Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cully v Bristol Acadamy
30th March 2007
Cully reach cup semi-final
Thursday evening at Speeds Meadow saw Cully entertain Bristol Academy A in the Pat Sowden Trophy quarter final. Cully knew the opposition were going to be tough; a young side of fit, well organised footballers whose standing in the lower division is only due to the F.A. league regulations and their reserve team status. The match started brightly with good conditions allowing both teams to play neat, passing football and to entertain the crowd who braved the chilly evening weather. Cully had the first attempt on goal and should have been 1-0 up within five minutes but for the Bristol keeper and their centre-half. Jess Hooper broke down the left wing and her pace and accuracy ensured a perfect pass to Rachel Javan at the back post. Her shot was tipped onto the woodwork, Laura Gough pounced on the rebound, it looked like an inevitable goal but only to see a magnificent sliding save on the line by the Bristol defender.
Bristol's first attempt at goal was a speculative long range shot which initially worried Maxine Coupe in the Cully goal, as the ball drifted slightly in the wind. It eventually cleared the upright, but gave the academy side a boost and they continued to pressurise. Cully were then hit by an injury early on, ever present defender Kerry Powell-Tuckett suffered a hip injury and was replaced at right back by substitute Laura Carpenter (Titch). Her impact on the game was an immediate one, as she started the move in defence, which led to Cully's opening goal. From right back she threaded a great ball down the line to Rachel, she took her defender to the by-line and passed a perfect ball to strike partner Goughy. From just yards out Goughy finished clinically, knocking the ball through the keepers legs. Inevitably lifted by this goal Cully continiued to pressure and were most effective down the wings, with Kim Betlam on the right and Jess Hooper on the left. They were supplied well by central midfielders Catherine Wright (Curly) and new signing Mel Jones who was making her Cully debut. Curly and Mel won the majority of the tackles in midfield, and always looked to stretch the Bristol defence by playing the ball to the flanks. Jess who materialised as player of the match couldnt put a foot wrong. Her pace and ability to use both feet had the academy right back at sixes and sevens. Both Bucky (Karen Buck) and Curly had long range efforts saved by the Bristol keeper as Cully pushed for a second.
Bristol were by no means quiet as they showed strength and organisation, and a side determined not to lose. They did however have to overcome Coupe in goal who was again on top form, carrying straight on from her player of the match performance last Sunday. She, as ever, dominated her box and could always be heard organising and helping her defence. The score remained 1-0 at half time.
The second half started at a blistering pace, and in particular Bristol, who were searching for an equaliser. The Cully defence were holding strong, Becky Maunder having another good game at centre half supported by the ever dominant sweeper Josie Copp. Titch and Bucky, on the right and left respectively, ran tirelessly both defending and attacking when needed to support their wingers. Cully scored their second with 20 minutes played, a well executed goal from Goughy. Curly won the ball in midfield, and found Rachel with a pass. With Bristol playing high up the field Rachel lofted a great ball through for Goughy to run onto. She powered through to goal and despite the keeper hurrying out Goughy made no mistake with a side foot finish. Bristol immediately went on the offensive, needing goals and running out of time. A good cross from the Bristol left midfield looked destined for an attackers head, until Max clawed it away to safety. Bristol pressured non stop for the next ten minutes but were continually frustrated with a well organised defence who left them off side on numerous occasions. Bristol were though rewarded soon after, a pulled one back to leave a pulsating last 20 minutes. A dubious free kick was awarded against Bucky, as she slid in with a last ditch tackle on the edge of the box. Despite clearly getting the ball she was adjudged to have also taken the player and was penalised. Bristol made no mistake with a stunning free kick leaving Max no chance in the Cully goal. Bristol then pushed on for the equaliser, Max again came to the rescue with a top class save soon after the restart. A cross was whipped in at pace, it evaded the defence and was met by the Bristol striker. Her sure fire goal was magnificently saved by Coupe tipping the ball around the post. All 11 Cully players dug in and were determined not to lose the lead as they did in similar circumstances against Gloucester the previous Sunday. Late substitutions saw Angie Pope replace Mel Jones, and Goughy dropping into midfield, and Gabby Trays replacing Kim Betlam on the right wing. The fresh legs gave Cully the impetus to turn defence into attack and secure the vital third goal. Rachel, whose pace caused the Brisol defence problems all night, went on a darting run into the box. As she was about to shoot she was tackled and upended by the defender. The referee adjudged it was late and awarded a penalty. Despite not being on the pitch for long striker Angie Pope placed the ball confidedntly on the spot. She was coolness personified as she slotted the ball into the back of the net, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot. Both teams had one more chance a-piece as the game drew to a close. Max again denied Bristol ensuring a less nervy last few minutes. As two players breached the off side trap they looked certain to score but Max dived at the attackers feet and safely netted the ball. Angie Pope was unlucky not to make her brace as she found herself one-on-one with the keeper in the dying seconds. Fed in by player of the match Jess Hooper on the left Angie ran in on goal as the keeper came out. Her shot was fierce but went over the bar. The game finished 3-1, with the Cully players and management ecstatic with the result and the teams performance.
This weeks match against Bath City was cancelled due to the Bath girls having tickets to attend the Johnstone Paint Trophy Final at the Millennium stadium. Next Sunday sees the Cully girls travel to Gloucester City for their third meeting of the season.