Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cheltenham clinch 2nd Place
Chelt 4 v Cully 3
Cheltenham grabbed second place from Cully in a 7 goal exchange that saw more bad tempers and bad refereeing decisions than it did good football. Cully went chasing the game needing to win by 2 clear goals but late unavailability left them with a bare 11 as they lined up in this crunch tie. A much changed line-up saw Josie Copp back in defence next to Karen Buck, Kaylee Symons at right back and Emma Jones on the left. Jess Hooper and Emma Mingo joined Catherine Wright in midfield and Kim Betlam played in an advanced role accompanying strikers Emma Redwood and Angie Pope.
With the clear slope advantage in the first half Cheltenham started the brighter and immediately put the Cully defence under pressure. Cheltenham dominated the early possession and had several shots on goal, one being scooped off the line by Symons. They were deserving of their lead when it arrived just before the half hour mark. A Cheltenham player powered in from a corner and headed down into the ground and into the top corner of the net. Cully equalised just before half time with one of thier few attacking opportunities. It was a great team goal that started on the left with Emma Jones setting Jess off on a run. Jess powered to the by-line and sent over a deep cross which was met by Emma Mingo. Mingo found Betlam on the edge of the box and as her shot deflected off a defender it fell to Pope in front of goal, Pope looped her header over the keeper to equalise.
The second half started in a less than friendly fashion, Bucky receiving a kick to the stomach with flailing boot. It then boiled over when Redders went in for a challenge with the Cheltenham right back. A strong, fair, 50-50 tackle saw both players on the ground, Redders the slower to get to her feet found herself with the defender stood over her. Bizarrely the Cheltenham player kicked Redders in the back, Redders retaliated and the Cheltenham player responded in an extremely aggressive fashion throwing several punches. Several players were quickly involved trying to split up the pair but the Cully players were incensed as the Chelt team tried to defend the actions of their player, who was quite rightly shown a straight red card for violent conduct. Redders was lucky to only be shown a yellow.
Cully took advantage of the extra player and the slope and carved out several chances, but unfortunately none were taken. Against the run of play Cheltenham took the lead. Kaylee underhit a pass back to Max, which let the attacker clear through to goal. She finished clinically leaving Max with no chance. Cully picked themselves up and equalised soon after. Kim curled in a perfect corner, pressuring the defender on the line who flicked it past her own keeper. Max was then called into action to make 2 saves in quick succession. Both times she stood firm and denied Cheltenham the lead, first from a strong shot and second she punched clear from a free-kick. However, a short while after, Cheltenham did take the lead flicking a cross from the right into the top of the net, identical to the one scored in the reverse fixture at Speeds Meadow. Pope was unlucky not to get the equaliser soon after. A good move with Curly and Mingo on the right saw Redders played in near the by-line. Her perfect cross was met by Pope but her header fell into the arms of the keeper. Cully clawed themselves back into the game yet again and equalised with arguably the best goal of the game. Jess fought well and won a free kick on the half way line. This was taken quickly by Bucky finding Curly about 25 yards out from goal. She set herself and hit a sweet strike over the keepers head leaving her stranded.
Cheltenham got the 7th and decisive goal ten minutes from time with even their own supporters saying they were gifted it by the referee. He left his biggest and most bizarre decision to the end when awarding the home side a penalty. A Cheltenham player was running through on goal and knocked the ball past Bucky who caught the players shirt on the edge of the area. The player did not falter and carried on for a few yards before shooting. She had a clear one on one with Max. Max saved well denying her chance but the referee then gave them a second chance by awarding the penalty. The penalty was well struck and proved to be the winning goal. It was a disapointing last game for Cully but the girls showed their ability throughout the season by contending strongly for the league and County Cup.
Next week will see a more 'friendly and entertaining' game when players past and present turn out to congratulate and show respect for the legend 'Maxine Coupe'. Max is entering semi-retirement and will be more involved in coaching next season, as such her years of dedication, enthusiasm and all round footballing ability will be rewarded at her very own testimonial match.....as Max pointed out today, she started playing football in 1984, well before may of the current players were born!! Everyone is welcome to come along and watch, or contact Bill Newcombe if they wish to play for the 'allstars'. The day promises to be a great spectacle of womens football. Weather permitting a BBQ will be lit and the entertainment will go on into the night with several party games planned.