Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cully v University of Bristol
12th Nov 2006
Cully travelled away to the University of Bristol and secured a vital 3 points, coming from behind to score six.
The gaffer reverted to a 4-4-2 formation, having found Bristol very tough opposition in the home fixture. Becky Maunder returned to join Josie Copp
in central defence and changes on the wing saw Kim Betlam on the right and Jess Hooper on the left. Rachel Javan, after her impressive performance last
week, continued up-front partnering Goughy (Laura Gough). Cully started brightly on a good surface and played neat passing football, using Jess and Kim on the flanks
to stretch the Bristol defence. The University girls were also up for the game, trying to find star striker Frankie Stone at every opportunity.
Becky was given the unenviable task of man-marking her, trying to keep her quiet in the first half.
Bristol were the first to get on the score sheet when they converted from a header just inside the six yard box. Crossed from the wing the ball landed
in the danger area and a rare moment of indecision between Max Coupe and Josie saw the Bristol player nip in and head home. Cully were not deflated
and fought back trying to get themselves level. Both Jess and Kim had the beating of their full-backs, getting in some good positions and crossing well.
However, it was Bristol who had the next shot on goal.
A free kick near the corner flag was initially cleared but only as far as the penalty spot and striker Stone. Her shot beat Max, but fortunately Bucky (Karen Buck)
was still defending her post, she hooked it off the line and away to safety. Lucky to be down by just the one goal Cully were spurred into action and
immediately went on the attack. Jess linked up with Bucky, whose cross found Curly (Catherine Wright) on the edge of the box. She passed to Goughy who
was facing away from goal. She turned and struck a sweet shot with her less favoured left, despite it being her weaker foot it thundered past the keeper into
the top of the net. Inspired by the equaliser Cully went on the attack, looking for the lead.
Titch (Laura Carpenter) and Curly were, as ever, dominant in the centre of midfield, Titch winning endless tackles and Curly with her fancy footwork and quality passing. With these two on form, and wingers Jess and Kim stretching the full backs, it seemed inevitable more chances would fall to Goughy and Rachel. Both strikers were involved in the next goal, Rachel creating it and Goughy finishing it. A pass from Curly found Rachel on the edge of the box, a neat flick of the ball around the defender saw her one on one with the keeper. As the goalkeeper approached Rachel lifted the ball over her and it headed goal bound. Goughy followed in and ensuring it wasn't cleared by the defender she poked it over the line. Further pressure was mounted by Cully as the first half came to a close, Bucky found Kim with a long cross-field pass, she fired in a low ball across the face of goal. As Jess stretched to meet it just alluded her outstretched foot. Bristol attacked in the dying seconds but Max ensured her team went into the interval maintaining the lead. A cross from the wing cleared all the Cully defenders, as the ball seemed to be destined for a Bristol head Max punched clear.
With Becky understandably run ragged in the first half marking Stone, the honour was given to Kerry Powell-Tuckett in the second 45mins and the players swapped positions. Cully started the second half confidently and were soon rewarded with their third goal. Goughy saved her best until last as she completed her hat-trick. A move started by Kerry in defence, moved through midfield and onto Goughy in the Bristol penalty area. With her back to goal and no danger apparent, she flicked the ball up and produced a wonder overhead kick. The keeper was rooted to the spot as Goughys shot found the roof of the net.
Cully now more relaxed with a two goal lead played accurate, passing football, with every player wanting the ball and to attack. Captain Curly, who had an outstanding game, was rewarded with a goal in the 60th minute. Having gone close moments before she made no mistake with her next strike from a free kick. The Bristol player was unlucky to concede the free kick as she was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball. However, Curly took no mercy and struck an unstoppable shot from 35 yards into the top corner of the net. With constant pressure Cully won more and more corners. Josie, determined to get off the mark this season (in the right net!!), was in the thick of the action and on another day would have seen two of her efforts go in. Her first strike at goal was a cracking volley at the back post, which was superbly saved by a Bristol defender on the line. Her second attempt provided Rachel with a goal, her reward for running the Bristol defence ragged. Josie made her trade-mark run to the back post, and as she met Curlys cross she nodded it goal bound. Rachel took no chances and thundered it in from close range.
There was no way back for Bristol at this point, and with Kerry ensuring Frankie Stone never found an inch, Cully attacked in search for the sixth. Jess was unlucky not to get her name on the score sheet as she was set up by a great ball through from Rachel. She ran goal bound, the keeper came out, and a strong shot from Jess was well saved by the feet of the Bristol keeper. Jess then turned provider for the sixth goal after another penetrating run down the left and a one-two with Curly she put the ball across for Kim. Kim, forced onto her left foot, shot passed the keeper and despite the efforts of a defender running back, the ball trickled over the line.
The last fifteen minutes saw a bizarre turn of events, with Cullys back line somewhat unrecognisable compared to how they started. Max was replaced in goal by Josie, as she noticed her knuckles swelling worryingly out of shape! Having punched the ball clear in the first half, her knuckle became painful and bruised as the game went on. Taking no chances in a game already won, Max handed her gloves to Josie. Not looking out of place Josie took her spot between the sticks and kept a clean sheet. Leanne Griffiths having replaced Becky at right back and Titch now at sweeper, it was only Bucky who found herself in her orthodox defensive position. Despite this the defence stayed calm and confident, with Kerry inspired in her man marking role. Bristol did their best to test the new keeper, and despite the scoreline kept their heads up and were attacking to the end. They were nearly rewarded late on, when a header from a corner was tipped onto the bar by Josie as she protected her clean sheet. The girls were delighted with the win and drew confidence from the six goals they scored against a string Bristol side. A break from league fixtures for a fortnight see them play county cup against Barnstaple at Speeds Meadow next week, and Swindon in the Pat Sowden Trophy, away the following Sunday.