North Cheltenham Churches Football Team

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and to Michael Wyatt for the reports on the matches.

Game 15 : League Match : 21 January 2012 :
North Cheltenham Churches 1 - 1 Trinity

On a blustery day, which would test the players, NCC kicked off this game, with first advantage of the wind. At once Cheltenham Trinity was on the attack, and gained an early corner. Following a bit of a mix up NCC allowed their opposition a couple of stabs at goal before the ball was cleared, but then only as far as a throw-on. Trinity then threatened with several quick runs down their left wing, one led to an elevated shot being well held by Ryan Adams, by his near post. Slowly NCC was coming into the game, and launched a few strikes at the other end; one, from Emlyn John, just passed wide of goal and another was easily held by the keeper as it descended into his hands.

At the start of the second quarter of the game Trinity had a free kick, from way out, which was sent behind. Both sides had some players who made solo runs; for NCC this was Emlyn John. Ryan Adams was the busier keeper but his saves were not taxing events. Many of the home attempts saw them going up the right wing. From one NCC sent over a cross, which was well caught by jumping Jay Jackson, as he held the ball in front of Andrew Murton who was running in. A Trinity charge saw a player outstrip NCC, but, as they caught up, his delivery was sent wide of the post. Emlyn John lined up an effort, which sped through the visitors’ defence, but straight into the arms of their keeper. Minutes later Jay Jackson held onto a free kick just beyond the far post as Martin Eccles was coming in. Andrew Murton saw his shot sent behind for a corner, which resulted in Martin Eccles seeing his latest try blocked as the hosts applied pressure on Trinity. Then Lee Bradley was prevented from making a cross as the keeper snapped up the ball; not long after Lee was denied by several defenders as he tried to take the ball through them. The half ended with both teams exchanging attacks in their many efforts to score.

Cheltenham Trinity keeper, Jay Jackson, making a great save from off the head of one of our players

Cheltenham Trinity restarted the game with the advantage of the gusty wind. It was a poor start from the home side which allowed the visitors to switch from the centre to the right, where they regained the ball from an NCC throw on. Then a Trinity player sent over a diagonal aerial shot. As this neared the goal it appeared to hang in the air, completely deceiving Ryan Adams, who could only watch as the ball fell into the net, leaving him the ignominious task of retrieving it by the post. NCC was behind within one minute of the restart. During the next quarter of an hour Cheltenham Trinity made a series of penetrating progressions, as they endeavoured to stretch their advantage. As well as shooting wide of both posts they missed a great opportunity with a four-man attack when they shot over both the NCC defence and the bar. Their most threatening effort came following a corner, but Lee Bradley made a great block before another Trinity player chipped the ball, only to see it cross the bar. Then, on the hour, NCC got their act together, which began with a strong movement down their left. Declan Walker won the ball on the edge of the box, and delivered a great cross towards the far corner. Here it was missed by a Trinity defender, its keeper and Andrew Murton, but fell nicely for Lee Bradley, following up impeccably. His right-footed volley sped past all, and bulged the netting on the far side; to the casual onlooker a well-worked move.

Are the Trinity trio and our Declan Walker (yellow boots) dancing or is this a trick of the camera?

With half an hour remaining, and everything to play for, the match was set up for a thrilling finale. Shortly after this equalising goal Ryan Adams made two great saves within a minute. The first saw him smother the ball with his body as he raced out towards the corner, and the second followed a Trinity free kick. As the ball started to descend Ryan was able to get a hand to it as he too began to fall backwards. With great skill he pawed the ball upwards and outwards. As he sat on the ground he watched the tumbling ball being cleared with the unfortunate Declan Walker lying injured.

Following a Trinity free kick as the ball started to descend Ryan Adams was able to get a hand to it
as he began to fall backwards. With great skill he pawed the ball upwards and outwards,
before sitting on the ground to watch the ball being cleared.

Ryan Adams calmly awaiting the arrival of the ball, closely watched by the referee (beside the goal)
and Jon Craxford straddling the goal line

Ryan Adams made a couple more good saves, and during the game saw Trinity hit the woodwork on three occasions, once when the ball hit the bottom of a post and rose to cross the empty goal mouth unmolested. In between NCC had their moments, and finished the stronger, playing with surety and composure. NCC caused Jay Jackson to make a sprawling save from a cross, with an open goal beckoning the onrushing Adam Hitchman, and then he grabbed another drive from Andrew Murton; these were after the Trinity defence had done its work. Upon reflection there was more to this game than at first appeared, and during its length the mantle of authority moved from Trinity to NCC. It could be argued that NCC was fortunate to gain a draw, but, despite some great Trinity efforts, any other result would have been unjust. Both teams played well in the difficult conditions. Lee Bradley received the accolade as man of the match.

A mildly contented Michael Wyatt reporting from a
windswept Stade de Prestbury

The home team salutes the visitors by forming a tunnel through which the visitors pass

Game 14 : League Match : 14 January 2012 :
North Cheltenham Churches 2 - 1 Tewkesbury

Following a couple of days of frost this game was moved from Prestbury to the astroturf pitch at Winchcombe School. Playing in their original strip of green and white hoops NCC took centre and immediately lost the ball as the Tigers ran up their right wing. In turn NCC regained the ball, which was crossed to Andy Macauly, waiting deep in his half of the field. He delivered a beautiful low ball down the middle of the pitch, towards Andrew Murton. Collecting the ball Andrew continued goalwards, and sent in a low drive towards the far corner. It was almost a repeat of the previous meeting as the visiting keeper dived but could only parry the ball. With utter dejection he watched it loop over his body, and descend into the back of the net. NCC was in front after precisely twenty-three seconds, what a dream of a dream start, and what a nightmare for the visitors! Following a couple of attacks from the Tigers the next quarter of an hour saw NCC in complete control of the game; yet they failed to capitalise on their supremacy.

The delightful setting of NCC attacking, with glorious views towards the sheep-filled hills
in the distance. The ball has rebounded off the wire-mesh, no linesman is that quick!!

A bit of juggling going on here, by Andrew Murton, with Ian Jones (left) and Peter Vaughan-Shaw (right)

In this phase the Tigers’ keeper made a series of stunning saves and denied the hosts from increasing their score. He caught a couple of tantalising balls as they descended and parried others behind for a series of NCC corners. Another volley from Andrew Murton was saved as the keeper lay sprawled on the turf and then Ian Jones headed an attempt over the bar. In between Tewkesbury had one determined crack at goal, and wasted a great opportunity when the ball was sent wide with only Ryan Adams to beat.

The game progressed at a fast pace, and for a few minutes the Tigers were allowed to make a series of runs into the NCC half as they moved out of bottom gear. Martin Cookson denied them with several well-read defensive clearances. As the second quarter came NCC re-exerted their dominance, but again was denied by the opposition keeper. Ian Jones had a trio of opportunities stopped as the Tigers kept themselves in the game. Although NCC was denied it must be argued that they denied themselves often when the many opportunities presented themselves.

In the last fifteen minutes of the half NCC continued to press forward, and wasted another great chance when the keeper came out too far, forcing his defence to save the day. Ian Jones made further attempts but managed to miss an open goal. However, he made amends within minutes as he fired past the keeper, to give NCC a slight cushion; match-winning as events were to show. The Tigers made a few more sallies but again were denied by Martin Cookson. At the other end the half closed with NCC shooting wide, and man of the match Peter Vaughan-Shaw being kept out as he came down the right wing.

Martin Cookson making one of several great clearances, he was excellent in defence, solid.

Before the start of the second stage the Tigers changed their keeper following his ankle injury at the end of the opening period. It was a different team which took the field, and the visitors began in fine form. Rampant they created a series of threatening attacks, winning several corners. NCC was living dangerously with Andy Macauly making a great clearance as Ryan Adams lay injured, and from a corner the ball eluded all at the near post as it sped across the goalmouth. Tewkesbury gained a corner from the other side but this was cleared with NCC defending in numbers. Both Declan Walker and Andrew Murton were denied when in good positions, and the latter saw Ian Jones fail to connect with his well crossed delivery. Adam Cox made an exciting dash up the length of the left wing; his solo effort was only denied when he tried to take the ball towards the goal. The Tigers had another shot cross a busy NCC goal, but no one was able to make connect.

Andrew Murton with the ball as Jon Craxford (left) and Ian Jones (right) look on

With a quarter of an hour remaining the Tigers came down their right wing. The ball was lifted over the head of the advancing Ryan Adams, and as it descended a Tiger pounced. Before the goalie was able to retrieve the ball it had been bundled into the net, to set up a gripping final fifteen minutes.

The last five minutes showed the NCC dominance, as they mounted several strong attacks. The Tigers stand-in keeper made several great saves, one as he used his knees to deny Ian Jones, and his defence closed down efforts from both Andrew Murton and Karl Hemming. At the other end Tigers made their final threatening attack, as they came down their left wing. However with two against five this effort was denied, as was a draw. In the closing minutes NCC demonstrated their superiority as they made the ball work with an exhibition of passing rather than the dashing up and down which both teams had shown through much of the game. It was a thoroughly deserved win, even though its execution still left much on which to ponder.

Game 13 : League Match : 17 December 2011:
Tewkesbury 2 – 3 North Cheltenham Churches

NCC kicked off their last match before Christmas on a cold and bright morning, but looking straight into the low angle of the winter sun. A novel experience for both teams was the playing of this game on the new astroturf pitch, opened at the beginning of the season. Surrounded by the high fencing it was reminiscent of a gladiatorial contest! In the initial minutes both sides tested the surface as they created early attacks, but these were cleared with relative ease. Then, after just three minutes, Rob Green limped off, and NCC had to play the remainder of the game with ten men, as the team had been unable to find any substitutes. Two minutes later Lee Bradley led a run down the left wing, and sent the ball towards Andrew Murton. He continued the run before firing a low volley from an oblique angle, which entered the net with a gratifying thud.

New boy Phil Collins made a great effort as he denied a persistent Tiger in front of the NCC goal. Following a Tewkesbury corner NCC delivered the ball down their right wing. On this fast surface Andrew Murton gave chase, and controlled the ball with great skill. Having eluded two defenders he sent it towards the keeper, who could only make a partial parry, and the ball ballooned over his prostrated body, to descend into the net. Although the result was a little fortuitous the NCC was playing with great commitment; evident by the ten-man team being two up after just ten minutes!

These goals seemed to spark the home team into making use of their extra man. They chased down both wings and rained some long-range attempts towards the NCC goal. One was well caught by Ryan Adams as he stretched to pluck the ball from the air; moments later this save was repeated. After further action from the visitors the Tigers were again on the prowl, and a determined effort saw the parried ball rise over Ryan Adams and descend into the net, and so allow the Tigers hunt to be successful as they pulled a goal back; the game had been going for just seventeen minutes.

All, including Stephen Murton, wait to see whether the ball goes out of play, and, who will have the throw on

Although no further goals were scored before half-time there was still plenty of action. The ball was moved rapidly from one end to the other, often travelling quicker than the players. This meant that the keepers had to be alert, and the home keeper was able to pounce on several long-range efforts before the advancing opposition arrived. Tewkesbury was awarded a free kick from just outside the box, but this was hit high and wide. Ten minutes before the interval a determined Tiger chase saw an equally determined NCC defence barring their approach. Despite this it took a great effort from an alert Ryan Adams to send the ball inches over the bar, and so concede a corner. At the other end the Tiger keeper took a very good catch from off the head of Andrew Murton, to save what could easily have been a goal. Soon after this NCC had a corner, which saw Martin Eccles head over the bar, and the hosts ended the half with yet another long-range shot.

The second half started at a great pace, with the Tigers making the initial running but the NCC matched them. In the third minute of the new half a good ball found Andrew Murton up on the left, where he sent in a long lethal diagonal strike, to complete the fourth hat trick of his NCC career; little wonder that he was named as man of the match.

Man of the Match Andrew Murton makes it 1-3 and completes the fourth hat trick of his NCC career

For much of the next twenty minutes NCC balanced their opposition in both attack and defence, with each side in pursuit of further success. Tewkesbury looked most dangerous when they chased down their left wing, and made optimum use of the wide open spaces. Then dangerous crosses appeared, but Ryan Adams, using the whole of his goal area, was able to deal with these effectively. The Tigers switched the chase to the right wing, and gained a corner, which Simon Trew headed out to safety. This sea-saw game saw Jon Craxford send in a long-range shot, which went wide of goal. Then the Tigers reverted to their left wing, and delivered a diagonal ball into the box. An alert prowling Tiger sent in a hard volley, which thudded into the opposite corner of the net, giving Ryan Adams little chance, and so setting up a thrilling final twenty-five minutes.

Gradually Tewkesbury were spending more time in the other half of the pitch, which gave the tiring NCC players some respite, in a strange sort of way. Their solid defence held firm, and the Tigers did not help themselves by getting off-side several times as they galloped over the level surface. The hosts tried more long-range attempts, and three narrowly missed their target, but their intense ten-minute pressure evaporated. In between these penetrating attacks NCC, mainly through their trio of James Stevens, Martin Eccles and Andrew Murton, kept probing the Tigers lair. Towards the end Simon Trew made a great solo effort, only to be denied when he was up-ended as he neared goal. Martin Eccles tried a long-range shot, which shaved the far post, and Andrew Murton saw his shot deflected, as he tried to beat both goalie and another defender. In the closing stages Tewkesbury had several more chances but good defending from the NCC decapods ensured their victory in this five-goal thriller. It was a fine effort from the team, their commitment saw each player give 110%.

Game 12 : League Match : 10 December 2011 :
North Cheltenham Churches 1 - 3 Cornerstone

On a cold and frosty morning NCC, in their changed strip of green and white hoops, kicked off this match against Cornerstone, a team which has won every league game this season. In the opening ten minutes the visitors created several chances but their shots were either fired wide or saved by Ryan Adams. They favoured coming down the left wing, or just off centre, but were kept at bay by the staunch actions of Adam Hitchman. The hosts created several attacks, through Mark Broekman and James Stevens, but were denied by an alert defence and good catching from the visiting keeper.

Once the frost had gone Cornerstone moved up a gear, and used the width of the field to full advantage. One run, this time down the right wing, forced Ryan Adams to make a spectacular parry, as he put his body firmly in front of the approaching ball. He must have been very relieved when, as the ball was returned, it went into the side netting. Play flowed at a good pace, and the NCC players were holding their own. Mark Broekman had a fine solo run down the right wing, but was quickly closed down by three defenders. Man of the match Simon Trew cleared one Cornerstone attack with a deft header, which let the Hoops take the attack up to the other end. Soon after this Adam Hitchman and Andy Murton saw off the most potent threat thus far. Then, after twenty-six minutes, the home side came up their left wing and won a corner. A delicate placement, from Jon Craxford, saw the ball sent towards Simon Trew. Expertly he speared the strong Cornerstone defence with a well-directed effort, which sped past the keeper and ended up in the far corner of the net; his first-ever goal for the team; well done Simon! Interestingly NCC has scored two of the three goals which Cornerstone had conceded in six league matches.

In the next twenty minutes the Cornerstone team increased their pressure, gained a corner and created several further chances, but the solid NCC defence held firm, and Ryan Adams made a couple of great saves. At the other end the keeper came out and took the ball high above James Stevens, as his attempted header was not high enough. Then, eight minutes before half time, the visitors were awarded a free kick, from the edge of the area. The ball was floated towards the centre where a Cornerstone player took route one, and performed an acrobatic overhead kick which saw the ball end up in the far corner of the net; all square, but a great disappointment to the home team. In the last few minutes the home side created further attacks, and had another corner, which was headed wide by Mark Broekman.

NCC spent much of the opening minutes of the new half on the defensive. Then Simon Trew led an attack through the middle, and gained a free kick from just outside the penalty area. Andrew Murton took the kick, and sent it past the four-man wall, but straight into the arms of the waiting keeper, who had positioned his men to perfection. The visitors gained a corner, and then made a series of threatening passes near the corner flag before they were seen off. After fifty-six minutes Cornerstone had another attack, and sent over a high ball. This was missed by Ryan Adams, allowing an alert attacker to score an easy goal, and so propel his team into the lead.

Andy Murton takes a free kick, with all the gaps covered he misses the wall of 4 but the goalie is ready

At once the Hoops were up at the other end, but their shot was saved by the keeper, who finished on his knees. A Cornerstone forward pierced the home defence, and, as the ball fell nicely for him, his attempt erred off course. Another solo run saw James Stevens speed through, but without any support he was closed down by half a dozen rampant defenders. NCC increased their pressure, and spent much of the following five minutes near the opposition goal. Then they had an attack down the left wing, and gained a throw-on. This resulting throw led to the award of a penalty, following a push on Martin Eccles. Andrew Murton stepped up for the kick, which was well pushed out by the keeper as he dived to his left, but unfortunately the rebound was sent over the bar. This event proved to be debilitating for the home team, who were unable to capitalise on two separate bookings imposed on Cornerstone. NCC had another attack seen off by the keeper, before disaster struck again.

NCC defending a corner. Martin Eccles jumps up, behind No. 29, Man of the Match, Simon Trew

Within minutes of the penalty-miss Cornerstone had an attack which left the hosts standing. A cross found an unmarked player, in acres of space, who whacked the ball past the keeper, and put the game out of reach of the NCC. In the last twenty minutes the visiting side created a series of chances, and won a brace of corners and free kicks. They were denied by a combination of good goal-keeping, shots off target and an alert home defence, which saw, for example, Simon Trew win the ball in front of a quick forward. NCC created a few chances but these were saved or sent wide. In the end the better organised side won the game, but it is to be hoped that their opposition gained from the experience.

Game 11 : Plate Match : 3 December 2011 :
St Andrews 1 - 2 North Cheltenham Churches

Saturday arrived with beautiful warm sunshine, despite a chilly wind. St Andrews kicked off this plate match, at Plock Court, the spacious location of their new home ground. Despite fielding a scratch team the NCC players produced a commendable performance throughout the game, with an unexpected result to endorse their determination, and to maintain the magic of one-off fixtures.

Following the home side’s initial run it was NCC who had the first period of dominance, when they spent several minutes deep inside their opponent’s territory. Here they gained a free kick, from just outside the box. Unfortunately the curling effort, taken by Jon Craxford, dipped the wrong side of the bar. Then St Andrews applied a period of pressure as they came up the wings. Defender, and man of the match Martin Cookson, put the ball behind for a corner; Jon Craxford also tidied up and Ryan Adams caught the ball from a straight drive. Some penetrating NCC runs saw the home keeper kept busy as he gathered one ball from just outside the post and pushed away another, following a diving save. Then St Andrews made their most threatening foray of the half. Well inside NCC territory they crossed the ball repeatedly, before the shot was well held by Ryan Adams. With the first quarter gone the visitors were playing very well, and having a slight edge following their greater fortitude in attack and better resolve in defence.

NCC continued to worry their opponents, which saw several attempts go wide and James Stevens being denied in front of goal. After a brief run from the hosts the visitors were up again, creating further pressure on St Andrews. Both Emiliano Cipriani and Tom Burgess had half-chances before NCC saw off another persistent attack. As the end of the half neared it was NCC again making the running. This resulted in a goal mouth melee with near misses from both James Stevens and Tom Burgess. As the half ended, goal-less, with NCC well in charge, there was still everything to play for after the resumption.

At the start of the second half NCC begin an attack from deep inside their own half

The second half got off to a dream-start. Having taken centre NCC found they were defending from well inside their own half. They conceded a free-kick which Ryan Adams coolly pouched, before returning the ball back up the field of play. Here NCC, through Tom Burgess, dribbled the ball up the left wing. Approaching the 18 yard box he passed to his right, where Andy Macauly continued this run. Outsmarting one defender Andy continued goalwards. As he approached the right-hand post he sent over a diagonal shot. This sped towards the far post, as five defenders rushed back. Chaos seemed to reign as the goalie dived, and missed the ball, but an alert James Stevens did not. His final tap was more than enough to guide the ball into the net, for the Reds to be in front after just five minutes of the half.

A diagonal cross from Andy Macauly is missed by the goalie and alert James Stevens taps it in : 0 - 1

For much of the next quarter of an hour NCC took the attack to the opposition, where the opposing keeper made a series of fine saves. Initially he ran out to grab the ball, later he grasped another save to his chest as he lay on the ground, with a defender shielding the ball from the encroaches of Andy Macauly. In another moment he caught a drive and later booted the approaching ball back down the field. Amongst all of this excitement James Stevens saw his chip cannon off the crossbar, and Andrew Murton sent a shot straight into the arms of the keeper; it was all exciting stuff. Ryan Adams had his patch invaded twice during this period of intense activity at the other end, albeit briefly; at least he was made to work to prevent St Andrews achieving any success.

Time was passing too quickly for the hosts, and their attacks increased in both frequency and determination. They won two successive free kicks, but the visitors were defending well, matching the opposition man for man. The nearest St Andrews came to a strike saw an attempt almost graze the bar as it sped over an unguarded part of the goal. Another chance came from the second of successive corners, which saw the ball go by the far post, with the forward unable to get a touch. For much of the next fifteen minutes it was St Andrews in charge, although NCC had two shots well saved by the home keeper.

With some ten minutes to go NCC mounted a series of threatening attacks. Following a corner a shot sailed over the bar, and another attack saw Andrew Murton shoot wide. Then a combination of a poor goal kick, and an alert Andrew Murton, saw him intercept the punt and volley it back past the keeper; NCC were two up with ten minutes remaining!

It was difficult to see how the home side could increase their pressure, but they did. Within a minute they sent a well struck final ball past a static Ryan Adams, and enter the bottom corner of the net. What an intense closing period awaited both teams in this cup game. From the restart NCC went on the attack, bringing out two great parries from the home keeper; the second saw him jump to concede a corner as he pushed the ball behind. The final minutes saw the home side come down both wings, as they bombarded the NCC defence, but the gallant defenders saw them off. Following a final Red attack the match ended, with NCC winning a game in which they were dominant for long periods; well done to the whole team!

Game 10 : League Match : 26 November 2011:
Cheltenham Trinity 4 - 1 North Cheltenham Churches

On a cold and incredibly dull day NCC kicked off, with the advantage of an extremely strong and gusty wind. During this opening phase play flowed up and down the pitch, and Ryan Adams was soon in action as he made the initial save, a tame volley which was pouched with apparent ease. Cheltenham Trinity had their moments; one saw them gain two corners in quick succession, and another brought a good diving save from the visiting keeper. Although NCC became the dominant side they failed to capitalise upon this early momentum, which would have a great bearing upon the result. They spent the majority of this period in their opponent’s half, especially in their left hand corner. From this base Jon Craxford sent a shot over the bar, other shots went by the goal post, one missing it by the width of the ball, or they were saved by Jay Jackson, as he honed his goal-keeping skills. After twenty minutes NCC again came up their left wing, and sent over a cross. This was caught by the keeper as Karl Hemming ran in, unmarked. A few minutes later déjà vu, a delicate chip was flighted goalwards by Jon Craxford. Passing over the head of the keeper, and missed by the solitary defender, it was left to the alert Karl Hemming to side-foot the ball. With immense delight he watched the futile efforts of a valiant defender, who, like the ball, ended up in the net. Well done to Karl, who scored his first-ever goal for the team!

NCC continued to apply their relentless pressure; even having ten players in their opponents’ half. Andy Murton saw his diagonal shot rebound off the post, and bounce back into play. By now Trinity had tightened up their game, and made several threatening runs down their left wing; one, following a good cross, was only denied by some intrepid defending by man of the match Jon Craxford. The hosts missed two great chances where many would consider it harder not to score. The Cheltenham Trinity keeper made a great diving save to grab the ball inches from the line after his defender had missed the cross. Later he sprawled to his right to push the ball away from a Martin Eccles header. As the period ended NCC would rue their missed opportunities and the spurning of the help from the strong wind in a half which they dominated.

From the restart play began at a furious pace, with alternate forays at each end. NCC created a brace of opportunities, through Martin Cookson and Andy Murton, but both were denied by expert keeping and good defensive work. At the other end Trinity saw their chances go wide. Then they gained a corner, which was sent to the back of the box. Not cleared it fell kindly to the Trinity number five, who fired a speculative long-range volley, which hit the back of the net. All square within five minutes of the restart, game on! For most of the next ten minutes it was Trinity who made the running. NCC had a moment of dominance when Martin Cookson led an attack, and gained a corner. A high ball was delivered, which was sent up field, where the hosts now spent much time in their top-right hand corner. As the ball crossed the goal-area another low volley was struck, and again the ball sped into the back of the NCC net; two hammer blows well taken by Cheltenham Trinity, who appeared to have done their half-time homework.

NCC are attacking, with Andy Murton in control watched eagerly by Emlyn John

Now we had an end to end game, in spite of the conditions. Trinity had a series of outings, which caused little trouble; more threatening were those from their visitors. Following a corner Peter Vaughan-Shaw had a great chance with a header, and Simon Trew had his shot blocked, before the ball was sent behind for an unsuccessful corner. The home side continued to create chances, which saw the ball speed past an empty goal, and from another shot it rebounded off a post. After more concentrated NCC pressure, which saw them gain a corner, it was Trinity who scored next.

The linesman has his flag up before the ball enters the net, so NCC failed to gain a goal!

Following an attack, which saw Ryan Adams dive to parry the shot, the ball ballooned up, before ending in the net. From the restart NCC gained a corner, only to see their hopes of a goal dashed as the linesman had his red flag up. As the sun came out it shone on a dominating Cheltenham Trinity; while they denied NCC at every opportunity they grew in stature, as, first, they hit the crossbar, and then piled the cream on their cake with another well-struck goal deep into time added on. It was a humbling experience for the NCC, and a flattering score line for their hosts, but credit to Trinity for seizing their chances and adapting better to the difficult conditions.

Game 09 : League Match : 12 November 2011:
North Cheltenham Churches 0 - 1 Cambray

On an overcast but spring-like day Cambray, the visitors, started this game with several attacks, all down their right wing. One of these movements resulted in a corner, which was headed wide. Then Cambray, the reigning league champions, had two free kicks; one caused Ryan Adams to pull off a save from off the nose of an attacking forward. In between Mark Broekman found himself in a good position from his solo effort, and later Ian Jones lifted his shot over the advancing keeper but it continued over the bar. Then, after twelve minutes, the visitors had the ball in the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Cambray continued to create attacks but were constantly denied by a dogged home defence. When they broke through this defence Ryan Adams came out to deny them success. The champions gained a corner on their right; a low ball was sent over but the shot rebounded off the post with a resounding thwack, the first of the four times that the visitors hit the woodwork! At the other end Ian Jones was prevented from finishing his cross, with Mark Broekman waiting in plenty of space. Two further forays in quick succession were also denied before the hosts were again on the rampage. The game was quite evenly matched despite the visitors more threatening attacks.

Then, approaching the twenty sixth minute, the visitors had two successive corners, both from the left. A high ball was missed by all, except Nathan Kiyaga, who nodded it past the outstretched arms of the keeper, to score the only goal of the match, enabling Cambray to maintain their undefeated start to the season. Cambray used both wings to great advantage, but were unable to apply the finishing touches. Most play occurred in mid-field, and the game of attrition was punctuated by goal-runs at each end. One saw Ryan Adams grab the ball as he lay sprawled on the grass; the hosts were the busier team in defence, but survived further catastrophe as half-time came.

The second half saw a more determined effort from NCC, and the game developed into one full of excitement, especially as a single goal was the difference in the score. Martin Eccles was denied when his individual effort was closed down by seven players as he attempted a diving header. When the Blues continued their attack the ball was well saved by man of the match Ryan Adams. Soon after he pushed the ball out of the goal-area and almost immediately made a wonderful save as he knocked the ball up, and over, the crossbar. Cambray were awarded a few kick from the edge of the box, but this was driven high, wide and erroneously off target.

Another attack led Cambray to win a corner, which saw the ball bounce off the top of the bar. With their two-man attack, sometimes three, NCC made things difficult as this shortage of manpower enabled Cambray to stem the flow with relative ease. It was asking rather a lot against a team of this quality! On their outings Cambray had a minimum of four up front, and posed problems for the mass of Reds, at times nine men in defence. On the hour Peter Vaughan-Shaw led a promising charge, but was forced to veer away from the target and the opportunity was gone. Shortly after this James Stevens missed what must have been NCC’s best chance. The team was showing a tremendous fighting spirit, and could be deemed to be unfortunate not to score. However, Cambray would respond with their many missed opportunities; more were to come in the last quarter.

Jon Craxford wins a tussle with a Cambray player,
watched by James Stevens (behind), Martin Eccles and Ian Jones

As the final five minutes came Cambray increased their pressure, forcing more outstanding saves from Ryan Adams, and again hitting the woodwork. With a couple of minutes remaining they were awarded a penalty, but this was sent wide of the left post, summing up the game for Cambray, but not to take anything away from NCC’s battling performance in the match.

North Cheltenham Churches Football Team
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Our Football Team

North Cheltenham Churches Football Team Sponsored by REVOLVE

Our Football Team

North Cheltenham Churches Football Team
Sponsored by REVOLVE