Mens 1s -vs- Bristol University
24 October 2009
5 - 1
On Saturday the 24th of October Cheltenham Men's 1XI took on a Bristol University side with an outstanding attacking record, scoring 8 goals in their last match. With Cheltenham's current form the game promised to be a real firecracker and one for the spectators.
Fortress Balcarras has held strong thus far this season and from the off it was clear to see Cheltenham weren't in any mood for this to change. The initial exchanges saw both teams playing at 100 mph with some crunching tackles coming in from the Cheltenham's defence in response to some typically student style hockey. 'Pricey' covered his defensive channel with habitual British grit reminiscent of the WW2 'Home-Guard'. Backed up by the 'larger then life' pairing of Gareth Lewis and Alex Fateh Cheltenham formulated a strong platform from which the mid-field and forwards could attack off. This eventually saw Cheltenham go 2-0 up within 15 minuets thanks to a Fateh 'lob' and Paddle slice! Cheltenham then finished the half with mixed emotions after seeing 'The Gazell' score the games third goal, before taking their foot off the gas and letting Bristol Uni score their first goal of the game through what can only be described as festival style hockey.
However, Bristol followed up their first half 'life-line' early in the second with a short corner routine, which saw the ball trickle past the exasperated dive of 'Spice Rack' Rooke. As promised the game started to open up with chances falling to both teams to the delight of on-lookers. Nevertheless, Cheltenham where stead-fast in their approach to the game, and after some fragmented passages of play Cheltenham stepped up to the mark with a 30 yard cross by the 'Holy Spirit' Paddle which screamed, 'Get on the end of me.' Hay happily obliged. The win was then cemented as one of the Cheltenham players scored the games fifth and final goal; 5-1 as Cheltenham marches on to National League hockey.
This week special mention goes to Mike Price following a commendation from a former G.B and England International who watched Saturday's Game. Additionally, to some person who score another hat-trick (boring!!) and finally, to James Foster who still managed to put in a good performance despite missing his other half and quote, 'soul mate'. Well done James and to the rest of the Men's 1XI.......5 and 0!
Goal Scorers: Alex Fateh, Alex Hay (3), Simon Padley
Player of the Match: Mike Price
Ladies 1s -vs- Taunton Vale
24 October 2009
0 - 1
Cheltenham ladies came out strong from the start of the game, showing Taunton that they meant business despite results from previous weeks. Taunton demonstrated a well organised midfield and attacking side throughout the game but player of the match and goal keeper Lara Harvey, along with a strong defence in front of her, kept Cheltenham in the game.
Within the first half Cheltenham showed some strong attacking play, and created from some excellent midfield chances from Gemma Stevens and Lorna Bowman, thus resulting in Cheltenham being rewarded a number of short corners that were unfortunately not converted.
Taunton broke through the strong defensive side within the last 10 minutes of the first half, resulting in a goal. Despite this set back Cheltenham came fighting back in the second half showing determination and spirit, again resulting in a near miss from forward Emma Jones.
Player of the Match: Lara Harvey
Ladies 1s -vs- Buckingham
25 October 2009
1 - 4
Cheltenham Ladies 1st team hosted National League team Buckingham Ladies 1s in the last 32 of the England Women's Hockey Cup, that proved to be an intense meeting with a total of 7 cards being shown in all. Cheltenham was well supported on the sideline and started with conviction, earning a short corner in the first 5 minutes that was narrowly missed. The first half was end to end attacking play but it was Buckingham who took their chances and went ahead with a well executed short corner to make it 1-0. Cheltenham remained in the game with some excellent defending from captain Gemma Stevens and full back Fiona Maffey, and their hard work paid off when they were awarded a flick from a short corner shot being saved on the line from a Buckingham defenders foot. Kim Cook was able to put the ball convincingly in the back of the net to draw level. Cheltenham continued to work hard as a unit and Rachel Owen was desperately unlucky to have a shot off another short corner disallowed, with the umpire deciding that the ball was stuck outside the 'D'. Buckingham managed to nick two more goals off rebounds from short corners before the whistle to make it 1-3 at the break.
Cheltenham came out hard again in the second half with some skillful play in the centre of the field by midfielders Lorna Bowman, January Camp and player of the match Therese DeSouza, and earned a handful of short corners. Buckingham defended relentlessly and managed to save four shots from set pieces on the goal line. Both teams were tiring and making mistakes that led to 2 players on either side being sin-binned. A Buckingham forward showed her skills off at the end of the game with a well taken goal to make the final score 1-4 in an exciting and encouraging game for Cheltenham that on another meeting could have gone Cheltenham's way.
Goal Scorers: Kim Cook
Player of the Match: Therese DeSouza
