Report

CheltenhamSaracens  2  -  1  Winterbourne Utd

We bowed out of the GFA Cup this weekend despite putting up a valiant effort and taking the game into extra time.

The recent warm weather made the pitch unusually hard and bumpy which made our usual style of football very difficult and, after once again starting slowly, we were on the defensive for most of the first half, struggling to make good use of the ball and relying on breakaway chances only. With Ben back in goal and a solid back line of Will, Lew, Dan and Ollie worked hard but they were finally breached half way through the first half whenCheltenhamhad a corner which was cleared back the corner taker. His return ball into the front post found a divot right in front of Ben and bounced off his shoulder into the net.

The goal was definitely deserved by Cheltenhamwho were by far the better team of the first half.  With Tom struggling to overcome the effects of his cold, Aaron partnered Charley later in the first half. Ned and Sharpey gave us our width with Luke and Jamie up front, starved of the ball for long periods of the half.

The half time team talk centred around making better use of the conditions and the slight breeze in our favour. We made a few positional changes and we were like a different team. A more direct approach was adopted and we were stronger in the tackle, forcing Cheltenhamon the back foot. Confident running by Jacko and Aaron out wide caused problems and we won every lose ball. The Cheltenham keeper made a couple of good saves when called upon and in fairness, their defence cleared their lines well to limit too many clear cut chances. Defensively we knew we had to be on our toes as Cheltenhamwere quick and incisive when they had the ball.

You could see the confidence coming back as the game wore on and Sharpey’s direct running created chances for himself. We pushed more and more players forward and for the last 5 minutes we were almost playing a 2-3-5 formation. With the 70 minutes over, Sharpey picked up the ball on the right, cut in and drilled the ball into the far corner. This sparked jubilant celebrations on the pitch which was brilliant to see.

The 20 minutes of extra time never really hit the heights of the 2^nd half and Cheltenham gained a foothold on the game again. Their eventual winner came when a clearance was charged down and Sladey was beaten to the bouncing ball on the edge of the box. We were slightly surprised to see the goal given as the forwards studs left a gash on Ben’s shoulder blade but these decisions can go for and against you.

We were once again chasing the game but never really looked like taking the game to penalties. Our best chance of an equaliser was probably our last minute corner when we had 10 players on the Cheltenhambox but the ball and the next cross just wouldn’t drop for us.

All credit to Cheltenhamfor picking themselves up after conceding a late late equaliser and they were worthy winners but great credit to all 15 players this week. We responded well after our poor performance against Broadwalk and came away in good heart.

Well done everyone.

Kev