprehensive victory.
Goal Scorers: Jonny Brayshaw, Rich Ballinger, John Stott, Ben Wright, Tristan Gardner
Player of the Match: John Stott
Ladies 1s -vs- Gloucester City
28 February 2009
1 - 3
Cheltenham were faced with a tough double-header weekend with a local derby match against Gloucester on Saturday and Exe on Sunday; it was never going to be easy. Cheltenham were hesitant without captain Gayle Ashby on the team sheet who was out through illness, but Cheltenham got themselves fired up for a tough match. Despite conceding an early goal to Gloucester, Cheltenham equalised with their first penalty corner tipped in on the right post by top goal scorer Emma Jones. In the second half, Cheltenham suffered another blow when last week's match-winner Naylor got carried off the pitch with a serious knee injury. Gloucester scored twice on the break, taking their chances. Cheltenham tired and with no substitutes found it hard to fight back, once again Gloucester came out on top with a 3-1 win in this local derby.
Goal Scorers: Emma Jones
Player of the Match: Fiona Maffey
Ladies 1s -vs- Exe 2s
1 March 2009
0 - 3
On Sunday against Exe, Cheltenham were lucky to welcome back some familiar faces to the side Rachel Chicken stepped comfortably into midfield, playing a vital role and the ever malleable January Vibart and some fresh legs from Jefferies and Jaques. Exe had the luck on their side when a Lewis' shot was swept off the line after she had beaten the goal keeper. Exe proved to be the stronger team, as Cheltenham struggled to cope with well drilled attacking moves. The team remained strong and carried on fighting. Captain for the weekend Fi Maffey was a stalwart in defence, but Cheltenham had trouble penetrating the Exe goal and went down 3-0.
Ladies 2s -vs- Jaspers
28 February 2009
3 - 2
Cheltenham travelled to Bristol to take on a side that made up for its lack of skill with its tenacity. Jaspers, on paper the weaker side, took the lead against the run of play. This gave Cheltenham a wake up call and shortly afterwards, Jo Taylor scored a great goal from open play. Jaspers did not give up the fight and worked hard to regain the lead following another break away attack. Cheltenham remained calm despite some interesting umpire decisions and "creative" hockey from the opposition. Lou Dowsett levelled the scores for a second time, when she tapped the ball in from the right post, during a well worked short corner routine. Nearing the end of the game, Dowsett scored the winner, following a great run of passing hockey from the visitors. A well fought battle, won for Cheltenham ladies, who stay 3rd in the table.
Goal Scorers: Jo Taylor, Lou Dowsett (2)
Player of the Match: Louisa Dowsett
Ladies 3s -vs- Bourton
28 February 2009
0 - 1
A disappointing loss due to a one-off break from the opposition right at the beginning of the match. Cheltenham certainly looked the better team with greater skill and pace, with Ness Burton being awarded player of the match for once again demonstrating some superb skills.
Player of the Match: Vanessa Burton
