Chairman Bill Newcombe reviews Cullys inaugural season ........
"Well the season is now over and it's time to reflect on what has been a very successful year. Last June I received a phone call from Max explaining that Exeter City were looking to change their name to Cullompton Rangers (something I tried to convince the club to do previously), were looking for a new chairman and would I be interested in coming out of retirement. I jumped at the chance. My first two tasks were to get Devon FA to agree to the name change and to get clearance to sign a few players from now defunct Newton Abbot. Neither task proved easy but was sorted in time for our first game at home to Team Bath on 3rd September. Despite dominating the game we went down 1-2. We picked ourselves up and won all the rest of our games in September. We remained unbeaten in October, November 5th saw us face Gloucester City at home. The game was won easily but due to an oversight we played an unregistered player and were deducted two points and ordered to replay the game. We only managed 1 game in December due to the weather. No league games were played in January. We finally played a league game on February 4 but lost 0-2 at home to Yeovil. The league season continued and we finally played our last game at home to Penzance. A win for either side would ensure second place. We duly won 2-1 and claimed the runners up spot"
"The Pat Sowden(League Cup) was played in between league games, Cully eventually losing to Yeovil in the final after extra time. "
"There was also the little matter of the illustrious Devon Cup to deal with. We beat Roborough and Totnes on the way to the final. After a tremendous game we triumphed over Plymouth Argyle on penalties after extra time. What a night!"
"The highlight of the season was obviously seeing Josie pick up the Devon Cup. The low light was seeing the disappointment on the players faces after the defeat in the Pat Sowden Cup final which was just one game just after the Devon Cup final. There were several players who were nowhere near fit enough to play in that game but somehow they managed to take Yeovil to extra time. Every player should be proud of their performance on that day."
"The social side of this season has been incredable. Who will ever forget the Spice Girls!! At the start of the season I only knew a few of our players but they have always made me feel very welcome. I must thank Phil and Richard for all their work in achieving success on the field and to everyone who has helped off the field. A special thank you must go to all the committee of Cullompton Rangers men's team for making us feel so welcome. Maybe the rise in bar takings has helped!! We wish them luck in their new league next season."
"I hope everyone has enjoyed this season as much as I have and look forward to next year. PS Don’t leave it until the last game to score a goal next year Josie!!"
Cully entertained Penzance in the final game of the season, a 2-1 win saw them secure league runners up spot.
Cully held their end of season dinner on friday evening, alongside the 3 mens teams. The clubhouse was laid out with tables and a three course meal provided, the evening was well attended by the ladies team with the several sets of parents also putting in an appearance.... although all were devastated that Josie's mum couldn't attend on this occassion as she was on holiday!
In his speech the Gaffer suggested that multiple awards could have been awarded though five of these were made official. The first to be awarded was most improved player, there was no doubt in anyones mind that the recipient would be Jess Hooper. Her parents had agreed to pay for her ticket to watch Exeter City at Wembley if she won an award so Jess was delighted when the Gaffer didn't disappoint and the young winger received credit for her superb season.
The second award to be presented was `Flair Player'. This was awarded to Catherine (Curly) Wright whose incredible free kicks have provided vital goals and entertainment for supporters. Next came the Coaches award, these were presented by Richard Dingle for commitment, consistency and performance during training and games. These deservedly went to Kerry Powell-Tuckett and Josie Copp. The Managers player award went to Karen (Bucky) Buck for her contribution both on and off the pitch.
The final award was the `Players Player' award, voted for by the players it is perhaps the most prestigious of the awards. Poised with camera ready to take a photo of the winner, Maxine Coupe was amazed to find that it was in fact herself. Not a surprise to anyone else, including husband Simon, as Max has had a phenomenal season culminating in the performance that secured Cully the Devon County Cup.
After the awards the ladies were the life of the party and ensured the DJ didn't get to finish his set early. Fantastic dancing performances by Chunk, John, Marcus and Sara provided great entertainment for all, as well as a re-enactment of the infamous spice girls routine.....check out the photos in the Gallery.
Cully gained a point at Penzance in a game marred by ill-tempered play. Read More...
Yeovil took the Pat Sowden Trophy with a last gasp goal in extra time, winning 2-1. Read More...
A quick apology to Katie Middleton of Plymouth Argyle, we didn't credit her in the match report with having scored the Plymouth equaliser during the recent County Cup final. This was Katies first goal of the season. Also it transpires that the successful Plymouth penalty taker wasn't a young striker but in fact Kay Lewis.
Further to the match report Chairman Bill Newcombe would like to congratulate the players and coaches on the excellent performance, and add his thanks to Redwoods for providing the coach. We must now look forward to the Pat Sowden Final on Sunday.
The team currently has a feature on the front page of the FairGame website.
Happy Birthday and good luck to Jess Hooper who is in the Devon U18 squad for this evenings match at Speeds Meadow against Gloucester. Jess is 16 today and we are sure she will feature strongly in the U18 squad in the coming seasons.
Cully pulled off an excellent performance to stop Plymouth from winning a record 5 successive County Cup Finals!
Cully fielded 10 players and beat Bath City 5-1 to leave the race for second place in the league relying on the results against Penzance.
Thanks to Neil Phelps of Gloucester City for taking some awesome photos of the two recent matches versus Gloucester.
His photos can be viewed, and purchased, from his website... Tiger Images...
Cully beat Gloucester in a hard fought match to win a place in the Pat Sowden Trophy final. Read More...
The County Cup final, against Plymouth Argyle, will be held on Tues 24th April at Coach Road, Newton Abbot. Kick off will be 7:30pm.
The Pat Sowden Trophy final will be against Yeovil, held at Kimberly Stadium, Saltash on Sun 29th April, Kick off at 2pm.
Our congratulations go to Yeovil who beat Penzance to win promotion to the South West Combination League. As a strong, young, well organised team they should make their mark in the higher division.
Cully lost to Gloucester City in controversial circumstances today.
Read More...
Cully beat Bristol Academy A, 3-1, in the Pat Sowden Trophy quarter final. They will now face Gloucester City in the semi-final. Read More...
Cully drew with Gloucester City in a replayed league match. Read More...