Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cully denied win in dying moments
1st March 2009
Cully almost pulled off a hard fought victory away to Frome but were denied by a controversial free-kick in injury time. The game finished 1-1 and was an entertaining 90 mins with both sides battling hard for the victory. Cully travelled to Frome with the bare 11 due to illness and unavailability, some switches of positions were enforced upon Gaffer. Max returned in her gloves allowing Emma Mingo to play in midfield in a free-role but supporting the back 3 of Sam Bell, Karen Buck and Kerry Powell Tuckett. Lola Garcia-Sanchez was partnered up front by Flo Greensit as Rachel Javan dropped back in left midfield. Despite the changes Cully went into the game with high hopes and took the game to Frome, who needed a victory to get a stronger position in the title race. Lola got the defence chasing her as she caused havoc with strike partner Flo in the opening minutes. Playing down the slope and with the wind behind them Frome sought to take advantage and also attacked with venom. The defence met the ball, not allowing Frome any clear cut chances and the wing backs of Rach and Celine tracked back well to snuff out Fromes wide players.
Mingo soon got into her new role, throwing herself around tackling and heading. It was then a great pass from her that set up Lola for the opening goal. Her ball split the defence and Lola was one on one with the keeper, her first shot was saved as she tried to chip the keeper but she was soon to pounce on the rebound and cooly placed it into the goal. Cully had Frome rattled and on the back foot and soon won a succession of corners. Curly was unlucky not to extend the scoring as she met a loose ball at a corner and drilled into the side netting with her left foot. The next chance fell to Celine as Mingo sent through a cracking ball to set up the right winger. Celine met the pass well but her shot was just wide, passing the rear post. Cully spent the last 15 minutes of the half mainly defending as Frome pushed for the equaliser. Mingo cleared well from a dangerous cross into the box and Max was alert to deny Frome at a corner.
Gaffer switched Flo and Rach at half-time but kept the formation that served Cully so well in the first 45. Cully were encouraged to use the slope and wind advantage and Rachel and Lola's pace to test the Frome keeper. Rach soon made a nuisance of herself and won a free-kick that Curly crossed in and Lola headed over. Lola then won the next free-kick and from closer range Curly set to shoot. Unfortunately this went just over the bar. Needing to win Frome made a double substitution and put some fresh legs and pace up front. Sam and Bucky marked the forwards and Kerry was resolute at sweeper, clearing any danger that got past them. Flo did a good job marking their right winger who effectively played as 3rd forward as the game went on. Frome won 3 corners in succession; Bucky cleared from one, Kerry the other and then Max punched confidently to avert the danger at the third. The game was end to end and Mandy Earle was unlucky not to score from a Cully corner. Unfortunately the ball bounced high and she shot over with a right foot half volley. Lola hit past the after meeting a clearance from Bucky in defence, but was adjudged to be offside as Curly went to attack the rebound. Cully were all set to deservedly secure the 3 points when the referee awarded a free-kick, adjudging Mingo to have fouled when clearing a header. Just yards outside the box and into the dying seconds the Frome midfielder expertly curled the ball around the Cully wall and into the far left corner of Max's net. A cruel way to end the game but a valuable point secured by Cully and a credit to the 11 that played and fought for 90 minutes. Chairman Bill congratulated a great team and effort and awarded the Player of the Match awarded to midfield dynamo Curly. Cully are on their travels again next week as they visit Bath based team Larkhall Athletic.