Cullompton Rangers LFC
18th March 2007: League v Team Bath
Cully travelled to University of Bath on Sunday, playing this crucial game on an afternoon where unfortunately the wind spoilt both teams ability
to play decent football. Cully started brightly despite the conditions and were deservedly 0-1 up within the first 8 minutes. The ball was won well
by Curly (Catherine Wright) in midfield, who passed to Titch (Laura Carpenter) just outside the box, the midfielder met the ball on the half volley and struck a dipping shot over
the keeper. Cully were encouraged by their start and were unlucky not to make it two soon after with Jess Hooper seeing her cross come wind assisted shot tipped over the bar by the keeper.
Bucky (Karen Buck) and Titch also tested the keeper as they picked up loose balls outside the box but saw their attempts saved. Against the run of play the University of Bath levelled on
15 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. After clearing the initial danger at a corner a bath player drilled the ball against the hand of striker Angie Pope, the referee did not hesitate
in awarding a spot kick. A well taken penalty left Max Coupe with no chance and Bath were back in the game. Despite the equaliser Cully continued to attack and had the majority of the play.
The girls finished the half brightly and were unlucky not to restore thier lead as Jess saw her shot go agonisingly past the post.
Josie Copp was substituted at half time as she suffered a reoccurence of a hamstring injury, Titch replaced her in the back four. Goughy (Laura Gough) came on
in the central of midfield and made an immediate impact with her pace and strong tackles. Gaby Trays, who had a good game at right midfield, was the next Cully player
to have her goal bound effort saved by the in form Bath keeper. Her low shot was tipped around the post, however the referee failed to give Cully the corner kick,
which typified his inconsistent game.
As Cully looked like the only team likely to score Bath pounced on a defensive error and took the lead. The Bath captain found herself one on one with the keeper, and she
finished well from just in side the area. Cully pressured for the last 20 minutes but failed to convert their chances and pick up the points they needed to stay in the title race.
Next week sees Cully at home to Gloucester in a replayed fixture from earlier in the season, the league decided the game should be replayed after a mix up with player
registration. They are hoping to match the previous score where Cully excelled in a 4-1 win.