Cullompton Rangers LFC
Match Reports
8th April 2007
Cully beaten by the Ref
Cully played Gloucester City for the third time this season and still have one more fixture against them next week in the Pat Sowden Cup Semi-final. After a poor result today Cully will look to avenge the defeat and book themselves into another cup final.
On a hot afternoon and good playing surface both teams started the game brightly and looked to play fair but aggressive football. This was marred however by an officious referee who didnt control the game and spoilt it for both sides. Cully were behind in the first 15 minutes when Glos took advantage of slack marking at a free kick. To be fair to Cully the free kick should have been given in their favour but that was the story of the afternoon with the officials. However, not taking away from Glos the execution of the free kick, and the finish, the attacker took full advantage of the situation. A clinical volley from 10 yards out was thundered goalwards, Maxine Coupe being unlucky as she got a hand to it but the power took it into the roof of the net.
Frustrated by the officials Cully knew they had to concentrate on their football and soon found the back of the net, only to have it disallowed. A bizarre decision by the linesman for offside was accepted by the referee and a perfectly good goal was disallowed. A great free kick from Curly (Catherinr Wright) was spilled by the keeper and Josie Copp pounced. Her shot hit the bar and as it bounced out Angie Pope, from an on-side position, made sure by drilling it over the line. Glos knew they were fortunate to keep the lead and with Cully frustrated, the tempo and aggression stepped up. It spilled over with a few reckless challenges being made by the Glos players, however they went unpunished by the referee who was fast losing control. Firstly Emma Redwood was stamped on whilst on the floor, and then Gabby Trays was subjected to the most blatant body check. The referee responded by "telling-off" the wrong player and the culprit escaped scot free.
Cully did well to keep their heads and played some neat football in the first half, and were failed to capitalise on their many chances. The new combination of Josie and Curly in midfield was very effective and they found themselves with a lot of the ball. Josie showed there is more to her game than tough tackling and heading as she gracefully beat players and looked to play to the wingers Gabby Trays and Chrissie Daniels. Cully saw another glorious chance come and go as the woodwork saved GLos as the first half drew to a close. A cracking free kick from Curly beat the keeper but rattled the post and re-bound was well charged down by the Glos defenders.
Emma and Angie ran endlessly up front but were thwarted by a well oraganised Glos defence. Glos started the second half well and saw themselves 2-0 up before Cully got out of the blocks. A corner from the left hand side was finished well by a Glos player who found some space and headed it home. Cully then played all out and tried to get themselves back into the game. Curly and Josie were again denied but it looked promising as Jess Hooper replacd injured Gabby Trays on the left wing. With added pressure Cully found themselves with a succession of corners that were well defended by Glos. Cully were continually frustrated, Josie in particular seeing her header cleared off the line and a low shot saved by the keepers legs. A double substitution saw Rachel Javan replace Angie up front and Goughy (Laura Gough) take over from Chrissy on the right. Both players made an immediate impact, with the ball won by Rachel and crossed in by Goughy. With Cully pushing for a goal they also found themselves stretched at the back. Max made an outstanding double sace to deny Glos a third. Titch (Laura Carpenter) and Bucky (Karen Buck) found themselves 2 on 2 at the back and Glos broke on the half way line. Bucky initially took the player wide but she cut inside to get a shot on goal, this was well saved by Max but parried out to the second Glos striker. As Titch slid in the shot was unleashed, Max got fingertips to it and pushed it onto the bar. Goughy looked dangerous on the right wing, holding the ball well and being quick down the line. A lofted cross with her left foot found Rachel in the middle, whose shot went wide. Jess also found space down the left wing and threaded a ball through to Rachel. As Rachel ran in on goal she was bundled over but it was not surprise the referee gave nothing. On the whole a frustrating game.
Cully look forward to entertaining Glos at home next weekend, hoping to enjoy a better game.