Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cully v University of Bristol
22nd Oct 2006
Cully won 2-1 against the University of Bristol as they battled against the opposition and the weather at Speeds Meadow.
On a blustery and wet day Cully took advantage of winning the toss and played with the wind behind them in the 45 minutes, this was
when Cully played thier best passing and moving football. With a 3-5-2 formation in the 1st half wing backs Leanne Griffiths and Chrissy Daniels
worked the flanks and provided some good crosses. With the support of their backs Bucky (Karen Buck) and Kerry Powell-Tuckett the Cully looked dangerous
as they attacked from wide positions. Their pressure was rewarded in the 20th minute when a free kick was won in midfield. Despite being 25yards out Curly
(Catherine Wright) had nothing else on her mind other than a shot on goal. A sweet strike that moved wickedly in the air left the Bristol
keeper with no chance and the score 1-0.
The Uni team responded well as they broke down the right and got into the box, a preventative tackle from Josie Copp and a smothering save from Maxine Coupe ensured the lead remained intact. The middle three of Titch (Laura Carpenter), Jamie Schofield and Curly worked endlessly winning balls and feeding the forwards Emma Redwood and Gabby Trays as Cully pressed for a second.
The lead doubled on 35 minutes after being awarded a penalty. A cross from Chrissy struck the hand of a Bristol defender and despite the ref not having a good view of the incident the linesman was perfectly placed and awarded the kick. Gabby made no mistake from the spot as she sidefooted it to the keepers left.
The gaffer reverted to a 4-4-2 formation in the second half as Cully played into the wind. Kim Betlam replaced Chrissy on the right and Becky Maunder slotted into the back four in place of Titch in midfield. The second half saw the pitch become more sodden and muddy, with less free flowing football being played. A solid defence ensured Cully protected their lead, despite strong pressure from the University of Bristol...in particular Frankie Stone (ex Torbay and Devon).
Kim made an immediate impact on the right exchanging passes with Kerry and firing in some great crosses. Leanne was unlucky not to convert one of these as she slid in at the far post. Becky defended solidly with Josie in the centre of defence, attempting to stop Bristol attacking through the middle. Cully were unlucky not to extend their lead, after a great one-two with Curly Kim powered a first time shot over the bar from 20 yards.
Bristol pulled one back with Cully being punished for not clearing their lines. The ball broke to Frankie Stone who made a darting run towards goal,
she skipped over the tackle from Josie and sidestepped Max as she came out to narrow the angle, before cooly placing the ball into an empty net.
Despite the set back Cully got their heads up and kept attacking with Curly and Kim providing great crosses into the Bristol penalty area.
A third goal was only a whisker away when Leanne saw her shot well saved by the Bristol keeper.
As Bristol pressured late on the Cully midfield and defence battled to keep them out. Josie was as ever strong in defence and her last ditch tackle prevented the Bristol forward from scoring an equaliser. As Stone struck her shot Josie slid in to ensure the shot was deflected over the bar. The last few minutes Goughy (Laura Gough - who earlier replaced Emma), Kim and Curly retain possession and holding the ball in the corners. Cully held on for all three points, keeping them on top spot in the league. The girls now have a weeks rest before their crucial game against Gloucester City on November 5th.