Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cully take on Cornish Champions
9th August 2007
Cully ladies entertained F.A. Premier League Southern Division side Newquay in their first pre-season friendly at Speeds Meadow on Thursday. It was a tough fixture against the higher league team but Cully fared well and put in a good team performance, their hard work and determination thwarted the flair of Newquay who won the fixture 0-2.
The Gaffer, Phil Tuckett, had 14 players available including four new signings. Debutants Sam Bell, Kayleigh Simmons, Emma Jones and Voni Cockram all played a large period of the game and had excellent starts showing their versatility as the Gaffer experimented with different positions. The defence of Kerry Powell-Tuckett, Josie Copp, Becky Maunder and Bucky (Karen Buck) had to organsise immediately as the Newquay players got out of the blocks quickly and attacked in numbers. After a good move down the Newquay left wing the resultant cross was powered against the bar and cleared by a Cully defender. Newquay continued to pressure and played neat football as they dominated the first 20 minutes. Curly (Catherine Wright) and Redders (Emma Redwood) battled hard in midfield trying to win the baoll back to wingers Jess Hooper and Emma Jones. Cully then found their feet and when Angie Pope received the ball she caused Newquay defenders several problems and was effective with strike partner Kim Betlam.
Newquay took the lead on 25 minutes from a set play. A deep corner from Leanne Griffiths (Dual signer with Cully) evaded the Cully defence and was headed home leaving keeper Maxine Coupe no chance. Cully played showed their versatility as Josie moved into midfield with Curly and new signings Kayleigh and Sam formed a central defence partnership. Josies presence in midfield soon unsettled Newquay and Cully had their first clear chance on goal. A good run from Jess down the left saw her pass one defender before crossing into the centre. Kim met the ball on the edge of the box but her powerful shot was too high and flew over the bar. Newquay doubled their lead just before half time, again from a set play. A Griffiths corner was attacked by a Newquay player whose header was nodded down goalwards. Max was unlucky not to prevent the goal as she got a strong right hand to it, but it snuck just inside the post.
Cully started the second half brightly and Pope came the closest to scoring when she found herself in a race for the ball with the keeper, the Newquay goaly just won the chase. Newquay attacked in numbers and had a spell of 5 minutes when they peppered the Cully goal with a string of shots. Max and her defenders stood strong, blocking shots and clearing the danger. The visitors were again denied by the woodwork with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. As the game came to a close Cully had a chance to get on the scoresheet, Jess powered down the left wing and her cross just evaded Kim as she ran into the box. The ball was cleared but only as far as Redders whose shot was smothered by the Newquay keeper. The referee blew just before the alloted 90 minutes as Newquay player Dawna Dennet fell awkwardly after a challenge from Josie. Fortunately what initially appeared a serious injury was less so as Dennet limped back to the clubhouse after treatment.
The manager, players and coaches were pleased with the team performance and hope to build on the positives taking them into their next friendly on Sunday at home to Clevedon.