Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cully in Devon Cup Semi's
Alphington 0 - Cully 6
1st Feb 2009
Cully progressed to the semi-finals of the County Cup with a convincing 0-6 win over Alphington. On a bitterly cold day and without a game in 3 weeks it was not a contest the girls were relishing. Alphington started well and were determined to cause a cup upset; however, the girls got into their stride after 20 minutes and soon peppered the Alphington goal with several shots the Alphington keeper denied early chances by Redders (Emma Redwood) , Lola Garcia Sanchez and Rachel Javan. The first goal came after 25mins, although scrappy was deserving of the Cully pressure. Lola was unlucky not to score as her strong shot hit the post and then deflected onto the bar, the re-bound was sent back goalwards and deflected off Lola's heel wrong footing the keeper. Cully kept the pressure on and scored a second soon after when Redders shot deflected off a defenders head into the back of the net.
Rachel and Lola's running up front caused the Alphington defence all sorts of problems and were stretched further by Jess Hooper and Celine Le Boyer on the left and right wings respectively. Alphington fought back and tried to create, mainly through strong midfielder Burwood. However, the back three of Sam, Kerry and Bucky stood firm and shut them out. The first half came to a close with a stunning strike from Redders. Mandy Earle set it up on the edge of the box and the ball flew off Redders right boot into the top corner of the net. The second half saw Cully more settled and they played the ball more to feet with better passing. Mandy Earle kept Burwood quiet in the the middle and Cully stretched the play to wingers Jess and Celine. A ball through from Jess put Rach through one on one with the keeper, Rach rounded the keeper who tripped her as the ball was pulled past her. Rach was sent sprawling but bizarrely no penalty was given. Rach soon got her won back when she beat the keeper with a great ball from Redders. Lola capped another fine display with her second goal of the game turning and shooting on the edge of the box. Cully then got their 6th goal but it wasn't given as the ref and linesman stated Rachel's shot didn't cross the line. Alphington then had a 5 minute period of possession that again tested the resolve of the Cully defence. The back 3 of Mingo stayed firm and deserved their clean sheet. Rachel made another darting run through the defence and again got fouled, this time the penalty was given. Keeper Mingo stepped up confidently to take the spot kick and unleashed an unstoppable shot high to the keepers right. Cully finished the game with only 9 players as both Rachel and Sam Bell came off injured. The girls should play Poole in the league next week prior to the Cup Semi the following weekend.