Chippenham Police FC
About the Club
The Team
Sven's Cult Heroes - a trip down memory lane
Step Back in Time - Team Photos
2004-2005 Season Match Reports
Results & Scorers 05/06
Results & Scorers 06/07
Ex - players
Results & Scorers 07/08
Message Board
Guestbook
|
FC Colerne V. Chippenham Police FC - 14/11/04
Colerne 2 - Police 0
A sunny Remembrance Day match that saw the Police team unable to find the net, losing a goal in each half.
Facing up the considerable slope for the first half the Police defended doggedly as a team, keeping a solid line across the back and causing several problems themselves at the other end without really testing the Colerne 'keeper.
The home team made the break through against the run of play however with a fine through ball that the striker finished neatly having beaten Alan Hardman for pace.
The Police team were pleased with their own workrate and performance in the first half and looked to use the slope to their advantage in the second period. This didn't happen however, and with the low sun in their eyes were unable to find any passing fluency, but did look dangerous on occasions from corners and a couple of long shots. Mark Simpson went close with an effort from range which was tipped around the post and twice Tony kerwick's corners were cleared off the line with some resolute defending.
Nonetheless Colerne broke frequently and were guilty of missing some glorious chances, although the Police 'keeper Martin Notman made some fine one on one stops to keep the score down.
Colerne's lead increased after about ten minutes of the second half however, the visitors giving away possession from a throw in and looking exposed at the back as the home team took full advantage of the lapse.
(This seems to end rather suddenly - I think some of it has been lost!) |
Chippenham Police FC 2 - Chipp Sports&Social 1 - 21/11/04
A stark contrast in weather and performance from last week, with grey skies and drizzle as opposed to last Sunday's bright sunshine. Likewise the Police performance was the opposite of the previous match. Today the Police were industrious and cohesive, apparently recovering from the previous weekend's defeat due to a disjointed and lacklustre display.
Kicking up the slope in the first half the Police had to endure a lively opening from the visitors who were obviously intent on continuing their recent good form of two consecutive wins. The pitch was in bad shape, being very wet, muddy and slippery, and the Police found it difficult to keep possession and escape their own half for the first twenty minutes.
The visitors created no real chances though, and soon enough the home team found some passing fluency and forced some openings and corners. On two occasions the Police were appealing to the Officials for goals following goal mouth scrambles. Alan Eades, desperate for a goal, poked a shot goalwards during a penalty area melee, only to see his shot hit the inside of the upright and then hoofed away to safety by the defending opposition.
In similar fashion another scramble resulted in the ball being forced goalwards by the Police only for the 'keeper to claw the ball away, although there was little question that the ball had in fact crossed the goal line. No goal was awarded though and the half time score remained at 0-0.
The Police dominated most of the second half initially, and eventually got the breakthrough they deserved when the visitors were caught in possession inside their own half. Tim Culling pounced on the opportunity, snatching the ball from the defence and bursting goalwards with an impressive change of pace. He was quick enough to avoid the attentions of the recovering defender and finished confidently to open the scoring.
The home team were in the ascendancy from then on, and created some more openings with some reasonable football despite the conditions underfoot. The second goal came from Alan Eades who turned sharply inside the box and fired a shot through his marker's legs, which deflected slightly to evade the helpless 'keeper. Unfortunately the striker injured his knee in the process and played no further part in the game.
The score remained at 2-0 until the last ten minutes. The Police, having made three substitutions, found themselves losing shape as the visitors sent more men forwards in search of a goal. Sports & Social managed to see more of the ball in the Police half and despite some impressive defending got themselves back in the game with a late goal.
The visitors kept pushing forwards until the end, occasionally leaving themselves exposed at the back which resulted in more opportunities for the home side, but there were no more goals for either team.
The Police though went close on more than one occasion. An incisive move down the left by an attacking Jason Roberts ended up at the feet of Mark Simpson who hit a first time shot towards the near post only to see his effort deflected wide by his teammate Zack Newton, who had run in front of the ball to try and confuse the 'keeper.....
Roberts also had one attempt on goal himself in the closing minutes, a curling shot towards the far post that was far too easy for the goalkeeper to palm away.
A good game, which sees the Police return to winning ways, and some reasonable football played, despite the state of the pitch and invisible line markings. As they say 'it's the same for both teams!' |
Wingfield 5 - Chippenham Police FC 7 (AET) 05/12/04
Disclaimer: A lot happened in the game – some details may not be entirely accurate due to all the excitement!
With haphazard league form and an early exit from the Wilts Sunday Cup, the WG Parr Trophy is the best chance of silverware for Chippenham Police FC this season but they were always going to have to raise their game against a strong Wingfield side who had home advantage.
CPFC did start the stronger however and made much of the early running. It was against the run of play when Wingfield took the lead although, by the time the half-time whistle blew it was CPFC who went in 4-1 to the good. ROBERTS got the equaliser with a surprisingly good free kick – pace and accuracy from around 20-yards (not 30-yards as reported in the paper!). The question has to be asked, after such a good free-kick why did KIRBY and KERWICK take the next two, missing by yards?
CULLING tapped in the second, following up well from a blistering shot from HARDIE that the ‘keeper only managed to parry. The ‘keeper was at fault for CPFCs third, letting in a soft deflection from ROBERT’S cross that went down as on OG.
Wingfield were awarded a penalty on one of their rare forays forward. No complaints about the decision, MANSELL crudely taking the legs of the Wingfield striker as he moved into the box. NOTMAN excelled himself however in the CPFC goal, diving well to his left to push away a well-struck kick.
For possibly the first time this season, good use was made of CULLING’S long throw and it caused untold problems at the back for Wingfield. KIRBY put the game beyond Wingfield (or so one would think…..) just before the break with a scrambled header following a ROBERTS flick on.
After the break Wingfield pulled back an early goal although a 3-goal cushion was quickly restored when CULLING claimed his second of the match. At 5-2 a couple of changes were made by CPFC, McGRATH replacing the tireless HARDIE in midfield and BERRETT replacing CULLING up front.
It would be easy to blame these changes on what followed but that wouldn’t be fair. Wingfield raised their game and a combination of individual errors and CPFC taking their foot off the pedal meant that at 90-minutes the scores were even and extra-time loomed.
CPFC showed a bit of character however and again began to dominate the game. Although no scores in the first period of extra time, CPFC took the score to 7-5 (ROBERTS and KIRBY both making the net bulge for the second time).
Although played in a good spirit the ‘ref did show his card on 6-occasions, mostly for dissent – stop moaning at the ‘ref, it doesn’t do any good and leaves a hole in your pocket.
(M Simpson)
|
Chippenham Police FC 1 - Holt FC 6 (12th Dec '04)
Oh dear oh dear oh dear! The Police were bearing gifts this Sunday as they presented Holt with a festive 2 points on a bitterly cold morning.
The first half saw little flair from either side until the latter stages when the Police decided that perhaps they could win after all, and managed to create a few decent opportunities. Jason Roberts was partnering Tim Culling up front, and between them they managed to trouble the uncertain defence and goalkeeper. Twice Roberts was put through behind the Holt back line, but he couldn't find the net, being bundled over in an untidy tangle of legs initially and overrunning the ball too close to the emerging 'keeper on the second occasion.
It was Culling who put the Police in front just before the break with a towering header at the far post from a fine Gordon Hardie corner. The Police at that stage deserved to nudge in front as Holt had failed to create any real openings despite looking sharper and quicker for most of the half.
The home team never got going in the second half though and allowed their youthful opponents to play their way back into the game with more energy and passing than the Police could match. An early goal struck from the edge of the box that took a slight deflection from Andy Morley's head and evaded Martin Notman's fingertips, set things up nicely for the visitors.
Disappointingly the next two goals were conceded from two similar free kicks, punishing a static defending line by converting free headers just yards from the goal line.
From then on it was one way traffic, and despite a couple of substitutions to try and inject some enthusiasm and energy into the Police team, no real impact was made and Holt desrvedly ran away with the points.
A couple of contentious moments cropped up during that second half, including a dubious handball claim that led to a penalty for the visitors, which could have caused uproar had the scores been closer. The penalty struck the bar but was oredered to be retaken, as Notman was deemed to have moved early, and the subsequent kick found the net.
Another Holt goalbound effort seemed to have found the inside of the side netting, but managed to slip under the netting and away. Despite the Police team acknowledging that a goal had been scored the referee would only give agoal kick.
The visitors made it six in any case, with the best of the game from outside the penalty area, struck with venom into the back of the net.
Harsh reality for the Police team who will need to be less generous next week if they want to progress to the last eight in the WG Parr Trophy and avoid another Christmas stuffing. |  |
|
Chippenham Police FC 4 - Sir Audley Arms 3 - 19/12/04
Another thrilling WG Parr Trophy match that sees the Police through to the last eight in the competition. Played on a bitterly cold morning on a sodden pitch with surface water, the conditions ensured plenty of incidents all over the field.
It was the visitors who took the lead with a fine strike from the edge of the penalty area, the attacker turning Mick Mansell and firing an unstoppable shot past Martin Notman at full stretch.
The Police though were still able to play some attractive football despite the conditions and managed to create some decent chances for themselves. Eventually it was reliable scorer Tim Culling who grabbed the equaliser, slotting the ball calmly into the corner of the net giving the keeper no chance, at the end of a neat move culminating in Jason Roberts turning provider.
The second goal came soon afterwards, with a long free kick hoofed forwards by Zak Newton that evaded everybody except Tony Kerwick who anticipated well and was able to carry the ball into the penalty area. Another cool finish as he closed in on the keeper, placing his shot low into the back of the net.
The visitors were still creating chances of their own however and saw a lot of possession in the Police's half of the pitch. They found an equaliser themselves through a moment of individual skill, their dangerous young left winger skipping past two or three despairing Police tackles taking himself into the box and finishing clinically. Marcus Tawn's 'Bambi on Ice' impression did little to halt the Audley Arms finisher's progress (thanks Jason for that gem!)
2-2 at half time and the prospect of the wind behind them in the second half gave the Police belief that they could force a victory.
Indeed they played some fine football in the second 45, but both teams must have wondered if they would rue their missed chances as the game progressed. Audley had put one chance over the bar from six yards out, and Jason Roberts squandered three or four glorious opportunities himself.
The Police's dominance in midfield began to tell however and another fine move brought them their third goal. The ball was played out from defence and a killer ball from Adam Davey put Roberts through, and he was able to hold the ball up well before squaring into the box resulting in Julian Kirby firing home.
At this stage the home team seemed in control but their knack of presenting gifts to the opposition came to the fore yet again. A harmless ball lofted into the box from the left should have been cleared comfortably, but although Mick Mansell called to claim it, he completely missed the ball with his right foot and it landed at the feet of a grateful Audley striker who prodded it home.
3-3 and all to play for with 20 minutes to go, and all of a sudden the visitors were back in the game. Despite bringing on all three substitites though they were unable to get back in front, and it was the Police team, with no subs available to them who edged in front for the final time. A ball in from the left bobbled around in the penalty area before landing at the feet of Tony Kerwick who smashed it home despite a niggling groin injury for his second of the game.
The Audley kept battling for the final ten minutes, launching ball after ball into the Police's area, managing to get behind the defence on several occasions. A contentious moment came when they did grab a potential late equaliser but the referee ruled it out for an offside offence. The decision was a brave one, overruling the away team linesman and incurring the wrath of the frustrated Audley team.
That's how it ended, a tough fixture but a fair result in the end, the Police team showing enough determination and team spirit, with their bare eleven and a makeshift defence, to seal the victory.
|
Chippenham Sports&Social 1 - Chippenham Police 2
Another victory for the Police team that demonstrates the improvements in the quality and depth of their squad for this season. This is the type of game that they would have thrown away in recent seasons, but new signings and a unified determined attitude have provided more resilience defensively and an increased goal tally.
From the kick off the home side almost took an immediate lead with a hopeful long range shot that had Martin Notman beaten in the Police goal, but it struck the underside of the bar and bounced down onto the goal line. Minutes later the Police themselves took an early lead from a pinpoint Gordon 'Falkirk' Hardie corner, Tim Culling rising at the far post unchallenged to head home in textbook fashion for yet another goal for the ex-Lacock frontman.
The Police seemed fairly comfortable for the majority of the first half despite playing against a strong wind, and managed to play some reasonable football. Jason Roberts was put through on goal by a quickly taken throw in but when one-on-one with the 'keeper screwed his shot well wide from 8 yards out. Perhaps Roberts was distracted by the linesman's flag, who was incorrectly flagging for offside.
He had no such excuse for the hatful of other chances he squandered though, and neither could he explain the bizarre fall on the touchline when he handballed whilst prone to keep the ball in play. Quite rightly a freekick was awarded but he was fortunate not to be booked for diving.
The home side managed to create openings of their own during the first half, stretching the Police defence by pushing their wide men forward, and missed a glorious chance to equalize when a low cross found two free attackers in front of goal. From six yards out the first player misskicked completely and the second was only able to poke the ball wide.
They did find an equalizer before half time though as they capitalised on some slack play by the visitors who were guilty of dwelling on the ball in their own half and ultimately giving away possession.
Thus it was that the home team were the happier at the interval, having come from behind. Nevertheless the Police took advantage of the wind in the second period and managed to pen Sports and Social in their own half for most of the time. It looked as though the winner might not come though as they wasted chance after chance.
Roberts and Culling were both guilty of some poor misses, and even though some decent passing moves were made down either flank the finish was not forthcoming.
It wasn't just the forwards that squandered chances though, Mark Simpson ballooned chances over the bar in each half with each foot when he should have hit the target. The goal drought continues for Wes who may be blaming cheap and cheerful new boots on this occasion!
The winning goal, like the first, came from a Police corner, this time scuffed somewhat to the near post where Julian Kirby back heeled instinctively and it paid off, creeping just inside the post.
Both teams were still able to create chances of their own with plenty of time left on the clock and Martin Notman was called upon on more than one occasion to come off his line and clear. Often indecisive in such situations he chose the correct option most times, but when he didn't in one instance he was fortunate to have the ball fired straight into his midriff as he was caught in no mans land.
Tony Kerwick deserves a mention for a fine display in midfield against his old club, causing problems for them all game, on one occasion jinking past three opponents towards goal, only for a rush of blood to follow resulting in a tame shot at the end of a promising run.
Overall a solid and efficient performance by the Police that sees them rather more comfortable in the table than they are usually accustomed.
Goalkeeper/defence - solid game after a shaky opening twenty minutes.
Midfield - excellent hardworking display in particular Davey/Simpson/Kerwick.
Strikers - Frustrating day for them, but another important goal from Culling.
Subs - McGrath/Morley/Hardman - sound performances from each.
|
Chippenham Police 3 - Horse and Groom 1
The resurgent Police team found another win that sees them climbing gradually to the top half of the table. This time it was The Horse and Groom that came to the Police HQ and left with nothing.
The Police were expecting a tough match against Groom who sat 5th in the Division 1 table before this encounter, and did the double over the Police last season.
It was a tight opening twenty minutes with not much between the teams, but the visitors were mostly holding the home team in their own half. The breakthrough came from a corner, delivered to the far post where the Groom defender rose well to head home.
That's how it stayed until half time, the Police looking secure at the back for most of the half and seeing a few half chances themselves at the other end. Mostly these chances came from Tim Cullings long throw-ins, or Gordon Hardie corners, and saw the ball bouncing across the goalmouth on more than one occasion without a finishing touch. The closest of these fell to Mark Simpson who stole in at the right time to side foot a shot goalwards from eight yards only for the keeper to stick out a leg and deflect the ball clear.
The second half saw the Police facing down the slope with a slight wind advantage, and it began in the same fashion as the first half, with the Police looking safe at the back and Martin Notman commanding his penalty area.
The home team were continuing to find relative success with long throws and corners, and after about ten minutes found an equaliser through the unlikely source of Adam Davey. A complete scramble in the goalmouth that saw the goalkeeper flattened by an unknown player (home or away team?) ended when the luckless Mark Simpson poked the ball goalwards in attempt to end his goal drought, but it was finally prodded home by Davey on the goal line.
The Police soon found themselves in front as the Roberts / Culling partnership opened up the Groom defence again. Roberts miskicked pace looped into the air and hesitation between the 'keeper and defender was seized upon gratefully by Culling who nipped between them inside the box. Despite desparate attempts by the Groom keeper to recover possession Culling's persistence paid off as he was able to dribble the ball over the line and continue with his impressive scoring record this season.
With a good twenty five minutes to go, and some substitutions by both teams, the game became more open as the Groom pressed to find an equaliser and legs tired. The visitors posed a more serious attacking threat as the half wore on but a combination of excellent defending and wayward shooting kept them behind.
The home team defended from front to back with the front two closing down at every opportunity, and Roberts even got a couple of tackles in. Likewise the midfield were holding a good line to form a barrier to protect the defence who in turn had a fine game themselves.
One real chance for the visitors to level followed an 'air kick' by substitute Andy Morley that allowed the left winger to capitalise, but he screwed his shot wide of the far post when he really should have hit the target.
The game was one with five minutes to go when the Police team broke from defence to attack in four passes, in a speed and efficiency not seen for many years. A Davey interception at right back found Roberts on the half way line, who in turn fed Simpson who was tearing down the right flank. He picked the perfect cross along the ground to find Culling and Kerwick charging towards the box. A slight touch by Culling evaded the lone defender and into the path of Kerwick who remained composed to slot the ball past the 'keeper to make it three.
A fantastic performance and victory for the Police who continue their run of good form. No special mentions today as all thirteen players gave their all to the cause. Well done boys!
|
Chippenham Police 2 - Corsham Centre 5
A brief report this week:
The Police's good form continued at home to the Corsham youngsters but it wasn't enough to take any points from the game. After the 10-1 thumping away (without a regular goalkeeper it must be said) the Police were keen not to embarass themselves again.
Kicking down the slope in the first half the home side were immediately demonstrating a newly discovered confidence and belief and matched the Corsham visitors all over the pitch in the opening ten minutes or so. Unfortunately it didn't stay goalless for long though as Corsham capitalised on a bit of ball watching from a corner kick that allowed a free strike into the net leaving Martin Notman no chance in goal.
Nevertheless it was an even contest throughout the half with the home team working hard from from to back to ensure that the skilful young visitors had little time on the ball. Tim Culling's long throws and Zak Newton's deliveries from the right were causing problems for their defenders and eventually paid dividends when a cross from the left was headed into his own net by the centre half, looping over the goalkeeper.
Towards the end of the half though, some good movement up front by the away team created an opening and the Corsham striker was able to keep his compsure and evade Police attention, squeezing his shot between two defenders at the near post.
2-1 it ended at half time and the second half continued as the first with plenty of work from the home side to keep themselves in the game and give the visitors cause for concern. In a fiercely contested game the referee was frequently using his whistle to the frustration of both teams, but there was plenty of commitment and bright football to admire nonetheless. A third goal for Corsham put them firmly in control. Indecision and misunderstanding between Adam Davey and Julian Kirby, following a Police throw in, was capitalised upon quickly and a cross from the right found a striker in yards of space at the far post who finished confidently.Then followed plenty of bickering within the home team as all of their hard work seemed to have been thrown away, but to their credit the industry continued and Corsham were made to battle for every ball in all areas of the park.
This spirited performance from the Police epitomised their recent form and although there was some in-fighting during the second half the determination and desire never faultered. Sure enough a break along the right touchline resulted in a hopeful cross into the box from Steve Davis, where Culling once again made a nuisance of himself amongst defender and goalkeeper. The ball spilled to the edge of the penalty area to Jason Roberts who chipped delightfully into the unoccupied net to prove that he can score goals as well as provide.
At 3-2 the match was balanced interestingly, but a quick response from Corsham was enough to deflate the hopeful Police team. A corner from the far side was not dealt with convincingly and was punished by the centre half who found himself with a relatively easy header inside the box to make it 4-2.
The legs were beginning to tire well and truly for the home team against a bouyant and energetic Corsham team and soon enough a fifth goal was added to flatter the visitors.
Not despondant, but disappointed, the Police team will look to maintain their good form next week, and hopefully get back to winning ways.
Well played everybody!
|
Chippenham Police 0 - Fascia Graphics 1
Having had the previous two weeks without a fixture due to postponements the Police team should have been fit and raring to go for this WG Parr Trophy Quarter Final fixture. It wasn't the case however and, through injuries and commitments, fielded a non tested defensive line up.
From the kick off it was clear that the Division Four visitors were mentally prepared for the battle and proved to be a competitive match for the favoured home side. The defensive frailties of the Police were punished within ten minutes when a straight forward free kick delivered towards the far post was dreadfully misread by Adam Davey, who completely missed his intended clearance. The Fascia attacker who had closed in behind the defence at the far post still had plenty to do, but with a fine overhead kick he managed to find the net as the ball bounced agonisingly over the outstretched arm of Martin Notman in goal.
The visitors very nearly made it two when a lofted ball over the defence found their tricky striker who beat Davey and finished sublimely. Alas an offside verdict angered the Fascia team who felt that a perfectly good goal had been ruled out.
There were few goalmouth opportunities at either end in that first half although the Police looked dangerous from a couple of corners without really troubling the keeper. Another good break from the Division Four side saw their striker round Notman and slide his shot from an acute angle towards goal but Tony Kerwick had tracked back well from midfield and made a timely clearance to prevent the goal.
With only one goal in it at half time, and with the Police facing down the slope with the wind behind them for the second half, it was pretty much one way traffic for the next forty five minutes. The fascia team defended stubbornly though and managed to get most of the team behind the ball, frustrating the Police who lacked any creativity or invention.
The goalkeeper wasn't tested at all apart from a stunning Tony Kerwick volley that was at a favourable height for the man between the sticks. The remaining efforts were high and wide including a remarkable miss from Julian Kirby that was skied as the keeper fumbled a cross inside the six yard box.
Despite countless launched long throws from Tim Culling that rained down inside the Graphics area none were turned goalwards due to lack of conviction from the Police and mass defending by the visitors.
One decent chance fell to Steve Davis with ten minutes to go following an 'up and under' clearance from Gordie Hardie. The frontman outpaced his marker but, as the keeper came out to close him down, he looped his lobbed shot well over the bar.
Plenty of time was added on by the referee following some lengthy delays for about four bookings as emotions ran high, but the visitors bravely held on to their lead to progress to the semis and leave the Police concentrating on maintaining their comfortable postion in the league.
|
Chippenham Police 2 - Atworth 2
A frosty Sunday morning at Police Headquarters Devizes, saw the Police team looking to rediscover the winning form of January, prior to the two week break that seems to have done them no favours at all.
Injuries and absentees seem to have upset the balance and stability that had seen them put together a decent run of results.
Once more a makeshift defence was fielded, but thankfully Martin Notman had declared himself fit sooner than expected to maintain his postion in goal.
Young Dominic Maidment was a starter on the left of midfield and Jason Roberts returned to the front line to partner Tim Culling.
Indeed it was Culling who rediscovered his goal scoring boots, having been restricted to long throw-ins last week as opposed to shooting. A corner from the left delivered by Zak Newton was partially cleared and Culling, seemingly running away from goal to retrieve the ball, managed to turn and power an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
The Police, facing up the slope in the first half found some success going forward using both flanks well, but failed to penetrate the Atworth back line with any conviction. One of the best chances fell to Roberts who was obviously feeling the effects of his 4am call-out as he had an ineffectual game and shot straight at the keeper when clean through on goal following a delicious Gordon Hardie pass.
The Police lead lasted for about half an hour, and the visitors found their reply deservedly as they had begun to maraud forward in numbers from midfield, causing problems for the home defence. The Police midfield, featuring a rare appearance from Dave Minty, did their best to harness the numbers flooding forward, but could do nothing about the goal. An impressive first half performance from Minty though, using his height and composure on the ball to good effect.
Alas it was not such good news in the second half as he was guilty of one of the misses of the season, spooning over the bar from two yards out with an open goal to aim at. With the scores at 2-1 in the Police favour at that stage it was a real chance to seal the victory. Tim Culling had once more found the net prior to that, poaching well in the area to bounce the ball home after some good work from Minty and Kerwick in midfield. The rest of the midfield were doing their bit too, with excellent work rate from all of them including Maidment and Kirby on the flanks and Simpson, often like a new born giraffe, battling well.
Unfortunately, from a position of strength the Police were unable to capitalise and find that extra goal. The vistors made a couple of changes and seemed to find it too easy to break forward, with the Police's disciplined shape breaking down.
The equaliser though was contraversial to say the least. A through ball found a free Atworth striker who was able to stroke the ball past the stranded Notman in goal, who had been a spectator for the second half. The linesman had his flag raised for offside but was overruled by the referee, despite clear indications that it was an obvious offside infringement.
The game became more physical for the last fifteen minutes as both sides sensed a victory was possible, and it was Atworth who came closest with an amazing scramble from a corner kick. Newton and Kirby both made telling goal line clearances, along with two close range blocks from Notman and a final tackle from Davey, before the ball was eventually hooked away to safety.
And so it ended at 2-2, a good point for Atworth, but a point dropped for the home team, who never really found any passing fluency that seems to have eluded them for now.
|
Atworth 2- Chippenham Police 2
A repeat fixture from last week with the Police visiting the sloping pitch of Atworth FC following the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture last Sunday. And so it was another 2-2 draw between the sides on this occasion although Atworth will feel they deserved a win.
The Police started down the slope but into the bright sunshine on a wonderful bracing morning. Hardmans junior and senior started in defence with Davey returned to a defensive midfield role.
The Police certainly had the better chances in the first half without dominating as the home team played some decent football and kept the Police busy defensively, stretching the back line and creating a few openings of their own.
Tim Culling will be disappointed not to have made more of a couple of chances that came his way in the first half. One of these followed some indecision in the Atworth defence that saw the ball land invitingly for Culling in front of the keeper just twelve yards out, but he screwed his shot over the bar after an awkward bounce.
The front pairing of Roberts and Culling were working hard though and for once they both managed to find the net in this match.
Roberts grabbed the first one following a neat interchange between Davey and Kerwick in midfield, culminating in a sublime floated cross by the latter which found Roberts ghosting in between two defenders. Instinctively he volleyed the ball acrobatically which curved away from the despairing keeper and into the net off the inside of the post. A cracking goal that gave the Police a little more confidence to play an effective passing game.
Roberts was unable to close the huge gap in the scoring stakes between himself and his strike partner as Culling also found the net with a cool finish of his own. Once more Kerwick was the provider as the Police worked forwards from a throw in, feeding a through ball behind the defence for Culling to run onto and lob the emerging keeper for another goal to add to his impressive tally.
The Police should have made more of some decent half chances elsewhere in the half though, as they were soon to find that Atworth were far from out of the game. Within minutes of the visitors second goal they had reduced the deficit by again stretching the defence that was split wide open leaving the striker one on one with Notman in goal. He took the chance well, rounding Notman and walking the ball into the net.
And so the half ended at 2-1 to the visiting Police team, but Atworth, experienced at playing the sloping pitch penned the boys in blue in their own half for most of the second half. Defending deep the Police were unable to maintain any possession of their own but managed to retain their lead through determination, commitment and a little good fortune. Martin Notman in goal was also responsible for several very good saves, in particular a fine tip around his left hand post from a shot from distance.
One moment of good fortune saw a fierce shot from twelve yards out deflect off the back of the outrushing Kerwick, and spin agonisingly over the bar for another corner. Having used all three subs to the Police's zero, the home team were piling on the pressure and young Dominic Maidment was being given a torrid time defensively by his skilful opponent. It was one of the several home team corners that led to the goal though. Notman came to claim the cross but it was dropped by the unfortunate keeper who had been playing particularly well, and it fell to a grateful opponent who did well to turn and smash the ball home from close range.
With that equaliser came a slight improvement from the Police team who managed to engineer the occasional foray into the opposition half. One decent break resulted in Roberts being put through on goal by Culling, but with a lot to do and a defender breathing down his neck Roberts' attempted lob was not accurate enough to beat the goalkeeper.
A couple of bookings and extended stoppage time later the final whistle blew, leaving both teams with a point each. On reflection a well earned point for the Police and a tough call for man of the match. Kerwick pulled the strings in the first half, but on overall performance Max Hardman shaded it for me with a committed display in defence.
|
Wingfield 0 - Chippenham Police 3 (20th March 05)
Forgive the brevity of this report but I spent over an hour doing one last night which I promptly lost, so my enthusiasm is waning fast!
A difficult fixture to predict this one, with the previous meeting earlier in the season being a cup tie that went to extra time before the Police managed to win.
On this occasion the Police team were without the influential Jason Roberts who lay on his sick bed, and Adam Davey started on the bench being 'under the weather'. However, on a positive note, they were glad to welcome back Ian MacGrath and Mick Mansell to the team for the first time in several weeks.
Wingfield themselves were depleted having been let down at the eleventh hour by several players, but managed to gather some 'old faithfuls' and a spare set of shirts and the game kicked off a little late as a result.
It was Wingfield though who started by far the brighter, keeping the Police team penned in their own half for most of the opening twenty minutes. Long kicks from the keeper were a common tactic but it was the use of the flanks that was causing the most problems. Gordon Hardie on left midfield duty was finding it difficult to cope with his opponent who was linking well with the front men. Thankfully for the Police Martin Notman in goal had an excellent game and punched clear several crosses and claimed pretty much everything that came his way.
As the half wore on the visitors began to find their way into the opposition half more frequently with Tony Kerwick again pulling the strings in midfield. Kerwick's strength and composure on the ball was spreading confidence throughout the Police team, and gradually the shape and cohesion of the team improved.
Wingfield will rue some missed opportunities that half though, most memorably a far post header from a free kick delivery that evaded the defence but was put over the bar by the frontman.
The best move of the half came from the visitors and it produced the opening goal. From front to back some neat interchanging and movement culminated in Kerwick, Simpson and Culling playing their part before Ian MacGrath thumped the ball into the roof of the net from inside the box with his deadly left foot. MacGrath, playing out of position to partner Tim Culling up front was working hard and showing decent touches and deserved the goal.
1-0 at half time and the Police were able to enter the second half with renewed belief having weathered the storm. It was a much more even affair with the visitors having plenty of pressure themselves, finding success from Culling's long throws and some superb corner kicks from Newton and Hardie.
Mark Simpson managed to set up half chances for Newton and Kerwick but a combination of wayward shooting and deflections kept the score down, and Simpson himself skied a clear chance from a corner that he should have found the net with.
Wingfield did manage to keep the Police defence busy though and were unlucky not to get back in the game but an almighty goalmouth scramble resulted in the ball rebounding off Notman and Al Hardman's midriff on the goal line before being cleared to safety.
The second Police goal was rather bizarre as Culling launched a long throw form the right into a crowded penalty area. The keeper, under slight pressure from jostling players before him, flapped at the ball and saw the ball pass him into the goal. A valid 17th of the season for Culling though who can thank the keeper's deflection on this occasion.
Wingfield threw players forward and created another opening when a fine through ball found their striker who lobbed the emerging Notman, but his shot rippled down the outside of the net having just cleared the crossbar. That summed up their morning of missed opportunities and the heads were beginning to drop.
The third and final goal was the outstanding goal of the game and sealed the victory in emphatic fashion. A mix up in the Wingfield defence as they failed to clear their lines fell to Julian Kirby 25 yards out and left of the goal who blasted an unstoppable first time shot into the net that the keeper could only stand and admire as it sailed over his head. An emphatic strike to seal an emphatic victory and mark the arrival of the Police team into the mid table comfort zone away from relegation worries.
A fine performance all round achieved through sheer hard work from front to back, starting with the front pairing of Culling and MacGrath to the midfield and back line to Notman in goal. Another commanding performance from youthful Max Hardman in defence and a welcome clean sheet for Notman, but praise to all thirteen players who each played their part. Roberts take note! (Did I say this would be brief?)
|
Chippenham Police 1 - Winsley 5 (27/03/05)
This one will be brief!
Poor preparation for this game won't have helped the Police team, having no footballs to warm up with and a breakdown in communication leaving a hastily prepared teamsheet with Kerwick, Simpson and Hardie all missing along with others on unavailable through injury.
So it was that Neil Berrett started up front with Tim Culling and Jason Roberts and Dominic Maidment were fortunate to return to the starting line up following their respective absences.
Winsley were frustrated for much of the first half, kicking down the slope, being reduced to hopeful long shots and not really testing Notman in goal. The Police had their share of possession and looked to have unsettled the Winsley back line from one or two corners and long throws.
Winsley were knocking on the door regularly though and broke the deadlock with a long ball over the defence that beat a fragile offside line for the striker to finish. A couple of quick goals followed to make it three nil at half time, and each goal left the home team thinking they could have done better.
Roberts was unfortunate with a header that was acrobatically tipped around the post following good work from Culling and a left footed cross from Newton, but that was as close as the Police came.
In the second half the Police saw more of the ball and played some reasonable football but were guilty of over elaborating and delaying the pass. On more than one occasion getting caught in possession in the opponents half resulted in a goal for the visitors. Roberts though managed to pull one back, again a free header inside the box, this time avoiding the defenders and keeper to find the net. At 3-1 there was more belief in the Police team and some decent efforts nearly rewarded them with a second goal to put themselves back in the game. The best effort came from Culling following a long kick from Notman that the striker latched on to, but his fierce shot was well blocked by the keeper.
Shortly afterwards Roberts was caught in possession and the swift counter attack from Winsley brought them goal number four to finish the game off. Number five came soon after to somewhat flatter the visitors but the win was certainly deserved.
Gordon Hardie arrived in time to make a second half appearance in place of Berrett and played well, but will have to look to next week to get back in the starting eleven. |
Horse & Groom 10 - Chippenham Police 4 (10th April 05)
An astonishing game leaving the Police team embarrassed and confused as to how this scoreline was achieved.
Every first half attack led to a goal for the Groom, and likewise when caught in possession the Police were made to pay on every occasion.
A freakish 7-2 scoreline at half time, with goals from Jason Roberts (a decent free kick from outside the box) and Adam Davey, the only cause for celebration. Having said that it's worth mentioning Tim Culling's fine driven effort from way out. A long kick from Martin Notman was headed on by Roberts into the path of leading scorer Culling who struck a vicious first time shot that agonisingly faded past the upright with the keeper stranded.
The second half started in the same vein with a couple of early goals to seriously dampen any rejuvenated half time enthusiasm for the visitors. Roberts added another with a bundled header at the far post from a corner and Culling notched the final goal to maintain his impressive consistency.
A dreadful performance but it was good to see four substitutes available to kep everybody on their toes. |
Chippenham Police 1 - North Star A 3 (Tues 12/04/05)
The fourth defeat on the bounce for the Police team sees confidence diminishing rapidly and the goal difference taking a severe beating.
This was another poor display on home soil with no real quality or thoughtful passing on display.
Steve Davis returned to the side but he hobbled from the pitch after only ten minutes following a challenge in the North Star goalmouth, and Adam Davey followed shortly after with a thigh injury, using the only two substitutes early in the first half.
Dominic maidment came on as a direct replacement for Davis, and Matt Pullen in his first game for months replaced Davey at the back.
The first goal was created following a long ball to the North Star left wing which was in turn delivered dangerously to the far post and met with a fine header by a determined striker.
The second goal also came in the first half with it being all too easy for the North Star forward to dance through some lightweight challenges and the finish leaving Notman with no chance low to his left.
The second half provided a little more promise from the Police team who managed to create one or two openings and see most of the possession, although the Star defence rarely looked troubled.
A third goal came though to put the game beyond doubt, the defending Police line caught standing off and ball watching as the forward was allowed so much time to turn and shoot without even a hint of closing down. However the moment of the game came when a miskick from the Star keeper fell kindly to the home team resulting in Tim Culling feeding Jason Roberts who hit a sweet first time shot from distance to loop over the keeper into the net before he could return to his goal line.
3 - 1 the final score. |
Chippenham Police FC 1 - Wingfield 2 (17th April 05)
Hoping to halt the appalling run of defeats against a Wingfield team beaten twice already earlier in the season the Police were left disappointed yet again.
Starting the match playing up the slope the Police were demonstrating some of the form seen earlier in the season, with good passing and movement and plenty of positive communication.
Tim Culling notched another goal to add to his tally when he thumped a left footed shot into the roof of the net as the ball came to him from a half cleared corner.
Wingfield changed things for the second half, sensing that they were still very much in the game, and found that they saw more of the ball in the second forty five.
Zak Newton was dreadfully unlucky with a quality long range shot attempting to catch the keeper off his line, as it rebounded off the underside of the bar and was cleared to safety.
I don't remember the equalising goal but the winner came when Adam Davey allowed his opponent to turn past him far too easily and supply a cross that was headed only partially clear by Ian McGrath. The grateful recipient of this clearance was a Wingfield attacker who hit a shot that Martin Notman was unable to reach as he scrambled frantically to his right.
The Police deserved a draw if not a win, based on chances created and sheer possession, but were left counting the cost of squandered chances such as Tony Kerwick's skied shot from only five yards out. |
Winsley 8 - Chippenham Police FC 1 (19th April 05)
Another report to quickly gloss over, this being the sixth consecutive defeat for the Police team. This was a gloomy Tuesday evening, with a fair journey to find the ground at Freshford, and injuries and work commitments leaving the team selection sheet looking somewhat bare.
The game started late as the vistors awaited the last of the players to arrive, but ultimately had to begin with just ten men, and the frantic opening minutes saw the Police working hard to combat the early onslaught. But battle they did and the deadlock remained for the first quarter of an hour.
Mark Simpson withdrew with a hamstring strain, and Neil Berrett came on to replace him, with late arrival Zak Newton making up the eleventh man on the right of midfield. Dominic Maidment made his first start for some weeks.
Gradually the home team began to pull away, showboating and offering little in the way of sportsmanship along the way, but the makeshift Police team struggled on and enjoyed the lesson.
Jason Roberts won himself a penalty very late in the game and despatched the spot kick into the net to spoil the Winsley clean sheet, and all minds turned to the forthcoming encounter with Semington on Sunday. With just two games left, the Police will be desperate to put an end to this barren spell. |
|
