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North Cheltenham Churches Football Team
Sponsored by Selim Smith & Co
We are grateful to our Kit
Sponsor – Selim Smith, the local undertakers, who
agreed to sponsor our new kit (cue lots of jokes about burying the
opposition!).
Results and
League Table
Our team just before the game on 12 September 2009
Back Row, left to right:
Stephen Murton; Adam Cox; Mark Broekman; Paul Broekman; Andy Murton;
Ian Jones; Jason Roberts; Martin Cookson, Front Row: John Radburn;
Alex Wilkins;
Lee Bradley; Michael Wyatt; Tim Rudge; Tom Hardcastle; Andy Macauly;
Dave Matthews
For info and team selection details contact
The webmaster wishes to record his grateful
thanks to Edward Wyatt for the photographs
and to Michael Wyatt for the reports on the matches.
 Game 14:
League Match: 6 March 2010:
Diamonds 4 - 4 North Cheltenham Churches
On a cold day Diamonds, the hosts, took centre, and played down the field,
with the advantage of the slope in front of the NCC goal. NCC started with two
good chances to open the scoring; the first fell to Andrew Murton, who shot
wide, and then, from a corner, Martin Eccles headed over the bar, a promising
start. After six minutes the home side had a free kick on the right hand side.
They sent a well-directed lob, which passed over the head of Ryan Adams, the
NCC keeper for the day, and arguably not standing in the best of positions,
before entering the net; a disappointment, and one with the appearance of a
degree of good fortune for Diamonds. NCC continued to create pressure, and both
Mark Broekman and Martin Eccles came close. After twelve minutes Andrew Murton
made a great solo run up the left wing and hit a diagonal shot past the keeper,
who had advanced to meet him, into an empty net, to level the scores. In the
following ten minutes the home side attacked, and gained a series of corners,
including three in succession. From yet another corner the ball was delivered
obliquely towards the penalty spot, where a waiting player hit a powerful
header, to restore Diamond’s lead.  This
pulsating game continued, with further chances created by both sides; Tom
Hardcastle saw his shot go wide of the upright. After half an hour Diamonds
delivered a fine long ball, which went through the NCC defence to a waiting
attacker. He dribbled round two defenders and then unleashed a fierce shot,
which was bravely knocked out by Ryan. However, the rebound landed at the feet
of another player, who had the easiest of jobs to put the ball into an empty
net. In the remaining minutes of the half NCC had two further chances, one from
Tom Hardcastle, which was very well parried for a corner, and the other, from
Andrew Murton, which passed wide of the goal. The team with the advantage of
the slope had scored most of the goals, would history repeat itself in the
second half?
Although the opening ten minutes of the second half saw plenty of action at
each end it was the NCC who attacked more frequently, gaining two successive
corners and seeing a near a miss from Lee Bradley. Two minutes later the
visitors made the cardinal mistake of not playing to the whistle, their defence
stopped because they thought a player was signalled offside. To their horror
the home side continued their attack up the right wing and a weighted cross was
met by an unmarked attacker, who rifled the ball into the net. Within two
minutes NCC won a corner.  Emlyn
John sent over a high cross, which was met by Martin Eccles, who headed the
ball downwards, bisecting the two static defenders, and so into the net. Once
again NCC were losing to Diamonds by 4-2, as in the game played in September.
This goal seemed to rattle Diamonds, who were losing some of their polish.
During the next seven minutes play alternated, although the visitors were the
more active. Then, shortly after the hour mark, another NCC attack saw Emlyn
John send in a dazzling volley, which sped across the ground like a rocket,
shooting past several astonished defenders, to end up in the bottom right hand
corner of the net; and so set up a nail biting final twenty minutes. Although
the green and whites created greater pressure both sides had further chances to
score, but were denied by good keeping or else their shots were wide. Then
Diamonds were awarded a free kick, from just outside the centre circle. Ryan
Adams, jumping up on one leg, skilfully saved a wonderfully taken shot, which
appeared to be dipping below the bar. With five minutes left Mark Broekman,
leading an attack down the right wing, found Ian Jones, who prodded the ball
into the net, to the right of a frantic lunge from the desperate keeper, to tie
the score. Then we had an exciting last few minutes, in which NCC nearly won
the game, with Ian Jones and Tom Hardcastle both shooting wide. As the full
time whistle went a draw was the fairest result for this effervescent match, a
game of two equal halves.
A cheerful Michael Wyatt reporting from a dramatic Naunton Park
Game 13: League : 27 February 2010 :
North Cheltenham Churches 1 - 2 Cornerstone
It was a fresh morning as NCC kicked off this match, a game which exhibited
tenacity and excitement, but one which was lost in the opening two minutes of
the second half; more anon. From the onset Cornerstone seemed both
fitter and faster, but then they might have adapted to the tacky conditions
quicker than their hosts, as well as having a slight advantage with the slope.
Controlling both space and the ball they mounted several attacks down their
right wing, which saw them gain three good chances. They were denied by some
brave and brilliant keeping by Tim Rudge, who read the situation to perfection;
he saved one shot by a split-second blockage with his legs. In this he was ably
supported by his defence, in particular the sterling work carried out by Adam
Cox. By no means were NCC totally outplayed, and they created chances of their
own; one effort, from Jason Roberts, was pushed behind for a corner.
The Hoops defend a corner kick
The excitement continued past the midpoint of this goalless opening half.
Cornerstone had three corners in rapid succession, but was denied success. NCC
seemed to be a man short up front, and their direct approach was easily
defended. However, when they tried some diagonal passes, across to their right
wing, this proved threatening, as did a great kick from James Walter,
reflecting his skill in another discipline. Perhaps we could see more of this?
Both Ian Jones and Martin Eccles saw headers narrowly miss their target. The
visitors had a free kick, which was sent high over the bar, and created several
more partial chances as the half drew to a close, a half which was a credit to
the determination of the Undertakers.
Ian Jones saw headers narrowly miss their target
In these finely balanced games a momentarily lapse is often the difference
at the end, and so this proved to be the case here. The visitors started the
second half, and had scored within twenty-one seconds, as they attacked up
their left wing, before cutting into the penalty area and firing the ball past
Tim, and high into the net. Taking the resulting centre the Hoops had time to
attack, before Cornerstone was again advancing up their left wing. With the
home defence out of sight the attacker easily dribbled past the advancing
keeper, to send the ball speeding over the ground, and into an empty net, to
double the score, with less than ninety seconds of the half played.
NCC defend another corner kick
Cornerstone had several forays up the slope, and their speedy attack meant
the home defenders, often missing, had to turn and chase after their quarry. In
spite of this NCC did not concede any more goals, either through good keeping
from Tim Rudge, good defensive work from a crowded goal area packed with most
of the team, or the visitors wasting their opportunities. The hosts denied
their opposition as they defended two well-taken corners. When NCC made their
attacks they too were met by a packed defence, albeit slightly less dense than
that seen at the opposite end. Full credit must be given to the Hoops, who
continued to press forward. Then, with three minutes to go, Ian Jones led an
attack down the left wing, where he was met by the advancing keeper. He crossed
the ball, past the static defenders, where it was met by Chris Rudge, who
tapped it home, to create an exciting final few minutes. Almost immediately the
NCC were down there again, and nearly saw Tom Hardcastle perform, but the ball
was sent over the cross bar. Cornerstone had a final fling, causing the home
keeper to pull off another fine save, and so a pulsating match ended, with the
NCC narrowly defeated by the only undefeated team in the league.
Ian Jones crosses the ball to Chris Rudge who tapped it home
A baffled Michael Wyatt, reporting from a subdued Stade de Prestbury
Game 12: League: 13
February 2010:
Cheltenham Trinity 2 - 1 North Cheltenham Churches
On a bitterly cold day, but one which was brightened by the sun, the home
side kicked of this game. At once the NCC was on the attack, only to see their
effort go behind, for a goal kick. Shortly after they gained a corner, which
was cleared. Then the hosts made a series of attacks, up both wings, including
a shot which was well saved by Tim Rudge, the first of a brilliant series he
made throughout this finely balanced game. After ten minutes Trinity came up
their right side, to send over a high cross. This hit the woodwork and
rebounded back into play, where the NCC defence, despite several attempts to
clear, failed to prevent an alert attacker from forcing the ball past the
keeper, and so open the scoring. During the following twenty minutes NCC made a
series of penetrating attacks, which saw them come close to the final line.
Following a corner Mark Broekman saw his header pass over the crossbar. Chris
Rudge and Tom Hardcastle, who retired injured soon after, had strong efforts
cleared by the skills of the home keeper. Ian Jones had almost reached the goal
line in one of his exciting efforts, but lost the ball as he tried to walk it
into the net! Cheltenham Trinity forced another excellent save from Tim Rudge,
taken as he jumped to clasp the ball from above the head of an attacker. Then
Trinity had a free kick, which was sent high over the bar, to land beyond the
boundary fence.
Ian Jones scores from the penalty spot
With fifteen minutes of the first half remaining Ian Jones, making another
of his piercing runs, was brought down inside the penalty area. Facing the
keeper, who was standing slightly off-centre, Ian calmly took the spot kick
himself, and sent a curving ball away from the diving keeper, to score. Both
sides had further penetrating attacks in the remainder of this half. The home
side had two corners in succession, followed by a free kick, which again hit
the woodwork. At the other end Mark Broekman mounted a good solo run, only to
see his effort cleared by the defence.
 In the
opening minutes of the second half both keepers pulled off great saves, that by
the Trinity player was made as he was down on one knee, and stretching above
his right shoulder. Such was the pace of the game that each side was able to
mount another attack before Trinity struck, with only six minutes of the half
gone. A good run saw the home side get behind the NCC defence, and poke the
ball past the desperate dive of the keeper. Almost immediately a similar move
saw Tim Rudge make another fine save, holding the ball whilst down on his
knees. Much of the next ten minutes had the visitors defending, and give them
due credit, their line, if shaken from time to time, held. The Hoops made some
attacks up the slope, but were unable to penetrate the tight Trinity defence.
Their most promising move came from Mark Broekman, who made yet another
intelligent individual run, only to see his endeavour roll diagonally across
the goal mouth, well past the frantic stretch of the horizontal keeper, before
hitting a post.
NCC still attacking in the closing minutes
Tim Rudge makes another great save
The final minutes saw action at both ends. Although Tim Rudge was the busier
credit must be given to both keepers who throughout the match kept their
respective side in the game. It could be argued that a draw would have been no
more than NCC deserved, especially for their battling performance.
An absolutely frozen Michael Wyatt reporting from Newlands, in the grip
of Siberian winds.
Game 11: Plate Match: 6 February 2010:
Trinity & Quedgeley 4 - 1 North Cheltenham Churches
After eight weeks without a match, due to Christmas and the recent severe
weather, NCC kicked off this important plate game on a very tacky pitch. In the
opening minutes the green and whites had a promising attack, which was put out
for a corner. Then Trinity & Quedgeley moved up a gear, and had two attacks,
one gaining a corner and the other resulted in an attempt which went narrowly
wide of the goal. On seven minutes, following another T&Q corner, the ball
entered the net. Imagine the surprise all round as the score was disallowed
because the ball, in its flight from the corner, had curved out of play. After
ten minutes a home player made a fine run down the left wing, before crossing
the ball, where another attacker turned the defence and sent the ball past the
desperate dive of Tim Rudge, to open the scoring. Within two minutes T&Q had
doubled their score. However, after a further forty seconds NCC had pulled a
goal back. A good through ball found Ian Jones, unmarked, and he was able to
lift the ball into the back of the net; all seemed set up for a competitive and
exciting game. In the next fifteen minutes both Andrew Murton and Ian Jones had
chances to score, but great saves from the opposing keeper denied them. In turn
the NCC defence kept out Quedgeley, and Tim Rudge made some brave saves. During
the final ten minutes of the first half Ian Jones nearly scored, but another
great take saved the day; and then the home side piled on the pressure. In the
third minute of time added on a long range opportunist shot from a T&Q player
saw the ball speed underneath the NCC keeper, to end up in the net. As the
halftime whistle went the Hoops were 3-1 down.
Ian Jones scores for NCC
From the start of the second half NCC played the better football. They
created several chances, but were unable to put away that final ball; denied by
a solid defence, and when that failed their shots went wide of the uprights or
were saved by the skill of an adroit and alert keeper. Tom Hardcastle had a
clear chance but fired the ball wide of the target. In this opening half an
hour T&Q themselves had a clear-cut scoring opportunity but Tim Rudge made a
great save to deny them. In the closing twenty minutes the home team came right
back into the game, and started to create problems, many from nippy runs down
the wings. With five minutes left such an attack, down the right wing, was
followed up by a good cross, where a vigilant attacker was able to stab the
ball home, for the only goal of this half. Not giving up the visitors continued
to play hard, and in the last few minutes created some excellent attempts to
pull another goal back; but it was one of those days, as the ball continued to
be sent wide of, or over, the cross bar. Despite fielding a strong side T&Q had
adapted better to the conditions, and the long lay-off.
A gloomy Michael Wyatt reporting from a cold Windfall Way
Game 10: League : 12 December 2009:
North Cheltenham Churches 6 - 8 Trinity & Quedgeley
On a cold morning NCC kicked off this match, but was soon defending, as an
attack from the visitors gained a corner, which was cleared. Then the NCC was
up at the other end, and almost scored, as Ian Jones fired the ball over the
bar. Each team had another attack, before the goal-scoring spree began. After
eight minutes a forward sped past the home defence, leaving a one on one with
the keeper, resulting in a low diagonal shot entering the net. NCC created
opportunities; a free kick was shot wide and Ian Jones was unable to better a
trio of defenders, as he jumped in an attempt to head the ball, but it sailed
over the bar. T&Q created another chance but the ball was shot across an empty
goalmouth, as Tim Rudge lay prone. On the quarter of an hour Quedgeley again
came down the right wing, where NCC failed to clear the ball, which was fired
into the net. Increasing their pressure saw the Hoops create two chances; one
was shot wide and the other was well saved by the keeper. Then, on eighteen
minutes, Emlyn John took the ball down the left wing. As it crossed their goal
the visitors got their defence in a muddle, and could only guide the ball into
the net. Within the next four minutes T&Q managed to score twice; the first was
rather fortuitous, as an attacker stuck out a boot in an attempt to control the
ball, but got a glancing blow, causing the ball to divert away from the keeper,
and so into the net. Quedgeley, increasing their momentum, gained a corner
before mounting another foray, and easily outpaced the home defence, to score
their fourth goal, half way through the first period.
An early NCC attack ...
... and defence
Play ebbed and flowed briefly, with Tim Rudge making a fine save from a high
ball, but being fouled in the process. Then followed an exciting period of
play, in which four goals were scored within seven minutes. This began with a
lone Quedgeley forward easily outrunning the home defence, before sending
another low diagonal shot into the far corner. Within a minute Adam Cox led an
NCC attack down their left wing. The visiting keeper committed himself too
early, and came to the edge of his area. As the ball was crossed he was
stranded, and could only watch as yet another mix up with his defenders led to
a second own goal. Two minutes later the Undertakers came down the other wing,
where Lee Bradley rifled the ball into the far corner, easily beating the
desperate dive of a wrongly-positioned keeper. Quedgeley had time for two
further attacks, one a spectacular long shot, which rebounded safely off the
crossbar, before Andrew Murton reduced the deficit to a single goal. The
remainder of this goal feast of a first half continued to cause heart
palpitations, as NCC became dominant, with several opportunities; Ian Jones had
a good chance go wide, the visitors managed to clear the ball from a packed
goal mouth and just before the interval the ball so-narrowly passed over the
Quedgeley bar.
NCC defending a corner kick
At the start of the second half the visitors made early inroads; they had a
shot, which was parried by the keeper, and another, which he saved, with a
third passing over the bar. Then the Undertakers were awarded a free kick;
which Emlyn John sent over the keeper, and into the net. Unfortunately this had
to be retaken, and calamity struck, as the ball hit a post. The visitors were
pressing, and had a couple of chances. Then, ten minutes into the half, another
attack from the visitors saw them score, following a throw-on, when the ball
was lobbed over the keeper. In the next quarter of an hour, as both sides moved
the ball up and down the field, Ian Jones had two near misses, and the
Quedgeley keeper made a great save as he pushed the ball over the bar.
Tim Rudge makes a flying save
At the other end the ball was crossed, eluding several players, including a
T&Q player on the edge of the box. However, the ball was returned, and an NCC
player, in an attempt to head the ball clear only managed to guide it into the
net, for yet another own goal. This was the start of a repeat of the first half
action, in which four goals were scored within seven minutes; déjà vu. Three
minutes later a good ball found Andrew Murton, running down the left wing.
Seeing the keeper coming out of his goal he cleverly lifted the ball over him,
and into the net. Two minutes later Ian Jones received another great ball, and
was able to dribble it past the keeper, before slotting it into the net. Within
a minute the visitors attacked, and although the initial ball was partially
cleared a long shot sped into the home net; for the final goal of the match. In
the remaining minutes the excitement continued all over the pitch, with further
chances at both ends, and each keeper pulling off saves; NCC even managed to
hit the post again in the final moments of this thrilling match.
An engrossed Michael Wyatt reporting from an enraptured Stade de
Prestbury
Game 09: League : 21 November 2009:
Cornerstone 6 - 1 North Cheltenham Churches
It was a blustery day, with the weather unable to make up its mind; should
there be rain or shine? NCC kicked off this match, and faced the full fury of
the southwesterly wind. Each side had an early attack; from Cornerstone the
shot went wide and for the NCC Tom Hardcastle’s effort was confidently saved by
the keeper. After about five minutes the home side had another fast attack down
their right wing, followed by a good cross, which was ferociously headed into
the far corner of the net. Soon after the home side had another attack and Tim
Rudge partially stopped the ball, before gathering it, almost from the boots of
a rampant Cornerstone player. The green and whites then attacked, and were
awarded a free kick, which was pushed away, and behind, by the keeper, for a
corner. Although most of the home team was defending this corner Martin Eccles
was able to jump to reach the ball, but his well struck header sailed over the
bar. Play moved continuously from one end to the other, causing each keeper to
make some compelling saves, and Ian Jones found he was unable to get pass three
defenders. Approaching the fifteen minute mark another speedy attack up the
right wing, easily outstripping the defence, led to Cornerstone scoring their
second goal, as a fierce diagonal shot entered the net. After a beautiful
rainbow arched in the sky the visitors brightened, creating several sharp
attacks from dedicated individuals, and precipitating quick action in a packed
goalmouth.
NCC on the attack
On thirty minutes another attack from Cornerstone lead them to score again;
as a well-taken low drive, from the edge of the area, sped through the
visitors’ defence. NCC spent much of the next six minutes attacking the hosts’
goal, causing the keeper to make some quick reaction saves. Following another
Cornerstone attack the shot was parried, for a corner. It was a case of déjà
vu, as the ball was headed in, just like the opening goal. Undaunted, NCC
continued in their quest for a goal, and created half chances through the work
of Chris Dagnall, Ian Jones and Andrew Murton, with a shot from the latter
going over the middle of the bar. Then Chris Rudge came down the right wing,
and lobbed over a shot, which sailed serenely into the net, with an expectant
Ian Jones all set to finish the job. In the remaining minutes of the half
Cornerstone continued to create pressure, aided by the wind, but Tim Rudge
denied them, especially following a corner, when a high ball threatened in a
crowded goalmouth. With two minutes remaining Nick Jordan, an ex-Cheltenham
Town player, fired in a long range shot, to complete his hat trick.
Tim Rudge makes a fine save
The effect of the wind can be judged from the second half, in which the NCC,
playing up the slope, but with the wind, conceded the  only goal of the period. This half was a series of exciting end to
end movements. In the opening twenty minutes NCC created more pressure, and
produced several promising moments, but the chances went wide, or were pushed
away by the goalkeeper for a corner. Two or three shots sped tantalisingly
across the goal mouth. Several players showed great skill, in both controlling
the ball and awareness of the position of fellow team mates. Cornerstone had
some penetrating attacks, one saw Tim Rudge bring off a great save, as he
coolly plucked the ball from above the head of a rampant attacker; another saw
a Cornerstone free kick cleared. NCC had a good chance to pull a goal back, but
unfortunately the header, from Tom Hardcastle, crashed against the cross bar,
and the rebound was fired wide of the goal.
NCC defending in the final minutes
Then, in the sixty-seventh minute, a lone home attacker ran down the middle
of the field, with the NCC defence nowhere to be seen, and slotted the ball
past a prone Tim Rudge, for Cornerstone’s final goal of the day; NCC had been
hit for six. Shortly after this the home side wasted a great chance, as two
forwards again overran the visiting defence. In the final quarter both sides
looked like scoring more goals from a series of corners sent into tightly
packed goal areas. NCC finished with several good chances; Adam Cox was unable
to control a loose ball which had sped past the prostrate body of the keeper,
and Andrew Murton had a shot rebound down from the cross bar, the second time
the team had hit the woodwork. Perhaps the final whistle was a relief to all,
especially given the conditions, but it heralded the heaviest defeat of the
season for the Undertakers.
A harrowed Michael Wyatt reporting from a wild Evesham
Game 08: Cup :
14 November 2009:
Cheltenham Trinity 3 - 2 North Cheltenham
Churches
It was a dreary morning, filled with torrential showers and strong winds, as
the teams gathered for this cup game. Its start was furthered delayed by a
pitch inspection, and finding a referee, but eventually NCC kicked off the
match, which turned out to be a five-goal thriller, in spite of the weather.
The home side started well and created several attacks, gaining a corner after
Tim Rudge had brought off a great save, which saw the ball go behind the goal,
passing high over its bar. After the NCC’s opening foray Cheltenham Trinity had
a good run up their right wing, and gained another corner. This was followed by
two penetrating attacks from the visitors. From the first Chris Rudge had an
effort go wide; and then, in the twelfth minute, Ian Jones dribbled the ball in
from the right, and lifted it past the advancing keeper, and into the net, to
open the scoring.
Tim Rudge had brought off a great save. . .
. . . and Trinity gained a corner
Immediately Trinity ran up their right wing and crossed the ball, but good
defensive work denied them. The next attack, up the other wing, was dented by
an excellent save from Tim, in a one-on-one situation. After bobbing about in
the NCC goal area the ball eventually found its way down to the other end,
where Ian Jones saw his shot just go past a post. In the next fifteen minutes
Trinity created several chances to score, but good defending and goalkeeping
kept the ball out. Attacking again, Trinity had a corner but the ball went out
for a goal kick. Then Trinity moved up a gear, and had half a dozen attacks, up
both wings, but all were stopped, mainly through brilliant goalkeeping. After a
lone attack from Ian Jones, which saw the home keeper catch his shot, Trinity
again spent time at the opposite end, attacking along both wings, and winning a
corner. Then, approaching the half hour mark, another attack led Trinity to
score an equalising goal, when poor defending allowed a Trinity player to fire
the ball into the bottom corner, as the keeper, static, watched it pass him.
For the remainder of this half the NCC had numbers in defence, but often a
dearth when attacking. A rare glimpse of the sun encouraged the players, and
this was visible in the skills demonstrated. We saw Ian Jones try to pass three
defenders, and Andrew Murton make a good run down the rarely used left wing,
before Trinity had a series of attacks. Although Trinity posed greater threats
play was not all one sided, and the Undertakers continued to threaten; a Lee
Bradley header looping over both players and bar. Following a final Trinity
attack the half-time whistle was a welcome breather.
Chris Rudge had a strong run up the wing, but his cross was
blocked by one of several defenders
As the second half began we were treated to further sunshine, with a
backdrop of an awesome black sky. Play flowed briskly both ways, with chances
created at each end. Chris Rudge had a strong run up the wing, but his cross
was blocked by one of several defenders, but so very nearly crept in. Following
a corner Chris had another near miss, but a well-judged outstretched leg
guarded the ball from a final strike. Several Trinity attacks saw the ball fly
over the bar, a long range diagonal shot cross the goal area menacingly and a
threat from the right successfully dealt with. Following a brief attack from
NCC it was the turn of Trinity again. In the sixty-sixth minute a low shot was
misjudged by Tim Rudge, and the ball continued into the corner of the net, for
Trinity to take the lead for the first time. Five minutes later the home side
again had the ball into the net, as Tim had come out to meet it, but the score
was ruled out for offside.
A well-judged outstretched leg guarded the ball from a final
strike from Chris Rudge
The following quarter of an hour saw plenty of activity and excitement,
especially from Chris Rudge, whose new boots were obviously working his magic.
He saw the home keeper make a catch, standing on tip toes, and he repeated this
a few minutes later, when the hosts nearly conceded an own goal. Then,
following a corner, his powerful header was deflected off the back of a
defender. One NCC attack saw Chris cross the ball towards Ian Jones, but the
keeper and defender got there first, again almost losing the ball between them.
At the other end good saves from Tim Rudge kept the ball out, in one he
pushed it adroitly over the bar. With two minutes of normal time remaining Ian
Jones dribbled the ball up the left wing, and, running through the Trinity
defence, rounded the keeper before placing the ball in the back of the net;
2-2. Following this goal Trinity made the next attack, and so fast does the
game revolve that they made yet another attack, which led to them regaining the
lead, just forty-nine seconds after losing it! Trinity must have thought that
the horse-drawn Father Christmas landau passing was coming to them! Despite NCC
pressure, in which they won a free kick and successive corners, Trinity held on
to progress into the semi-finals of the cup.
A cold, soaked and thoroughly disappointed Michael Wyatt reporting from a
windswept Newlands
Father Christmas delivers a late goal and goes on his way
Game 07: League :
7 November 2009:
North Cheltenham Churches 3 - 5 Cheltenham Trinity
On a brilliant sunny day, enhanced by clear blue
skies, NCC was at home to the league leaders, and obviously hoping for an
upset. There was a sensational beginning; from the onset the visitors attacked
down their left wing, where a good cross was met by an alert player who headed
the ball into the NCC goal; just fourteen seconds on the clock. This was not
the start the NCC team needed; from then onwards they were always playing
catch-up. NCC had a quick chance at the other end, but the ball ran across the
goalmouth, eluding the players. Trinity created several more chances but both
Tim Rudge, who made a good save from a diagonal shot, and the home defence,
kept the visitors out. Trinity nearly scored again, following good use of the
right wing, but sharp tackling, from captain Alex Wilkins, subdued the
attacker, whose weakened snapped shot was easily saved. Soon after NCC saw a
couple of chances go high and wide, then the hosts had a well taken corner,
which was partially cleared, before the Trinity defence managed to dispatch the
ball away from their tightly packed goalmouth.
NCC take a corner after 24 minutes of play
Trinity mounted a couple of attacks up their left wing, which resulted in a
high lob harmlessly passing the goal, and a low diagonal shot go straight into
the arms of the keeper. Ian Jones had a couple of threatening efforts, one
being a shot which passed just over the bar. Play continued to pulsate from one
end to the other, and Trinity mounted a succession of attacks, which saw an
acrobatic overhead kick eventually saved by the diving keeper, and a well taken
corner. Then the Hoops were up again, where the Trinity keeper, reading the
situation well, was able to hold the ball. After this quick raid into the
visitors’ half the home team had a free kick to defend. However, this shot was
wasted, as it was sent high over the players, and straight into the arms of Tim
Rudge, who calmly awaited its arrival, without having to move his feet.
The balanced play continued, with each side making a series of raids into
the other team’s territory. Shortly after Trinity had hit a post it was the
turn of NCC to be dominant. They too had a series of ominous attacks, which saw
the ball cross the opposition goalmouth, and a well taken Lee Bradley corner
headed high over the bar, following a giant leap from Alex Wilkins. The next
few minutes saw NCC inside the opposition half, where both Andy Murton and Ian
Jones had valiant efforts at goal. After a rapid Trinity run down the wing,
with a cross and well cleared corner, the NCC was attacking again. During this
run of alternating attacks Tim Rudge brought off a brilliant diving save from
the feet of an advancing forward, but then things went wrong.
Approaching the half hour Trinity outran the home
defence, and conceded a throw-on. Poorly taken, this led to Trinity scoring
their second goal, when the ball was sent across to the left wing, where a
well-flighted pass saw another forward send a low shot through the spread of
defenders, and so past the desperate dive of the home keeper, to rest in the
far corner of the net. The excitement continued, with Tim pulling off more
great saves, but two minutes before half time he was beaten, and Cheltenham
Trinity again had the ball in the net, but the linesman’s flag had long been up
for offside! Then the home team made a strong attack, Ian Jones saw his effort
cleared, another was saved by the keeper, and soon after the NCC won a free
kick. Fired towards the near post the ball was parried by the keeper, where
Dave Matthews made a sustained and valiant attempt to poke the ball home, but
was denied by brave keeping from the prostrate keeper, who eventually gained a
free kick. Following one last effort from the visitors the half ended, only two
goals had been scored but it was a pulsating spectacle of exhilarating
football, but better was to come.
At the start of the second half much of the early
play was centred around the middle of the pitch; it was some three minutes
before any opening attack was made, when Trinity made a run down the left wing
and Tim Rudge ran out to make a save. Then North Cheltenham went on the attack,
forcing a partial save by the keeper, which went behind for a corner. This the
keeper saved from the head of Ian Jones as both jumped for the ball. The end to
end play continued at a relentless pace, with each keeper making good saves.
NCC were unfortunate when, in the sixty-third minute, an attack up the left
wing saw Andy Murton cross the ball towards Ian Jones, but brave action from
the keeper saw him dive and partially smother the ball, but exasperatingly no
one was around to tap home the loose ball. However, NCC came back in the
following minute, and again sped up this left wing. Here Ian Jones successfully
sent in a gorgeous header, which ended up in the top corner of the net. The
keeper, standing almost on his line, could only watch its triumphant
trajectory, as the hosts opened their account. This was the start of a frenetic
seven minutes, in which three goals were scored, two by the NCC. From the kick
off Cheltenham Trinity attacked, and had the ball in the net, only to see the
result cancelled out. NCC did not learn from this loss of concentration, for,
undaunted, Trinity tried again, running up their right wing to send an aerial
lob across the goalmouth, where it was returned across the goal, only this time
it was sent into the far corner of the net, 1-3.
NCC on the attack
Having survived the next NCC attack Trinity then
spent the following five minutes bombarding the green and whites’ goal, gaining
three corners and forcing Tim Rudge to make at least two saves. The hosts
survived this pressure, and then attacked again. Here Ian Jones passed a well
balanced kick to Andrew Murton, waiting in the goal area. It only needed an
accurate thrust from him to slide the ball past three defenders, and the
keeper, to make the current score 2-3.
It only needed an accurate thrust from Andrew Murton to make
the score 2-3
The away side had a chance to score but the shot
hit the side netting. Then Chris Rudge made an exciting run up the left wing,
but his pass to Mark Broekman, waiting in front of an empty goal, was
intercepted by a well placed defender. Immediately following this a good ball
was sent through the middle of the field, where Andrew Murton and Ian Jones
were both waiting. Unfortunately Andrew, with acres of space, and only the
keeper to beat, was thwarted by the brave efforts of this last defender.
Following a Trinity attack Ian Jones, running across to the right wing,
received the ball, and dribbled past a defender, before he was upended in his
effort to pass the final defender, but appeals for a penalty were denied.
Trinity won two corners, and mounted successful
pressure on the NCC, with more well run forages. From another diagonal kick the
ball entered the net, with the home defenders completely out of place; 2-4.
Undaunted, NCC applied pressure of their own, and had a great chance as the
ball sped across the goalmouth, only for Mark Broekman to head just wide of the
goal. Trinity then missed perhaps the easiest of their chances, as the ball was
sent past the diving Tim Rudge, and continued across the empty goalmouth, to
finish beyond the line, before an advancing forward could reach it. From this
let-off NCC delivered the ball up field, to Ian Jones. With great composure he
was able to control the ball past three defenders, and then from the
approaching keeper, before slotting it home, with most of these players ending
up in a heap; 3-4. NCC was still a goal behind, but there was only five minutes
of play left.
With 2 minutes to go NCC desperately search for an equaliser
The spectacle continued, of both sides creating and
defending great chances, with Trinity again missing out with their dangerous
charge, followed by a diagonal kick. In the final minute it was this method
which clinched the game for the visitors, as they easily outpaced the NCC
defence, who were nowhere to be seen as Trinity rounded Tim Rudge, to score
number five. There was just time enough for NCC to make one final effort, but
the Cheltenham Trinity keeper was up to this, and as the final whistle was
blown the visitors must have felt a great sense of relief, as they finally won
a pulsating game played with great determination and excitement by both sides.
We do it all again in a week’s time when the side meet in a cup match!
A philosophical Michael Wyatt reporting from a
rumbustious Stade de Prestbury
Game 06: League :
31 October 2009:
North Cheltenham Churches 2 - 2 Diamonds
On a bright but cloudy autumnal day Diamonds kicked
off this match. In the opening minutes both sides alternated attack with
defence, and play switched up and down the field. The home side had the better
of these initial forays, which saw Martin Eccles fire a neat pass from Paul
Broekman over the cross bar. Then Diamonds were awarded a free kick, from the
edge of the goal area. After the distance was carefully paced out the resulting
kick was sent just wide of Tim Rudge’s right hand post. The home side continued
to probe, and Tom Hardcastle had a good chance but saw his shot fly over the
cross bar; another shot casually crossed an unguarded goalmouth. Almost
immediately after this the home side went down their right wing, where Mark
Broekman gained a corner. The ball was floated across a crowded goalmouth, and
thence headed into the net. Following vehement protestations from the visitors
the goal was disallowed, for handball. After this disappointing moment the home
side created two more opportunities, but both went wide. Soon after Chris Rudge
had a great chance, and lobbed the keeper, who had come well out of the goal,
but his attempt just went over the bar. The goal had to come, and on
twenty-eight minutes Ian Jones, who saw the keeper coming off his line, calmly
lifted the ball into the net, to give the home side a deserved lead. Soon after
he made a great solo run before his effort was nullified. In turn Diamonds had
a series of penetrating attacks, from one the ball sped over the ground and
past the left hand post, ahead of the diving keeper. Five minutes before half
time NCC, awarded a free kick, saw the ball go out for a corner. Then Lee
Bradley sent in a low delicate pass, where James Walter was able to flick the
ball into the goal, past an unsighted keeper. In the remaining minutes up to
half time the opposition came into the game more, and caused Tim Rudge to pull
off a great diving save, a prophetic glimpse of what was to come.
Lee Bradley sent in a low delicate pass, where James Walter
was able to flick the ball into the goal, past an unsighted keeper
... 2 - 0
Diamonds attacked from the start of the second
half, and gained a corner, which narrowly missed the post, as the ball was sent
out of play for yet another corner. Following an NCC attack Diamonds came up
their right wing, and sent over a fierce cross. This hit Martin Cookson, and
the ball ballooned high into the air, completely wrong-footing Tim Rudge.
Although he made a desperate and despairing dive the ball ended up in the
corner of the net; the half had only been going for five minutes. The visitors
continued to look much the sharper, and continued to pile on the pressure. Four
minutes later they were again inside the home side’s goal area, and, despite
most of the NCC defending their castle, the visitors managed to thread the ball
through the crowded scene, and so into the net.  What a
start to the half, not that which the hosts were expecting. Diamonds continued
to look dazzling, and forced the home keeper to run out and collect the ball.
Gradually the NCC regained their composure, and again made further attacks of
their own. This was a period when individuals shone, but at the fast pace of
the game they were overlooked; Paul Broekman made a superb block, and Lee
Bradley had another excellent corner cleared by a defender jumping up
acrobatically to head the ball away. The visitors had two quick corners, one
from each side of the field, but they sent the ball high over the cross-bar.
 Following a stoppage, for a clash of heads, play went through a
quiet period, but then suddenly heated up for the final minutes. Although
Diamonds had one serious attack, blocked by Chris Rudge, it was NCC who mounted
a series of sharp forays, which were denied by admirable work from the visiting
keeper, who made at least three excellent saves, perhaps the best from the feet
of Mark Broekman, who so nearly snatched a late winner. However, from their
spirited second half display, Diamonds deserved their draw, a fair result for
all.
A bedazzled Michael Wyatt reporting from the
Stade de Prestbury
Game 05: League :
17 October 2009:
Cambray 4 - 1 North Cheltenham Churches
 
NCC defending ....
... and attacking
On a chilly autumnal day NCC kicked off this league
match, at The Burrows, a ground enhanced by the many beautiful colours
exhibited by its boundary trees. In the opening minutes the home side had
several penetrating attacks, one gaining them a corner. From this corner the
ball rebounded, fortunately safely, off the top of the crossbar. Another attack
saw James Walter, in goal for this game, make a good save, and yet another saw
a Cambray shot rebound into play, after hitting the right-hand post, but the
follow-up kick was sent high over the cross bar, with the NCC defence nowhere.
Not to be left out the NCC made a few attacks, but were thwarted by a resolute
Cambray defence. After ten minutes the home side again ran up their right wing,
where two forwards were able to outpace the defence. James made a desperate
attempt to regain his goal, which was unattended, but could not prevent a slick
forward from sending the ball past his diving body, and so into the net; and
for the first time this season the opposition had opened the scoring. Almost
immediately Cambray had another shot, which was well saved by the diving James,
again the defence was missing. Having survived, the NCC battled their way into
contention, and mounted a series of penetrating attacks, which kept the Cambray
keeper on his toes; he made several fine saves. After twenty-three minutes a
good long ball found Ian Jones, who adroitly dribbled around a lone Cambray
defender, side-stepped the keeper and calmly slid the ball into the net, to
level the score. For the remainder of the half both teams battled up and down
the field, each side creating several chances. Cambray had a slight edge, but
the NCC defence became better organised, and denied them. James made another
tumbling save, and gathered the ball in spectacular style; from another attack
a long shot was pushed over the bar, and out for a corner, with the visitors’
goal mouth packed with players. The Undertakers also made several forays,
winning a corner, as well as forcing the Cambray keeper to make more fine
saves. Other shots went wide, including a free kick. The half time score was a
fair reflection of play, but it demonstrated how much work would be needed if
the NCC were to salvage something from the game.
Ian Jones scores for NCC 1 - 1
The opening ten minutes of the second half saw a lot of action, mostly from
a determined Cambray outfit. NCC was very fortunate when the initial attack saw
the outstretched leg of a Cambray forward unable to direct the ball into the
net; instead the resulting kick missed the upright by a whisker. Following a
brief attack from the visitors Cambray mounted another furious charge down the
field, but this was well defended. Almost immediately Cambray came back, and
had a free run at goal, with the NCC defence missing; the team had a fortunate
let off. This pattern was repeated in the fifty-third minute, but this time the
Cambray attacker was able to win the one-on-one situation, to restore the
Cambray lead. For the next ten minutes play was about equal, perhaps the main
difference was the ability of Cambray to defend in numbers, often eight players
securing their goal area. This happened on at least two occasions when the
Hoops were well placed, one ending with the goalkeeper, and two players, lying
on the floor in a goal-mouth scramble, but the home side cleared their line.
With half an hour to go an attack from Cambray led to their third goal. They
ran down the left wing, into an area devoid of NCC players; who were chasing
back as fast as they could; and sent in a low diagonal shot, which ended up in
the far corner of the empty net. Cambray continued to dominate play, and
continued to waste great scoring opportunities, invariably shooting wide of
goal, or seeing James Walter pull off yet another fine save. The NCC had a
brief spell of attacking, but was again denied by sheer weight of numbers, or a
near miss at the right hand post, as a Lee Bradley header went wide. Cambray
almost scored again when a penetrating run outran the defence, only for James
to make a brilliant stop, and parry the ball behind for a corner, which,
although well taken, was shot wide. With five minutes to go a repeat attack led
Cambray to score their fourth goal, as another diagonal shot sped into the far
corner of the NCC net. But the NCC did not give up, and ended the game in fine
attacking style. Andrew Murton had a shot saved by the keeper, then Lee
Bradley, named man of the match, Martin Eccles and Andrew Murton all had shots
which went wide, or were hit over the cross bar. As the final whistle went I
felt the team did not deserve to lose by three clear goals, their first defeat
of the season.
Adam Cox attacking
A crestfallen Michael Wyatt reporting from a
bright but overcast Burrows.
Game 04: League :
10 October 2009:
North Cheltenham Churches 2 - 2 St Matthews
|
Chris Rudge scores the first goal
|
On a bright morning NCC was host to St Matthews,
who wore their new kit, dark blue with white and blue stripes running across
their chest. In the opening minutes NCC made the running, and caused the St
Matthews defence to work hard, although the visitors gained a corner, which was
cleared by an able NCC defence. Then in the sixth minute NCC attacked up their
right wing, where Ian Jones, having eluded a defender, sent over a cross. This
was met by Chris Rudge, who fired the ball diagonally into the net, to open the
scoring. Within two minutes another attack from the green and whites saw the
roles reversed; Chris Rudge sent in a cross, which Ian Jones sent past the
diving keeper, to score in the right hand side of the net. What a start, NCC
two goals ahead so soon, would they achieve their first-ever victory over the
visitors? NCC made two more good runs, which saw the keeper make a fine save,
before St Matthews began to pull themselves together. They had two quick
forages, but brave goalkeeping, from Tim Rudge, prevented a score, but saw him
take a blow. Then the away side was awarded a free kick, just beyond the goal
area. This was sent high into a packed area, eluding all of the defenders but
not a forward, who cleverly headed the ball into the corner. In a valiant
attempt to save the goal Tim crashed into the upright, and needed another
breather. Although both sides had several attacks, denied by good defending,
the Undertakers proved the more dangerous, and made more penetrating attacks.
However, on 26 minutes, the visitors were able to equalise when they beat the
defence, and lifted the ball over Tim, running out in an attempt to smother the
ball. For the remainder of the half the home side attacked more frequently, and
were denied by some good anticipation from the Saints keeper. However, the
visitors were not to be denied their share of play, and their less frequent
attacks proved more of a threat. For the spectator it was turning into a good
game, but one which was frequently held up as players began to take knocks.
Perhaps the half time whistle was a relief to all, and would allow both teams
to regroup, for what promised to be a tense second half.
|
Ian Jones makes it 2-0
|
|
NCC take a corner
|
The second half was played at a cracking pace, with
each side making an attack, and then defending an opposition attack. An early
NCC attack saw the Saints keeper make a superb save, before a speedy Chris
Rudge was able to reach the ball. Shortly after the keeper made yet another
great save, this time knocking the ball away from above the head of an
attacking NCC player. Approaching the half way period of this second half a
thumping shot from Alex Wilkins was pushed over the bar by the agile and alert
keeper; he was the difference between the two sides. Both Lee Bradley and Ian
Jones had opportunities to score, but were denied by the keeper. Towards the
end of the game St Matthews began to gain the upper hand, and made a series of
attacks, which saw Tim Rudge make two good saves, and the Saints created at
least three other great chances. In spite of this the Undertakers continued to
attack, and in the last moments Andy Macauly saw a half chance denied by a high
jumping defender. As the final whistle went the NCC had maintained their
unbeaten run; on another day they might have taken some of the many chances
they had created.
|
Alex Wilkins receives the Grant Bayliss Cup
|
This fixture has the bonus of deciding who keeps
the Grant Bayliss Cup, offered to commemorate of the help given by the
opposition team in the creation of NCC’s participation in the church league.
Following this draw a penalty shoot-out would settle the cup-holders. The
visitors scored from their opening shot, as did the NCC; but in the subsequent
kicks the Saints had one saved, and one went wide. The home team fared better,
and as a result NCC hold the cup, for the first time. Well Done!
A blissful Michael Wyatt reporting from a sunny
Stade de Prestbury
The Bayliss Cup
Most of you remember Fr Grant Bayliss, curate here from 2003 to
2007. Our North Cheltenham Churches (NCC) football team was set up as a
result of encouragement by St Matthew’s and Fr Grant’s enthusiasm for the
church to engage in sport. NCC played their first game against St Matt’s
in December 2005, and after a season of friendly games entered the Cotswold
Churches League in the 2006-7 season, with Fr Grant as one of the key players.
After Fr Grant moved away, NCC maintained their links with St Matt’s, even on
occasion training together. They felt it would be fitting to have a cup
for games between the two teams, and decided to name it after Fr Grant.
So whenever NCC play St Matthew’s the winner is awarded the Bayliss Cup.
Game 03: League :
3 October 2009:
Tewkesbury Trinity Tigers 1 - 1 North Cheltenham Churches
Lee Bradley opens the scoring for the Undertakers
On a cloudy morning, with a very stiff wind blowing
diagonally across the pitch, NCC kicked off this fixture. The game was played
at Tewkesbury Trinity Tiger’s new ground, at Bredon Hill Middle School,
surrounded by uplifting views to the neighbouring hills; NCC was trying for
three wins in a row. Although both sides started well, and created chances in
the opening twenty-five minutes, the NCC, with the wind behind them, was
dominant, and soon had two shots go wide of the goal. After denying the Tigers’
opening attack NCC created a great opportunity through Adam Cox, whose shot,
from the edge of the penalty area, was well saved. This was followed by two
cleared corners, a shot, which was wide, and a further shot, from Ian Jones,
which was well saved by the keeper. In between the Tigers had another attack
come to naught. Approaching the twenty-five minute mark NCC made another run,
this time up the rarely used right wing. Here Lee Bradley met a well-flighted
cross, and sent a powerful header past the desperate lunge of the Tigers’
keeper, for NCC to take a deserved, albeit brief, lead. Within seventy seconds
the ball was in the opposite net, following a determined Tiger move, which saw
the ball drilled into the bottom corner of the NCC goal, with the keeper rooted
to the spot. For a brief spell the Tigers threatened, winning two corners, and
seeing a shot pass wide of the goal. The final ten minutes of the half saw the
Undertakers again assertive, with a great chance to score when Tom Hardcastle
volleyed, but the ball hit a post and was put out for a corner, which was
cleared.
Tigers defending a corner
In the opening fifteen minutes, following the
restart, a vastly improved Tiger team dominated the game, making full use of
the strong wind. They had an early corner, which was put behind for a goal
kick; more corners, and a free kick followed this, with the ball going out for
another goal kick. North Cheltenham absorbed this pressure and managed an
attack, winning a corner. However the home side continued their bombardment,
with corners and three shots passing close to the NCC goal. Then came a brief
period when  NCC easily held their own, and, despite playing against a stronger
wind, and up the slope, managed to mount some penetrating attacks; they won two
corners and fired two shots, both going wide. For the final fifteen minutes
Tewkesbury had twice as much play as NCC, but failed to break a determined
defence, led by man of the match Martin Cookson, and ably backed up, with a
series of good saves, from an alert Tim Rudge. When NCC attacked they were met
by a packed Tiger defence, spaced out like intermediate forts along a frontier.
With some ten minutes remaining Tewkesbury had a well-worked charge, and a
fierce strike saw the ball ending up in the NCC net, but, luckily for the
Undertakers, the goal was disallowed for offside. In the final minutes of the
game the Tigers won three corners, including two in succession; as the final
corner was cleared so the final whistle was blown. Overall a draw was a fair
result, any other result would have been a travesty for both sides playing
under trying conditions.
North Cheltenham Churches on the attack
A tortured Michael Wyatt reporting from Bredon
Hill Middle School, Ashton Under Hill.
Game 02: Plate match :
26 September 2009:
North Cheltenham Churches 5 - 4 Diamonds
|
|
|
Ian Jones about to make the
score 2-1 after 25 minutes |
On a warm overcast day Diamonds kicked off this
game, in the plate competition. Although they had an early free kick the ball
went straight to Tim Rudge, in goal, who collected it safely. This was followed
by an NCC attack, with some good play between Andy Macauly, Adam Cox, Andrew
Murton and Chris Rudge, the latter having a shot which was close to the goal.
Again the NCC created a penetrating attack, and Tom Hardcastle sent over a good
cross. This was met by Martin Eccles, but his header went over the bar. NCC
dominated the opening twenty minutes, and now it was the turn of Ian Jones, who
made a solo run, easily eluding the Diamond defence. However the keeper made a
good stop, and parried the ball behind for a corner, which Diamonds easily
cleared. Approaching the twenty-minute mark Andrew Murton sent a great
controlled pass up field, which found Ian Jones. With great composure he fired
the ball into the back of the net, and NCC deservedly opened the scoring, after
a series of missed opportunities. Within two minutes a determined attack from
the visitors saw them win a corner. The ensuing cross was partially cleared by
the NCC defence, and went out for a throw just a few yards from the edge of the
home side’s goal area. A well-taken throw found an unmarked attacker, who sent
in a hard header, for an equalising goal. Within a  minute another
well-directed pass found Ian Jones, who cleverly rounded both defence and the
keeper, who had come out too far, before slotting in his second goal and so
restore the NCC lead. Although NCC created a few more chances, which saw the
ball going wide of the goal, it was Diamonds who made most of the remainder of
this first half. Ten minutes before its end a good attack from them saw a
player turn his marker, inside the penalty area, before sending the ball into
the net, to level the score yet again. Three minutes later another Diamond
attack lead to a clumsy tackle, and the award of a penalty. The taker made no
mistake, and sent a low shot into the left hand corner of the net, to put his
team into the lead for the first time. Approaching half time Ian Jones made
another solo run and his shot passed near the post. An exciting period of play
for the uncommitted viewer saw five goals within a twenty-minute period.
 |
|
Martin Eccles
(right) shoots to make the
score 3-4 |
Compared to the opening period of play the start of
the second half saw both sides more evenly matched, although Diamonds made
better use of their chances. Having defended another attack, NCC made two quick
attacks, with both Ian Jones and Andrew Murton shooting wide of the goal. Then
Diamonds attacked, and got a corner, which was cleared, the ball being sent up
field. This saw the visitors bring the ball into the NCC area, and score when
an attacker beat his marker and fired into the bottom corner of the net, to put
his side two goals clear, with half an hour of play remaining. As in the past
NCC showed that dogged resolve they have, and continued to strive with great
determination. A chance was created but Martin Eccles saw his shot go just wide
of the goal. Five minutes later another NCC attack saw them inside the Diamond
penalty area. Here Andy Macauly sent a delicate pass to Martin Eccles, waiting
in a better position just a few feet away. Martin sent in a thundering shot,
which crashed into the bottom corner of the net, to score in his first game of
the season. NCC became rampant, and had a series of pulsating attacks, which
saw them have two corners and a shot from Chris Rudge clear the bar. Then a
good through ball found Ian Jones, who scored, and in so doing achieved his hat
trick, a first for the team. All square with twenty minutes left, what a
thriller this game had become. Immediately Diamonds had a couple of attacks,
followed by corners, which the defence was able to deal with. Then an amazing
event happened, which gave the game to the NCC. As the NCC attacked they sent a
high ball into the Diamonds half. This was met by a solitary defender, who
lifted the high ball back to his keeper. A very alert, and fast, Andrew Murton,
sizing up the situation, was able to sprint to the ball, and gently guide it
into the empty net. Again NCC took the lead, and we had a most tense final
quarter of an hour. Even though each side created more chances, this proved to
be the final goal of this thrilling game, deservedly won by the home side, who
created almost twice as many attacks as their opponents. This was the first
time NCC had ever beaten Diamonds.
An alert Andrew Murton chases to score the winning goal
Pictures by Ruth Rudge
An ecstatic Michael Wyatt reporting from Stade
de Prestbury
Game 01: League: 12 September 2009:
Trinity & Quedgeley 1 - 3 North Cheltenham Churches
|
Adam Cox wins the ball
|
On a beautiful autumnal morning NCC kicked off their opening game of the new
season. For the first couple of minutes the home side made the running, having
one shot narrowly passing the right hand post, and another saved by Tim Rudge,
in goal. However, the NCC were soon into their opposition’s half, and were
awarded a free kick; it was noticeable that T&Q seemed to be only marking
players, rather than positions. The visitors spent the next few minutes
pressing hard, with Mark Broekman showing early skills with a good header,
easily out-jumping everyone else. The opening twenty minutes were well
balanced, with NCC the better team in midfield but T&Q made better use of the
wings, especially their left. Both keepers made good saves, and also saw the
ball pass perilously close to their goals.
|
Alex Wilkins begins another attack
|
Then, just after twenty four minutes, NCC mounted another attack, down their
left wing. Although T&Q made a good tackle they were unable to clear the ball,
which sped across the goal mouth. Here Mark Broekman and Ian Jones were
waiting, and the latter was able to shoot, diagonally, and see the ball end up
in the far corner of the net, past the keeper, who was left stranded at his
near post. During the following two minutes the green and whites fired two
chances over the bar. The NCC had a fine period in which they dominated play,
and would have scored again, but for a good save by the T&Q keeper. NCC did not
have things all their way, and the home team made some penetrating attacks, one
saw the ball skid close to the upright. T&Q pressed hard in the final minutes
of the half, but the visitors matched them, defending two corners, and a fine
high catch by their keeper saved the day. Then, in time added on, Ian Jones
skilfully eluded two defenders, and dribbled the ball beyond the goal post,
before sending a low shot home, past the desperate dive of the keeper. Shortly
after this the half came to a close, with the visitors, fitter and showing the
greater determination, deservedly in the lead.
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Tom Hardcastle clears the ball
|
The hosts kicked off the second half, and immediately attacked, although
unsuccessfully. This was followed by NCC making a good run up their right wing,
where Mark Broekman crossed the ball. It bobbled about before Ian Jones sent it
wide of the goal. Almost immediately this duo sped up the left wing, where Ian
Jones dribbled past the keeper, who had come out too far, before he sent over a
delicate high cross. This was met by Mark, who, with great coolness, headed
into an empty net, as a despairing defender arrived too late to be of any
assistance. This was his opening goal for the club. The half had been going for
just eighty-five seconds, and T&Q were dejected, and looked down and out.
Within a minute Mark saw the keeper beat him to a great through pass.
|
Man of the match Mark Broekman begins another attack
|
Several players fell on the hard pitch, as play ebbed and flowed over the
field. The home side saw a determined three-pronged attack fail, as Tim made a
great save, with his defence too far away to be of any help. The home side
increased their pressure, and had a good period of play, during which they made
a series of attacks, which were dealt with by a resolute defence, or else were
shot wide. In between the visitors had some near misses of their own, including
a shot, from Mark, which hit the bar, before the keeper was able to send the
rebound behind for a corner.
Soon after this Mark Broekman made a great run up the left, where he created
a great chance to score. Seeing the keeper well off his line he fired a fast
volley, but unfortunately the ball hit the base of the far post, and rebounded
for the keeper to gather. With twelve minutes of play left the home side made
another attack, and hit a wonderful high long range shot, which flew into the
net, with the NCC defence well beaten. The last few minutes were nail biting as
each side continued hard to create chances. Then the final whistle went, giving
the result to NCC, which was no more than they deserved. They had played the
better football, and appeared to be both fitter and faster, a great start to
the season. Deservedly Mark Broekman was named man of the match.
A jubilant Michael Wyatt reporting from a sun-drenched Windfall Way
Match reports from 2008-09 season
Match reports from 2007-08 season
NCC win Cotswold Churches League 9-a-side
Plate, 14 July 2007
Match reports from 2006-07 season
Match reports from 2005-06 season
Cricket report 15
July 2006 - Prestbury vs St Matt's
Our Football Team (and Cricket Team)
From humble beginnings under the care of Fr Grant and Andy Macauly the
Prestbury football team had its first game in December 2005 and now,
officially registered with the FA as North Cheltenham Churches, plays in the
Cotswolds Churches League.
Results
– you can follow the results from across the league and cup competitions at
the FA website (impressive or what!).
Good luck and come on the Undertakers!
New players are always welcome
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