Cullompton Rangers LFC
Argyle snatch back the Cup from Cully
19th April 2008
Cully 0 v Plymouth Argyle 2
Firm favourites Argyle were determined to avenge last years result and beat Cully in the Devon Cup Final at Coach Road on Thursday night. With Argyle also chasing promotion in the Combination league, and Cully in the division below, on paper Plymouth should have won the game easily. But, as we know from last years final the Cup is a separate entity and Cully were optimistic they could pull off another shock.
The Gaffer started with the same line-up that produced an excellent first half last week against Bristol; Maxine Coupe in goal, Sam Bell and Karen Buck (Captain) as centre halves, Kerry Powell-Tuckett and Emma Jones as full backs, Kim Betlem and Rachel Javan as right and left midfield respectively , Josie Copp and Catherine 'Curly' Wright in the centre and Angie Pope and Emma Redwood as the Cully strike force. On a cold and windy night a large crowd braved the weather to support the teams and were rewarded with an exciting 90 minutes and entertaining football. Cully started brightly and had a fair amount of possession in the first 20 minutes. Argyle tried to play their neat passing football but were closed down by strong and determined Cully players. Curly, always threatening at free-kicks, nearly produced the opening goal when from 30 yards her kick went inches past the far post.
Both sets of players were fired up and a succession of hard tackles and tempers flaring forced the referee to take action; he booked 4 players in the space of 10 minutes, 2 for Argyle and Buck and Pope picking up yellows for Cully. Argyle should have taken the lead on the half hour when a mix-up between Kerry and Sam in defence allowed Argyle a shot on goal from close range, but it was fired over the bar. Argyle then pressurised with a succession of corners but couldn't find a way through as Max stood firm in the Cully goal, and handled superbly under pressure from the Plymouth attack. With the wind behind them in the first half Argyle looked to knock balls over the top and breach the Cully defence, using the speed of their young strikers. However, they were continuously frustrated as the well organised defence played the offside trap well, catching them out on many occassions.
Cully finished the half on top having two excellent chances to take the lead going into the break. After a flowing move on the right between Kerry and Kim, Curly produced a wonderful left foot strike from 35 yards. The keeper stood rooted to the spot and was well beaten but Curlys shot went agonisingly over the bar by just inches. Pope then had an opportunity for Cully, having a shot inside the box. Rachel and Josie linked up well and set up Pope for her chance, but unfortunately she couldn't test the keeper and her shot went over the bar. It was a fair reflection of the first half that it ended level and the game was there for either side to take.
Playing into a strong wind in the second half Cully were immediately placed under pressure. Plymouth found it hard to make the breakthrough though as Kerry and Jonesy stiffled the runs of their wingers, and Bucky and Sam stood firm with attacks down the middle. Plymouth did take the lead and it was a breakaway move from their defence. Cully had a corner but couldn't pressure the Argyle goal. Plymouth cleared it and went on the attack in numbers. The ball was played to the left wing and an excellent cross found Vicky Barter at the far post. She finished well on the volley from close range, leaving Max no chance. Kerry then suffered a nasty head injury, the result of a stray elbow in an aerial challenge. She bravely battled on despite having an 'egg' on her forehead, determined to play for the duration of the game. Searching for the equaliser Gaffer made a double substitution - Kaylee Symons replaced Emma Jones at left back and Jess Hooper came on for Kim, who had run herself into the ground. Rachel went up front to try and cause problems with her speed, with Jess and Redders now playing on the left and right wing.
Max then made a magnificent save keeping Cully in the game. Plymouth played the ball around well on the edge of the box, driving through from midfield Laura Perret hit a cracking shot from the edge of the box. Max bravely got both hands to it and parried it away to safety. Mandy Earle replaced Pope for the last 15 minutes, but before she could impose herself on the game Plymouth scored their second and put the game beyond reach. Cully failed to clear their lines properly from an Argyle attack and the ball was well played across the edge of the box to Laura Perret who was unmarked. This time she made no mistake and finished well with a low right footed shot that beat Max at full stretch. Overall Argyle deserved the Cup on their second half performance, and took their chances well. We wish them well in their final push for the Combination title. A mention must also got to Angie Pope who played an excellent game in difficult circumstances, we wish her and her family our condolences for their recent bereavement.
Cully will play Cheltenham next weekend for a final showdown which should decide second place in the league!