Cullompton Rangers LFC
League v Cheltenham
24th Sept 2006
Cullompton went top of the South West Premier League today with a hard fought, 1-0 home win over Cheltenham.
The girls knew they were in for a tough game having met Cheltenham just a fortnight ago. This rearranged fixture saw Cullompton take all
6 points from the meetings of the two teams.
The Gaffer had only a squad of 13, due to unavailability and the injury of influential captain Catherine Wright (Curly). The team started well
with Jess Hooper and Kim Betlam penetrating down the left and right flanks respectively, and providing telling crosses.
Sharp passing between forwards Laura Gough (Goughy) and Emma Redwood saw the ball at Goughys feet at the edge of the area. Her chip floated over
the keeper, but also narrowly over the bar. A second chance soon followed when a cross from Kim was flicked on by a Cheltenham defender
and onto the cross-bar. Despite constant pressure Cully couldn't capitalise on their chances.
An indirect free-kick was awarded to the home team, in the oppositions penalty box, when the Cheltenham keeper inadvertently collected a back pass.
A short pass to Josie Copp saw her drill a shot towards goal, but deflect off of one of the many Cheltenham defenders stood on the line.
The breakthrough did come though, after 30 minutes.
A free-kick to Cully on the halfway line was taken by Josie. Her strength and precision saw the kick split the defence and land in the six yard box.
Kim lost her marker and darted free to chest the ball round the keeper from close range.
The second half saw a physical battle as Cheltenham tried to get on the score sheet. The Cully defence were stretched at times, but all the players dug
in, won tackles and kept running.
Laura Carpenter (Titch) was unlucky not to add to the teams tally as a well placed left foot shot brought an excellent save from the Cheltenham keeper, who tipped
it round the post. Emma Redwood also came close with a well taken volley, from a right wing cross, her shot going agonisingly past the
far post.
With the inevitable Cheltenham surge the defence were made to work to the end. Maxine Coupe met a corner, confidently punching clear through
a sea of Cheltenham attackers. A few minutes later she saved well from an inswinging free-kick.
The last 15 minutes saw Cully battle with 10 players, Becky Maunder was injured as she bravely contested a 50/50 ball. The crunching tackle
saw her right ankle buckle and she limped to the sidelines. With both subs already on the pitch, Jamie Schofield slotted back into central defence, and Goughy played the
lone striker. Cullompton knew they had to keep possession and tire the Cheltenham players. A determined team saw the game out and collect the 3 valuable points.
It's hoped Curly and Becky will recover from their injuries, as a full squad would be favourable for next weeks tough opponents Bath City. Cully entertain the
visitors at Speeds Meadow with a 2pm kick off.