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Cully back in the driving seat

19th April 2009

Cully got themselves back into pole position to win the league when they secured an important 4-1 win at home to league contenders Cheltenham. Cully knew only a win was good enough and not to rely on Gloucester dropping points. Gaffer had difficult decisions to make as he had a squad of 15 players who had put in solid performances on Thurs nights County Cup Final. Starting with a 4-4-2 formation the Cully girls started well, continuing their excellent Cup Final performance. Rachel Java and Lola Garcia-Sanchez looked to exploit the Cheltenham defence with their skill and speed, they started well introducing themselves to the visiters keeper. Cully then unexpectedly went behind to a controversial goal. Sam Bell tried to clear a Cheltenham through ball but lifted it high and it went back towards Max in goal. As Max caught it in her hands the ref deemed it to be a deliberate back pass and gave an indirect free-kick near to the penalty spot. From the resultant free-kick the shot was going wide but it deflected off a Cheltenham player, wrong footing Max as it came towards the goal. Cully were shaken by their early deficit and had a nervy 5-10 minutes. Cheltenham were unlucky not to go 0-2 up when they were denied by the woodwork. They broke on the right wing and the Cheltenham player unleashed a shot that rattled off the post and out to safety. Cully responded well to their scare and got themselves back into the game. Emma Redwood and Catherine 'Curly' Wright won every first and second ball in the air and on the floor getting the ball out to the wingers Jess Hooper and Celine Le Boyer. As they stretched the Cheltenham defence the crosses came in and the chances came for the home strikers. As the pressure was applied the Cheltenham players were drawn into fouls and Curly had 2 free kicks on the edge of the box in quick succession. One was pushed to safety by the confident keeper and the other just wide of the post. Sam Bell was subbed as she was still suffering from an injury picked up on Thurs night and Josie came off the subs bench into the back 4. She made an immediate impact and her height caused problems for the Chelt players. She caused problems at corners and it was from a corner that Cully got their deserved equaliser. A ball was drilled in from Curly and as it evaded the Chelt defence it was headed in from close range by Redders. The Cully players immediately put the pressure on and went on the attack to get a second. Lola was just inches from getting Cully the lead but her shot rebounded off the post. Cully did get their second just on the stroke of half-time. Jess tracked back on the left wing, helped out the defence and lofted the ball over the top from the half way line. The ball was met by Lola who took it in on goal and clinically slotted it past the keeper. With a 2-1 lead Cully started the half in a determined mood. The back 4 were stong with Josie and Bucky clearing any danger coming through the middle and Cheltenham were kept at bay. Lola was causing problems up front with her pace, and it was her work that created the third goal. Her control and pass from Curly in midfield saw her play in Redders insude the box who turned and shot across the keeper with a stunning left foot finish. Emma Jones and Celine were then given a well earned rest making way for Emma Mingo and Mandy Earle. Both subs came into the game in defensive roles and supported the back line ensuring Chelt didnt get back into the game. Lola came close to her second but as she rounded the keeper she put her shot into the side netting. Curly got a well deserved goal and put the game beyond reach, getting Cully's 4th. Redders linked up with Jess who had switched to the right wing. Jess unselfishly played in Curly who turned at close range and hammered home. Cully finished the game with 10 as Lola suffered concussion in a headed challenge, and all 3 subs were on the pitch. The girls ran and ran never giving up and it seems they were rewarded again when they learned that Glos - title rivals - were held to a draw in their game. Weds sees Cully travel to Stoke Lane Athletic....3 points would secure the league title!

Cully lose in County Cup Final

16th April 2009

Cully lost to Plymouth Argyle in the County Cup final on Thurs night. Cully were always the underdogs as Plymouth are favourite for the title in the league above Cully. Cully played well and held Argyle for 75 minutes, at which point they went 1-0 down from an excellently taken curlying left foot shot. The second goal came as Argyle beat the off side trap and a cross-come shot was tapped in from close range despite Bucky and Sam both racing back and sliding in an effort to avoid conceding again. All players did themselves proud and did not resent the stronger Plymouth team taking the Cup.

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