Cullompton Rangers LFC
Friendly v Holway United
20th August 2006
Cully went positively into todays second pre-season friendly after last weeks win over Plymouth Argyle. A strong squad of 17 included three new players, Hayley Sharrod and Lisa Clarke, replacing Rachel Javan (injured) and Sam Smith (unavailable), Kim Betlam returned from holiday.
Cully got off to a strong start against the visitors, Holway, with good passing and possession football. Cully took the lead in the 15th minute with good play from Jess Hooper on the left passing to Curly (Catherine Wright) who unleashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area that flew into the net after thundering the inside of the post. Holway responded well, pressurising the Cully defence and winning sucessive corners. The latter being cleared by Josie Copp who was, as ever, dominant in the centre of defence.
Cully added to their tally midway through the first half. Further pressure resulted in a corner, Holway were unable to clear the area and the ball fell to the feet of Laura Gough who took full advantage and tapped in from 5 yards. Cully pressure continued with Curly scoring her second goal, that somehow outshone her first. From defence, good interchange between Becky Maunder and Bucky (Karen Buck) to Jess in midfield, who found the ever present Curly. She took the ball past two defenders, skipped past the Holway captain and powered a shot into the net from thirty yards. Cullys fourth goal followed soon after with the players showing no signs of letting their foot off the pedal. Good passing on the right between Kerry Powell and Chrissie Daniels culminated in a pinpoint ball to Goughy (Laura Gough) in the area, she slid in bravely between the oncoming goalie and defender, her pace beat them both and she connected to put the ball past the keeper.
Jamie was unlucky not to add Cullys fifth as she broke free from a Curly corner, but headed wide from close range. Cully did score a fifth just before half time, a corner was initially cleared, but the second cross found the head of central defender Becky Maunder, who lost her marker and nodded in at the far post.
The half time break resulted in five changes, Emma Redwood on as striker, Hayley Sharrod, Gemma Norman, Titch (Laura Carpenter) and Kim Betlam giving the four first half midfielders a well earned rest. All settled in well to the short, sharp passing game instructed by manager and coach. Holway also started the second half well and good passing momentarily pressured the Cully defence. Max in goal never looked like conceeding, determined to make it a second consecutive clean sheet. Cullys final substitution saw Goughy take a break and Lisa Clarke making a welcome return. Good wing play from Hayley and Kim, on the respective left and right flanks, saw crosses into the area troubling the Holway defence. Emma was unlucky not to score when she saw her fierce shot rebound off the crossbar. Titch and Gemma battled hard in midfield, determined not to lose a single tackle. Cully added their final goal midway into the second half when a perfectly weighted cross from Gemma found Hayley unmarked, on the penalty spot, she guided the header accurately past the keeper.
Holway to their credit battled to the end, finishing with 10 players and no available subs. A well organised squad of young players will be a credit to their league, we wish them well in the coming season.
Cullys manager and coach alike were pleased with the teams performance, and another clean sheet. It is hoped one more pre-season friendly can be arranged before the first league game a fortnight today, at home versus Team Bath.