Cullompton Rangers LFC
Cully score another 5
Taunton 1 v Cully 5
7th Sept 08
Cully scored 5 goals for the second week in succession when they won 5-1 away to newly promoted Taunton. Cully started strongly taking the game to Taunton, using the advantage of the wind and the slight slope. The bright start was quickly awarded when Mandy Earle scored her first goal for Cully in style. Flo won the ball in midfield and after an exchange with Redders Mandy had the ball on the edge of the box. Without hesitation she sidefooted a lofted shot straight over the keeper and into the back of the net. Spirited by the early goal, Cully again took the game to Taunton, and the wingers and strikers had their defence at sixes and sevens. Jess Hooper and Rachel Javan had the ball wide on the left, with Kerry Powell-Tuckett and Flo Greensit the same on the right. The second goal soon followed when Angie finished well, again leaving the keeper no chance. A ball through from Bucky in defence was met by Angie who made no mistake in chipping the keeper as she came out to close down. Rachel had an opportunity soon after as she completed a strong run into the box, but her shot sailed just inches over the bar. After 25 minutes Gaffer was forced to make a substitution as it was evident was still suffering from recent illness. The change saw sub Max Coupe swapping with Emma Mingo in goal, Jess moved up to left midfield and Mingo slotted in at left back. The change didn't affect the players, highlighting their adaptability this season. Taunton tried to get back into the game, and some neat play in midfield saw them attacking through the centre testing Sam Bell and Karen Buck in defence. Max's first action of the game was an easy save from a shot from distance, and she then turned goal provider with her kick. The long clearance was not met by the Taunton defence and Lola Sanchez anticpated well, sneaking through the centre halves. She took it down cleanly, and her first touch allowed her a run towards goal. A great right footed strike across the keeper was unstoppable as it found the far corner of the net. Mingo showed her prowess as an outfield player, tackling hard in defence and linking up well with Jess in midfield. Several crosses from Jess on the left just eluded the Cully players coming in. Redders was the next to come close for Cully, a right footed strike going inches wide of the post. Jess was rewarded for a cracking first half when she scored from a cross from Lola. Lola's ball in was flicked on by Angie Pope on the post, and clinically finished by Jess from the edge of the 6 yard box with a left footed strike. Angie then got her second goal just before half time, taking her goal tally to 4 in 2 games. Centre half Sam Bell won the ball in defence and calmly threaded a ball through to Popey, Popey took it into the box and confidently slotted it past the keeper. Max was called into action as Taunton had the last attack of the half. Mingo inadvertently headed the ball onto the Taunton right winger, and as the defence came back the ball came across the box. Max was quick off her line and she applied enough pressure to force the attacker to shoot wide.
The second half saw Taunton take advantage of the slope, and they set out on the offensive from the start. They spread the ball out wide and caused a few problems to the full backs. They got their reward, and name on the score sheet, with a move that started down the right hand side. A neat ball across the box was finished from close range leaving Max no chance. Following this Cully settled and undettered by the goal went on the attack. Lola was unlucky not to score her second goal when she hit the woodwork. Her right footed shot rebounded to her off the post, but as she lost balance her second shot went over the bar. As both sets of players tired opportunities were less and despite winning a succession of corners Cully were unlucky not to add to their tally. Jess made more strong runs down the left, and one particular attack saw her cut inside and beat several players, but as she was set to shoot she was tackles well. Jess's strong performance was rewarded post match as she was awarded player of the match by Bill. Next week sees Cully at home for the first time this season as they host newcomers to league Stoke Lane.