Men's 3s -vs- Wotton Under Edge
14 March 2009
7 - 0
After a good start, and a couple of goals, Cheltenham ended the first half having lost some of their structure and commitment, and sitting far too deep. But the half time break seemed to do the job and in the second half the team improved, playing much higher up the pitch and with better shape. Even better, there was a bit of fight and a desire for the ball that had been lacking in the first half. With it came much more possession, particularly in the Wotton half, and goals, with Joe Hammonds completing a hat-trick. 7-0 in the end, and it could have been a few more.
Goal Scorers: Joe Hammonds (3), Rich Ballinger (2), Tim Chapman, Jonny Brayshaw
Player of the Match: Rich Ballinger
Ladies 1s -vs- Lansdown
14 March 2009
1 - 1
Cheltenham were ready to demonstrate their dominance over local rivals Lansdown, for the second time this season. Cheltenham started well, attacking quickly from the off, and pushing Lansdown well back into their own half. Lansdown struggled to cope with the pressure with Lewis, Jefferies and Jaques stretching their defence. Cheltenham were soon rewarded with a short corner for their efforts. This well worked corner saw Emma Jones skilfully place the ball past the static Lansdown keeper. However against the run of play Lansdown scored a dubious equaliser. But Cheltenham maintained the majority of the possession and pressure and were unlucky not to take the lead before half time when a clear flick for a foot on the line was missed, leaving Cheltenham frustrated. The second half saw Girlie of the Game Sophie Whittaker create some fantastic opportunities for Cheltenham to take the lead but none materialised. Some more questionable umpiring made Cheltenham increasingly agitated as a penalty flick decision was overturned. Noble playing out of position ensuring that any of Lansdown's rare attacks were dealt with, with relative ease. In the closing minutes Cheltenham's last ditched attempt to claim victory saw hard working Frankie Mayes being denied by the post. The final whistle left Cheltenham bemused as to how they did not gain all three points.
Goal Scorers: Emma Jones
Player of the Match: Sophie Whittaker
Ladies 2s -vs- Colwall and Malvern
14 March 2009
7 - 0
This weekend saw Cheltenham Ladies 2s play host to Colwall and Malvern; a team that they had comprehensively beaten 10-0 earlier in the season. The home side began the match with great confidence, controlling the game with fast flowing, simple hockey, with the ball being passed seamlessly between defence, midfield and attack.
Jo Taylor quickly scored the first goal, from a free hit from Rachel Chicken just outside the circle.
The following goals came in rapid succession, with another two from Jo Taylor, both at close range, slotting the ball home after decent saves from the visitors' keeper. Sophie Jowett added two to the score sheet, both from short corner strikes, one just inside each post. Jo Taylor gave Rachel Chicken a chance to add to Colwall's troubles, slipping the ball left for Chicken to flick it up and past a waiting defender and the keeper. Helen Lord was another worthy goal scorer, this time from a free hit which she slotted inside the right post.
With a squad of only 11, the defence of Cook, Vibart, Tredget and Sutton were strong and worked tirelessly to thwart any rare Colwall breaks, and support the midfield in attack. In the midfield, captain Keating was instrumental, and second team debutante Emma Bevin was the worthy player of the match demonstrating excellent skill, commitment and determination.
Lara Harvey, in goal, also deserves a mention for three key saves during the rout.
Goal Scorers: Taylor (3), Jowett (2), Chicken, Lord
Player of the Match: Emma Bevan
Ladies 3s -vs- Wotton Under Edge
14 March 2009
2 - 4
This was the ladies 3s penultimate match of the season, and although it was a disappointing loss, Cheltenham are still in a safe position, riding high in the league. Despite the home fixture, Cheltenham were billed on a different pitch to normal, which had a big effect on their game. The pitch was slower, and unfortunately play followed suit. There were still some great skills on the pitch, and Cheltenham looked the better team with formation and space, but it just wasn't their day. Going 1-0 up early on in the game thanks to a great strike from Lucy Anderson, the opposition got in 4 more goal before Anderson hammered home her second. Wotton enjoyed some lucky breaks, and despite some close marking from Cheltenham, the goals just slipped through.
Goal Scorers: Lucy Anderson (2)
Player of the Match: Fran Centamore
