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12 April 2008 Wilts Side Promoted Wilts side beat Blunsdon Utd Res. by 10-2 to secure promotion to Wilts Division One. 9 April 2008 District side lose out by 7 goals to 4 in the Heseltine Cup Final to Enford. 5 April 2008 DISTRICT SIDE PROMOTED The district side grafted out a 2-1 win away to Porton Res to gain promotion to Division One. They can still go up as champions if they win their games in hand so big effort now lads. Congratulations from everyone at the club. Match Result & Report – 22nd December 2007 Wilts Junior Cup – Round 3 Result: Castle Combe 1 Chalke Valley 5 Team: Wingate, Donohue, Burley, Callender (Bolger 62 mins), Holloway, Smith, Bonner (Edwards 22mins), Lach, Dawes, Judd, Bronsdon (Pike 75mins), Sub not used: Chalk Chalke Valley progressed through to the quarter finals of the Wilts Junior Cup with an emphatic win over Wilts Division One high fliers Castle Combe. The tie had been postponed for the previous two weeks and Valley wasted no time in getting back into the swing of things with an opening goal timed at 12 secs. From the kick off Bronsdon played the ball to Judd, who in turn attempted to pass wide left. The ball was cut out by Combe’s Gernnon, however Brondson following in, played the loose ball through the static home side's defence for Seb Dawes to run onto and calmly finish past Bell in the Combe goal. The home side were clearly shaken and two minutes later a reverse pass by Lach put Judd clean through on goal but a nasty bobble as he struck his shot saw the ball go just wide. Valley continued to pile on the pressure and in the 5th minute Bronsdon met a corner perfectly and was unlucky to see the ball go just the wrong side of the post. In the 9th minute Judd once more was released one on one with the keeper. Bell completely wiped him out but the referee waived play on. The ball went out for a throw and from the restart, Valley's Captain Dan Smith received the ball in the area and was unceremoniously fouled from behind and this time the referee did award the penalty. Despite Bells best efforts he couldn’t keep Geoff Bonners spot kick out as Chalke deservedly doubled their lead. With Castle Combe rattled the game should have been beyond them in the 11th minute as Valley cleverly moved the ball across the pitch from Right to Left to the feet of Dawes. He beat his marker and squared the ball across the area, Bronsdon intelligently ‘overed’ but Lach pushed his shot high and wide. On the quarter hour a nasty injury to Combe’s Chitson saw a long delay to the action and this seemed to take the impetus away from Valley and from the restart the home side looked much livier and organised. In the 17th minute only a top notch save from Byron Wingate in the Valley net denied Jamie Winks. The Valley keeper was unable to perform the feat 8 minutes later, as Combe reduced the deficit through Ben Munns coolly taken penalty kick, after the lively Chris Cox was upended in the box by Edwards. Undeterred, Valley continued to take the game to the hosts and were unlucky in the 37th minute when Donohue slid the ball through for Judd who’s shot grazed the bar as it flew over. Two minutes later Lach did superbly to collect a ball from Burley, turn his marker and strike a shot from 25 yards which Bell acrobatically turned around the post. From the resultant corner Bronsdon climbed highest to head goalwards but Judd just missed out at the back post as the ball bounced wide. The second half saw Chalke continue to dominate and they were unlucky two minutes in when the ball broke from a corner to the ever dangerous Judd, who’s hard, low shot was cleared from the line. In the 55th minute a good crossfield pass by Edwards found Bronsdon, he played the ball inside the full back to the on rushing Nick Lach. He in turn cut back inside before hitting an unerring shot into the top left hand corner of the goal to restore Valleys two goal lead. Castle Combe were now pressing forward and Valley began to play on the break. This bore fruit in the 62nd minute when Tozzie Judd chased a looping back pass from Combe’s captain Munns. Judd beat the keeper to the ball and lobbed it over him to leave a simple tap in for a three goal lead. In the 68th minute a soft penalty was awarded to the home side after a challenge by Edwards on the clever Cox but Pope put the kick wide to effectively end Combe’s chances of getting back into the game. Valley now took the game by the scruff of the neck and were unlucky not to net several times before the final goal of the day in the 77th minute. A good move released Judd on the right, he made it to the by line and squared to the near post where Seb Dawes ‘show boated’ the ball home for his second goal of the game. As the match petered out Valley’s Judd, Edwards and Pike were all unlucky not to increase the tally and Castle Combe were very happy indeed to hear the final whistle. “I was really pleased with today” commented Manager Steve Chalk after the game “Castle Combe are a decent side sitting 5th in Wilts One and we effectively played them off the park. Our early goal helped as they were always chasing the game, but there were good performances all over the park from my boys, not least from Byron in goal, who’s confidence was infectious and spread throughout the team.” “We now join local sides Harlequins Colts and Redlynch & Woodfalls in the quarter finals which I think is a good reflection on the standard of local football. Hopefully we can all progress and demonstrate that South Wiltshire isn’t the football wilderness many in the county would have you believe.” “This was a good way to bring to a close a great footballing year for the club and here’s hoping that 2008 is equally as good.” Next game: away v Stratton Juniors (Wilts Junior Cup Quarter Final). 1.45pm 5th January 2008. 22 December Been a bit busy for a while so haven't updated things for a couple of weeks but now it's the holibobs I'm back on top of things. So what's happened... The Wilts side have only played once (more of that above) but have drawn Salisbury - yes Blue Square Conference side Salisbury - in the hospital cup. The game has to be played by mid February and as soon as the date is announced you will be the first to know. The District side continue to go from strength to strength; games in hand in the league with a chance to top it, in the quarter finals of three cups - things look pretty good. Hard to beat and always likely to score goals is a good combination and so far standing them in good stead. The Sunday side may well have turned the corner. After a slight hiccup in the ranks the club have stood behind Manager Lee Callender and since that decison the side have looked and played much better. Last weeks demolition of Winterslow by 8-2 a reflection of the new found belief in the side. Merry Xmas to all our Readers and here's hoping we'll keep you entertained as much in 2008. 25th November Robbie & Silver Fox Orchestrate Victory The Sunday side made it a winning weekend at the Valley with an unlikely win against CVR. A 30 yard rocket from Robbie Williams lookalike, Russel Parsons and an 80th minute strike from Rich Nelson see off top Sunday side CVR to make it three wins across the weekend. Well done to everyone. 24th November The District side kept the pressure on at the top of the league with an emphatic 4-1 win away to Hi-Flex. Fuller report to follow later. Match Result & Report – 24th November 2007 Fountain Trophies Cup (Wilts League Cup) Quarter Final Result: Chalke Valley 2 FC Chippenham 1 Team: Wingate, Donohue, Burley, Callender, Holloway, Smith, Bonner, Lach, Dawes, Judd (Edwards 87mins), Bronsdon, Subs not used: Pike, Bolger Chalke Valley booked a semi-final appearance against TV personality Johnathon Wilkes’s KCFC in the Wilts Junior League Cup, with a hard fought win against a well organised and enthusiastic FC Chippenham side. Both sides struggled to dominate the opening exchanges and we had to wait until the 24th minute for the games first real chance. Valleys Bonner nicked the ball and played it into Bronsdon, he laid the ball back perfectly for Judd who’s fierce shot was well tipped over by Webb in the Chippenham goal. From the resultant corner Webb was left flapping but was grateful to Highmore as he cleared from off the line. In the 32nd minute the deadlock was broken. Chippenham were awarded a free kick wide right. Forster floated the ball into the box and this time Highmore, at the opposite end of the pitch, couldn’t believe his luck as he arrived in the box unmarked to easily head home. Chalke were nearly out of the game in the first minute of the second half when they failed to clear a corner and Chippenham’s Meaton hit a vicious shot goalward from 25 yards, only to see Holloway do superbly with a diving header to keep the ball out on the line. 4 minutes later Valley found themselves back in the game. Tozzie Judd collected the ball in midfield and fed it right to Nick Lach. He stepped inside his marker and hit a shot which seemed goalbound until Webb, in the visitors goal, did well to claw the ball onto the bar, the rebound however, fell kindly for Bobby Brondsdon to tap in from five yards to level proceedings. Valley began to dominate and were unlucky in the 57th minute when Bronsdon out paced his marker and shot just wide across goal. Twelve minutes later Manifold saved Chippenham with a last ditch tackle as Lach was through on goal but the pressure kept building and finally the visitors cracked in the 80th minute. They failed to clear a Bonner free kick into the box and as the ball came down on the edge of the area Bronsdon volleyed goalward and Webb made a complete hash of the save to gift Chalke the lead. Five minutes later Bronsdon was unlucky not to complete his hat trick – having been set up by Dan Smith, his stinging shot grazed the bar as it went just over. “We didn’t play at all well in the first half” commented delighted manager Steve Chalk afterwards, “but to be fair to the lads, they responded well to the half time rollicking and never really allowed Chippenham room to play in the second half and we deserved to win.” “The management are hugely ambitious at this club and getting to the Semi final is a positive step. There is only us and Shrewton from around here in the Wilts league and I feel a huge amount of responsibility in keeping Salisbury area football on the county map – to date things are panning out well.” continued Chalk . “If the players are equally ambitious, and only they can answer that, we will have another good season. Just lately we have been a bit jaded but hopefully this win will lift everyone and instil a bit of personal pride and passion back into the side.” Next game: away v Castle Combe (Wilts Junior Cup). 1.45pm 1st December 2007. District Side in Pole Position. Chalke Valley and the 5 Bells fought out an honourable one all draw in this top of the table clash. Paul O'Sullivans goal looked to have done the job but a late lapse allowed the visitors back into the game. The point keeps us in the top three but crucially with a game in hand over todays opponents. Match Result & Report – 17th November 2007 Wilts Division 2 Result: Marlborough Town Res. 2 Chalke Valley 2 Team: Wingate, Donohue, Dawes, Lach, Holloway, Smith (Chalk 81mins), Judd, Bolger, Pike, Bronsdon, Edwards. Subs not used: Nelson Valleys management were happy with a point, despite losing a two goal lead, after this game against a committed Marlborough side. “I had my right back and left sided midfielder as central defenders, the right hand midfielder as right back and centre forward in midfield due to no shows” said manager Steve Chalk, “so to come away with a point today was a good result – I was that desperate for players even I had to come on!” The game started well for Valley as they utilised their pace up front to trouble the home sides aging defence and in the 7th minute Bronsdon and Pike combined to set up Holloway in space. He delivered a killer ball into the area which Edwards met to superbly head Chalke into the lead. For the remainder of the half both defences were on top and chances were at a premium. Valley looked to have doubled their lead in the 40th minute when Edwards outpaced the defence and squared across the box for the on rushing Bronsdon. His shot from 6 yards was somehow tipped round the post by Town’s keeper Neale to keep the score at 1-0 as the half ended. The second half saw Marlborough push on for an equaliser but Valley stayed very organised and compact and were a constant threat on the break. In the 70th minute one such break paid dividends as Pike broke down the left and fired in a low hard cross which a Marlborough defender could only deflect into his own goal with a diving header. Five minutes later a clever free kick routine between Smith and Dawes saw the latter strike a venomous shot at goal which once again drew a good save from the keeper. This signalled an onslaught by Marlborough and they pushed 9 men forward as they chased the game. In the 80th minute Holloway was caught in possession and Connolly did well to convert having been put through one on one with the keeper. Valley dug in and looked to have weathered the storm but 5 minutes into time added on a speculative long range shot found it’s way through a group of players and nestled in the bottom corner of the net to bring the score level. “I was proud of our commitment today” commented Chalk afterwards “ we kept our discipline well and stood up to all of the strong arm tactics in a game it was vital not to lose. The turning point came when our captain Dan Smith had to leave the field injured – he had marshalled us well all day and was a rock in the centre of the park.” “ I’m not usually one to moan” he continued “ but I really don’t know where 6 minutes of added time came from. We were hanging on at the end and it would have been nice to have heard the final whistle a bit earlier. When the equaliser went in you’d have thought they’d just won the FA Cup judging by their reaction which I think is a compliment to us. Still, we continue to do South Wiltshire proud as we push for promotion and that’s the main thing.” Next game: home v FC Chippenham (Wilts League Cup Quarter Final). 1.45pm 24th November 2007. Match Result & Report – 10th November 2007 Wilts Division 2 (as submitted to Salisbury Journal) Result: Chalke Valley 5 Aldbourne Res. 2 Team: Wingate, Donohue, A Burley, Callender, Holloway (Pike 75mins), Smith, Dawes, Bolger, Lach, Bronsdon, Judd. Subs not used: Nelson, Chalk Chalke Valley kept themselves in the mix at the top of the table after seeing off a physical Aldbourne side in a real game of two halves. The opening exchanges were quite even as both sides grappled to get to grips with the opposing formation but Valley looked to have drawn first blood in the 15th minute when a towering header by Bobby Bronsdon appeared to hit the stanchion in the roof of the net and come back out with the help of visiting keeper Christie but despite the protests of Chalke the referee adjudged the ball to have not crossed the line. Five minutes later Bronsdon was again at the heart of things as he set up Ashley Bolger wide right, his pin point cross found Tozzie Judd unmarked at the back post, unfortunately he was unable to hit the target, his header just going over the bar. Nine minutes later Valley were made to pay for their missed chances when they failed to properly clear the ball from their penalty area. Aldbournes Steve Butt gratefully received the ball 20 yards out and hit a low hard drive just inside the right hand upright to open the days scoring. The homeside responded well and in the 32nd minute Bronsdon was slipped in after good work by Seb Dawes but his shot went just the wrong side of the post. Valley continued to press forward and were rewarded for their efforts in the 41st minute. A Dan Smith corner set off a melee in the area and eventually the ball came back out to Luke Donohue, via Bronsdon and Judd. Donohue, 20 yards out, hit an unstoppable shot into the top left corner of the net to bring the scores level. A minute later Chalke should have been ahead - Aaron Burley burst forward from defence and having beaten two of the opposition, played a clever ball through to Bronsdon who was only denied by a last ditch tackle from Gareth Kuzynski. From the resultant corner the ball came back out to Nick Lach who was unlucky to see his low hard drive come back off of the foot of the post. Having had a chat at half time Valley came out with more purpose and very nearly had instant success as Burley headed over a Smith corner. In the 54th minute the same combination was again unlucky, as this time a superb piece of control followed by a vicious half volley saw Burley denied by the woodwork. A minute later Valley were luckier – a combination move by Bronsdon, Smith and Judd saw the keeper only able to push the ball out to Lach, who made no mistake with a curling shot to give the home side the lead for the first time. An own goal by Kuzynski in the 65th minute extended Chalkes lead and two minutes later Burley was once more unlucky as this time his header was cleared off the line. By now the home side were dominating the game and in the 69th minute Judd missed from close range after good work by Bronsdon. On 75 minutes Bronsdon timed his run to perfection to meet Lachs corner for a tap in 5 yards out. A minute later Aldbourne reduced the deficit after a series of comedic events left Ben Keaton unmarked at the back post for the simplest of tap ins. The final goal of the day came in the 85th minute. Burley played a good ball through to set up fellow centre back Lee Callender one on one with the keeper, a good save by Christie resulted in the ball falling at the feet of Judd who scored a deserved goal. “We were abysmal in the first half “ said manager Steve Chalk afterwards, “ but in truth we have been awful for the past couple of matches. Our attitude has been all wrong lately and we seem to have a Sunday Morning side mentality at times – in the first half we had players running 10 yards to call an opposition player name’s instead of running 10 yards with the ball. Once we had a chat during the interval and worked out that passing the ball was more productive and hurtful to the opposition than swearing, we looked like a different side in the second half and Aldbourne couldn’t live with us.” “The next three games are big matches for us and will shape our season so hopefully we have come through our bad patch.” Continued Chalk “our squad was stretched to its limits today and Luke Donohue had to come off his sick bed to play for us. He was excellent throughout the game and his goal was top notch. If we are going to be successful we need more commitment like that from everybody for the remainder of the season.” Next game: away v Marlborough Res (Wilts Division 2). 2.15pm 17th November 2007. 10 November The District side go into the hat for the next round of the Charity Cup after a 20 yard Matt Taylor screamer and an ordinary Paul O'sullivan strike sees off Woodisbury. 4 November Sunday side go down 5-1 to Amesbury Athletic. Jason Pike's goal kept us in touch for an hour but then two quick fire goals put the game beyond us. 3 November The District side continued their great start to the season with an emphatic 7-3 win over Porton Sports Reserves. This gives us 6 wins out of 6 and nicely sets up the next league game which is against the Five Bells who have exactly the same record. Currently both sides are equal first with the Duck Inn who crucially have played a game more. Match Result & Report – 3rd November 2007 Wilts Junior Cup – 2nd Round (as submitted to Salisbury Journal) Result: Steeple Ashton 2 Chalke Valley 4 (aet) Team: Wingate, Donohue, A Burley, Callender, Holloway, Smith, Bonner, Dawes, Pike (Bolger 67 mins), Bronsdon, Judd. Subs not used: Nelson, Chalk Chalke Valley progressed into the last 16 of the Wilts Cup – just. Playing on a pitch which needed a cut was a great leveller against a physical side and Valley never really adapted to the conditions all afternoon. Going behind to an early goal didn’t help the situation either. After several chances the home side finally capitalised on a Chalke mistake in the ninth minute, Wingate came to the edge of his area to gather a ball but never really got anywhere near it as Mortimer nicked it away from him. Keeping his cool the striker calmly crossed the ball into the net from a wide angle to give Ashton a deserved lead. Slowly Valley played themselves back into the game and on 31 minutes a superb pass down the inside left channel by Holloway released Bronsdon. His mazy run left two defenders for dead before he hit a crisp shot at goal which Jones did well to tip over. Two minutes later the best move of the game saw Donohue, Bonner and Dawes combine to release Bronsdon wide right, his early cross found Pike in front of goal and he was unlucky to see his header go just over the bar. With Chalke pushing forward for an equaliser Ashton always looked dangerous on the break and they really should have scored in the 35th minute when they found themselves 2 on one in Valleys half but Mortimer screwed his shot wide of the right hand post. Valley kept the pressure on and a series of free kicks finally paid dividends when a high ball in the box saw a defender climb all over Judd to give away a hotly disputed penalty. Bonner made no mistake from the spot kick to send the teams in all square at the interval. The second half started frantically and only a minute in, Chalke’s Burley was unlucky as his header was cleared off the line and then Wingate atoned for his earlier error with a good save in the 50th minute as he tipped Mortimers shot onto the bar. Ten minutes later he had to be at his best again to keep the home side out. The 63rd minute saw Dan Smith pick out Burley at the back post with a free kick but his headed effort went wide. Two minutes later good work by Dawes released Brondson but he was denied by a smart save from Jones. Steeple Ashton thought they had done enough in the 71st minute when substitute Guy Rowley outpaced the Valley defence before scoring with a well struck shot into the roof of the net. A shuffle in Valley formation seemed to trouble the home side and bore fruit in the 78th minute when Bronsdon was rewarded for his hard work – having beaten his marker to a header, he followed the ball and placed his shot wide of the on rushing Jones to take the game into extra time. Two quick fire goals in extra time were enough to get Valley over the finish line. Steeple Ashton were warned in the 92nd minute when Dawes burst into the penalty area but shot wide, however a minute later, good work by Donohue and Bonner set up Judd who made no mistake with a clever half volley. Another cheap free kick given away by the home side was punished in the 95th minute when Bonner struck an unstoppable shot from 25 yards. Although both sides had further chances nobody was able to add to the scoresheet and Valley left much relieved that they were in the hat for the next round. Next game: home v Aldbourne Res (Wilts Division 2). 2pm 10th November 2007. Match Result & Report – 27th October 2007 Wilts League Division 2 (as submitted to Salisbury Journal) Result: Chalke Valley 2 FC Chippenham 2 A lack lustre Valley display against promotion rivals Chippenham saw the visitors leave with a point after this fully committed match. Valley were very slow out of the blocks and could have been a goal behind before Chippenham opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. The writing was on the wall in the first minute as the visitors missed a glorious chance but almost from the re-start a similar move down Valleys left created a near identical chance which this time Churcher converted to give an early lead. Chalke couldn’t settle and found it hard to live with the energy of the visitors but should have equalised in the seventh minute as Bronsdon found himself in front of goal but skewed his shot wide. The 20th minute saw Valleys defence carved open by some slick passing which presented Blackmore with an unmissable chance to double the lead. Slowly the Valley played their way back into the game and with five minutes of the half remaining Bonner floated a free kick to the back post which Bronsdon played back across goal for Dan Smith to calmly volley home, cutting the deficit in half at the interval. The second half was characterised by Valley pressure and Chippenham playing on the break. The turning point came in the 60th minute when Churcher’s hard work set up a glorious chance for Blackmore but his goal bound header was superbly tipped over Wingate in the chalke goal. Valley continued to push for the equaliser and finally were rewarded when the best move of the game released Dawes wide right. His pinpoint cross found Judd free at the back post who made no mistake from 3 yards out. The game continued on at a frantic pace and both Callender and Smith had chances to win the game with headers from corner kicks but both were unable to hit the target. “These are the games we have to win if we want promotion this season” commented manager Steve Chalk “and to be honest our attitude stunk in the first half. I know everything that could go wrong, did but we have to rise above these things. Chippenham were late arriving which caused a late start and the referee didn’t show up which really isn’t good enough, but I won’t accept these as reasons for approaching the game so poorly.” “The opposition were young, energetic and extremely vocal and put some of my players completely out of their stride far too easily. The best answer to situations like that is to roll your sleeves up, grind out a result and then ask your marker who the best player was. As it was we fell into the trap but I’m sure we would have learnt from it and it won’t happen a second time.” “On a positive note” Chalk continued “we were two goals down against the side who are second in the league and came back to earn a point. If we can do that without playing particularly well then things can’t be that bad and I know we won’t play as badly again.” Team: Wingate, B.Burley, A Burley, Callender, Holloway, Smith, Donohue (Bonner 25 mins) Dawes, Edwards (Pike 60 mins), Bronsdon (Bolger 75 mins), Judd. Next game: away v Steeple Ashton (Wilts Junior Cup). 3rd November 2007. Match Result & Report – 20th October 2007 (as submitted to Salisbury Journal) Wilts League Cup Result: Chalke Valley 2 Castle Combe 1 Valley put in their best team performance of the season thus far to see off Division One high flyers Castle Combe and secure a quarter final place in the Wilts League Cup. As early as the fourth minute Valley carved open the visitors defence, Simon Edwards and Tozzie Judd combining well down the left before Judd put in a pinpoint cross to find Bobby Bronsdon who’s header struck the left hand upright. Three minutes later a move down the opposite flank between Bronsdon and Seb Dawes set up Edwards for a 20 yard strike at goal which flew just wide. The eighth minute saw a glorious chance created by Captain Dan Smith’s tenacity in the middle of the park releasing Judd wide right, once more his cross found Bronsdon but the header went wide. Castle Combe steadied things down and began to play some football and created their first strike at goal in the 22nd minute. A hopeful cross into the box eluded everyone and Chris Cox found himself unmarked at the back post, his cross shot beat the dive of Chalke’s Keeper Byron Wingate but shaved the outside of the post. The deadlock was broken on the half hour by the move of the game. Smith won the ball and passed onto Edwards wide left. He in turn laid the ball back to Dave Holloway who’s pass down the channel found the ever willing Judd. A perfect ball across the 6 yard box found strike partner Bronsdon who cleverly let the ball come across his body as he coolly slotted it home into the bottom corner of the net. Valley were nearly caught out straight away as Combe’s Chris Rawlings struck a post from 20 yards out. From the goal kick Judd received the ball wide left and cut infield, his well struck shot just flying over the bar. With three minutes left in the half the visitors struck the woodwork for the third time, as Shane Bell seized on the ball as it emerged from a melee and rifled a shot against the underside of the bar. The second half started at a similar pace and a minute in, Judd outpaced his marker and saw his shot from a difficult angle go just wide of the post. This set the tone for the half with Valley sitting back and hitting Castle Combe on the break and this nearly paid dividends two minutes later when Lee Callender met Smiths corner perfectly, only to see his header cleared off the line. The 54th minute saw Edwards go past two defenders before sliding the ball into Judd. His cross was met by the diving Bronsdon but the header careered wide. Four minutes later Bronsdon made no mistake as he calmly stroked the ball home from 20 yards, following great work from Judd who charged down a back pass to Liam Bell in the Castle Combe goal. The game was nearly beyond the vistitors in the 60th minute when another Smith corner caused chaos in the Combe penalty area. This time Aaron Burleys header was deflected late by the chest of Callender but once more the ball was cleared off the line. Castle Combe to their credit didn’t give the game up and only a good double save by Wingate kept them out in the 65th minute and 10 minutes later a last ditch tackle by Edwards and Holloway saw the ball out for a corner. The resultant kick was headed powerfully just over by Combe captain, Danny Gernnon. With eight minutes to go Callender got the wrong side of the dangerous Jamie Winks for the first time in the game and pulled the forward down inside the area as he was bearing in on goal. Sean Rushmore stroked home the penalty kick to set up a nervous last few minutes but Valley were equal to the task and saw the game out for a deserved win. “That was pleasing” commented manager Steve Chalk following the match “after the previous two weeks it was good to have a proper game of football which today definitely was. That’s the second team we have beaten from the division above, so it’s no fluke that we are in the last 8 of this competition – we deserve to be there.” “There were several things which came together today and we have to try and carry these forward for the rest of the season. Byron Wingate was outstanding in goal and dominated his area and Castle Combe couldn’t live with the pace, power and will to win of my front two. Those three set the tone and everyone else took confidence from them, but I thought for the first time this season Dan Smith put in a true Captains performance, especially when you realise that central midfield partner Geoff Bonner was injured in the first minute and Dan had to carry him for the next 89. More of the same next week please.” Team: Wingate, B.Burley, A Burley, Callender, Holloway, Smith, Bonner (Pike 85 mins), Dawes, Edwards, Bronsdon, Judd. Subs not used: Bolger, Nelson Next game: home v FC Chippenham (Wilts League 2). 3pm, 27th October 2007 20th October The district side had another very good weekend. They were boosted by the news that their only defeat of the season had been ruled a no result by the FA, after it was found that Langford had fielded a banned player. The game will be re-played on a date specified by the League. Given this news it was even more important to secure three points away to Victoria Hotel and the lads duly obliged - despite putting in argubly their worst performance of the season. Missing several key players the new look side raced into a five nil lead but then took their feet off of the gas and allowed the Viccie Hotel to score three before we finally finished them off with the ninth goal of the game. Goals came from Darren Scammel (2), Aaron Schoemaker, Neil Arnold, Paul O'Sullivan and an OG. Third with games in hand gives us a real chance of challenging for the title so long as we keep up the hard work. Match Result & Report – 13th October 2007 (as submitted to the Salisbury Journal) Wilts League – Division 2 Result: Minety Res 1 Chalke Valley 10 Chalke Valley made it 21 goals in two games as they outplayed basement boys Minety Res. to win by 9 goals. The opening exchanges were pretty equal but from the 8th minute, when Geoff Bonner converted a penalty, awarded when Bobby Bronsdon was felled by the keepers lunging tackle, Valley never really looked back. Aaron Burley scored with a vicious shot after the ball emerged from a melee following a corner and Jason Pike made it three with a well struck cross shot from 20 yards. Bronsdon then scored two, the second a delightful lob, to send Chalke in 5 goals up at the interval. The second half continued much in the same vein – Judd scored in the 50th minute to effectively knock the stuffing out of Minety and was closely followed onto the score sheet by Pike’s second, this time finding the top corner with his right foot. The home side nicked one back with a speculative long range effort which Wingate in the Valley net made a complete hash of, before Bronsdon completed a deserved hat-trick. Judd then scored his second and missed a penalty before Seb Dawes rounded off the scoring with the games third penalty and final kick. “I know I shouldn’t really moan when we’ve just won by 9 goals” commented manager Steve Chalk “but we have to learn to remain focussed whatever the scoreline. We missed so many chances today it was embarrassing and too many players were trying to take on three or four opponents instead of passing the ball. When we did pass and move we were brilliant and Minety couldn’t live with us, so you have to wonder why we tried to do anything other than that. The really galling aspect was letting them score, it completely soured the day for me.” “The next couple of weeks are massive for us. Next Saturday we are home in the league cup to high flying Castle Combe from the Division above us. We will need everyone to be on their game for the full 90 minutes (maybe longer) and would appreciate the locals coming out to support us. We have been given a massive boost with KCFC being docked 6 points which puts us third with a realistic chance to go second in a fortnight if we win away to FC Chippenham. If we are going to take this season seriously as a club, then a big effort is needed by everyone for these next two games.” Team: Wingate, Donohue, A Burley, Callender, Holloway, Smith, Bonner, Dawes, Pike, Bronsdon, Judd. Subs not used: Chalk, Nelson Next game: home v Castle Combe (Wilts League Cup). 2.30pm, 20th October 2007. Saturday 13th October The District side produced another good cup performance to see themselves into the hat for the second round of the Chalke Cup with a hard fought win against Alderholt. Two goals from Jason Cooper and an Ash Bolger strike were enogh to seal the win and keep the godd start to the season going. Match Result & Report – 6th October 2007 (as submitted to the Salisbury Journal) Wilts Junior Cup – First Round Result: Chalke Valley 11 Boscombe Down 1 Chalke Valley were too strong for a spirited Boscombe Down in this first round County Cup match and ran the visitors ragged for the full 90 minutes. Manager Steve Chalk asked his players to finish the game off before half time and the team duly delivered as they went in at the interval five goals up. The tone of the game was set in the very first minute as left back Simon Edwards, making his first start of the season, burst forward and hit a 25 yard shot like a rocket which Beckett in the Boscombe goal did well to pluck out of the air. Four minutes later Bobby Bronsdon outpaced three defenders to open the scoring from a tight angle. In the tenth minute Edwards left a couple of Boscombe players for dead as he marauded down the left and squared across the area for Tozzie Judd to tap in. In the twelfth minute a superb move between Edwards and Seb Dawes opened up the visitors defence to set up Judd for his second and nine minutes later he returned the compliment by setting up Dawes for a blistering volley which hit a defender to deflect over the bar. Dawes however got his just deserts five minutes later when a ball over the top by Aaron Burley set him through on goal to finish calmly. On the half hour Luke Donohue and Geoff Bonner combined to release Judd for his hat-trick goal and ten minutes later it looked as though Bonner would get onto the scoresheet when he stepped up to take a penalty after Judd was fouled in the box. The spot kick though was saved by Beckett to end the first half action. The second half continued on where the first finished; Judd scored from the spot after being bought down in the box again and then got his fifth with a clever finish via his shoulder. Simon Edwards was rewarded with a good individual goal before Boscombe’s Bilbao scored a cracker from 20 yards. Valley continued piling on the pressure and captain Dan Smith scored a fantastic goal which was closely followed by Ash Bolger getting a goal on his debut before Judd rounded off the days events with his sixth of the afternoon. “We did well today” commented manager Steve Chalk after the final whistle “it is difficult to stay motivated when you are three up in the first quarter of an hour but we played for ninety minutes which was pleasing.” “The opening rounds of the county cup are a lottery and Boscombe were unlucky to be drawn against us in this mood. To their credit they never threw the towel in and they should take heart because only two seasons ago we were in the same league as them. That said they couldn’t live with our pace and power – Simon Edwards’s pace was unbelievable from deep and my front six moved the ball and themselves superbly all afternoon. I don’t like singling out individuals but Tozzie Judd scoring six deserves a mention, his all round contribution was awesome today and he led the line superbly, which set the tone for the rest of the lads.” Team: Wingate, Edwards, Donohue, A Burley, Callender, Bolger, Smith, Bonner (Chalk 70mins), Dawes (Holloway 50 mins), Bronsdon (Nelson 60 mins), Judd. 6th October Paul O'Sullivan inspired the District side to another good win over Beacon Sports, this week in the Hesletine Cup. Four goals from him helped us comfortably into the second round by 6 goals to nil. 30th September Despite scoring 5 the sunday side lost by 4 to CVR because unbelievably Russ Parsons, Lee Callender, Lee Homes and Russ James all managed oggies! Rich Nelson did his best to rescue the situation by scoring at the right end but his efforts were to no avail as we went down 5-1. 29th September The district side put in their best peformance of the season thus far to see off a workmanlike Beacon Sports. A Paul O'Sullivan hat trick and strikes from Jason Cooper and Nathan Hollywood (?) saw us home by five goals to one. Victory was marred slightly by Sheppy discolating a finger (never mind he has 7 more!) so we hope he mends quickly 'cos Shoey doesn't look good in that keepers uniform. Match Result & Report – 29th September 2007 (as submitted to Salisbury Journal) Wilts League Division 2 Result: KCFC 2 Chalke Valley 1 Chalke Valley lost this hard fought encounter to two sloppy goals in the final ten minutes of play. During a largely uneventful first half Valley constantly frustrated the home side who had won their previous 5 games and this paid dividends in the 20th minute when Tozzie Judd broke from the half way line, out paced the defence and rounded the Packer in the KCFC goal to give Valley a well deserved half time lead. The second half was full of incident with Valley having two guilt edge chances to put the game beyond KC. In the 50th minute the impressive Judd put the ball the wrong side of the post from 18 yards with the goal at his mercy and a minute later Luke Donohue was one on one with packer but his shot struck the goalie to go out for a corner. As the half progressed Valley fell deeper and deeper towards their own area and nearly paid the price in the 64th minute but Byron Wingate in goal made a finger tip save to push the ball over the bar from Lewett’s bullet header. From the resultant corner Donohue did well to clear from the line under pressure. Valley finally succumbed to the pressure in the 79th minute when Slattery tapped home from a yard out after a goal mouth melee. A minute later a double clearance from the line by first Callender and then Donohue kept Valleys hopes alive. These were nearly realised in the 85th minute when Judd hit a shot from 15 yards which Packer knew nothing about in the KC goal but the ball struck him and then the crossbar to stay out. With three minutes left to play a lapse in concentration whilst defending a free kick found Colin Wilkes unmarked at the far post to head home past the despairing dive of Wingate to give the victory to the home side. “We lost the game as opposed to them winning it” was Manager Steve Chalk’s assessment afterwards “if we want to do well in this league these are the game’s we have to do well in. They (KCFC) have won all 6 of their games and were no better than us, but they played for 90 minutes and we didn’t” “Our fitness worried me today” he continued “ we were a lot younger than them but they seemed to be a yard quicker in the last ten minutes than us. The pitch was a disgrace and really didn’t help our brand of football but it is the same for both sides and we can’t use that as an excuse. Next week we can relax a bit as we have a Wilts Junior Cup game at home, hopefully it will take a bit of pressure off of us and give us a chance to clear our heads.” Team: Wingate, Holloway (Edwards 85mins), Donohue, A Burley, Callender, Whittaker (Pike 60mins), Smith, Bonner, Dawes, Bronsdon, Judd. Sub not used: Nelson Next game: home v Boscombe Down (Wilts Cup). 2.30pm, 6th October 2007. 23rd September The Sunday side fought back well from a goal down at the interval to beat Amesbury Athletic by the odd goal in three. Paul Palmer's brace in the 55th and 80th minutes did the trick and ensured another clean sweep weekend at the Valley. Match Result & Report – 22nd September 2007 (as submitted to Salisbury Journal) Wilts League Division 2 Result: Chalke Valley 2 Marlborough Town Res. 1 Chalke Valley kept their impressive home record going with a good win against a useful Marlborough side, thanks to a wonder goal from Geoff Bonner. Both teams started the day level on points and had had similar results, so it was always going to be a close game with the winners guaranteed a move up to third place in the league and so it proved. Valley started the better and converted early pressure into a goal in the 3rd minute. Aaron Burley was left unmarked in the penalty area and met Geoff Bonners corner with a towering header which he directed back across goal for the on rushing Dan Smith to power an unstoppable header past the hapless Neale in the visitors goal. The remainder of the half continued at a frantic pace and although Valley created several good chances poor finishing let them down but good organised defending kept them a goal to the good at the interval. The second half continued at the same pace and Marlborough upped the ante by bringing a physical element to the game in an attempt to knock Valley out of their stride. In the 50th minute Barnett found himself free at the back post but was denied an equaliser by a good stop from Byron Wingate in the Valley goal. Events boiled over in the 58th minute when Steve Wyatt, who had seen yellow only two minutes earlier, was shown a red card following a melee in the middle of the pitch. This seemed to inspire Marlborough who dug in and worked harder with only ten on the pitch and got their just deserts in the 72nd minute. A long throw from Bevan was met at the back post by Barnett for the easiest of tap ins to make matters equal. Chalke, chasing the win, changed their formation and were unlucky in the 80th minute when a Bonner free kick rebounded off of the crossbar. Two minutes later Bonner gathered the ball inside the centre circle, accelerated into space and from fully 35 yards, hit an unstoppable shot which nestled in the top left hand corner of Marlborough’s goal. Valley kept pushing on as the final whistle approached and right on full time the impressive Tozzie Judd was unlucky as his clever lob left Neale, the visitors Keeper, in nomansland but the goal was ruled out as Simon Edwards was adjudged off side as he touched the ball home on the line. “We appear to have adapted to the pace of the league” said delighted manager Steve Chalk after the match “ this was a hard game against a side containing several players with Wilts Premier games under their belts. They were canny, hard footballers who, as well as being able to play the game, tried every trick in the book to put us off of our stride, but we stood up to them and imposed our style on the game.” “I have a good settled squad now who work hard for each other and most importantly hate losing. Geoff’s goal was worthy of winning any game but really was only the icing on the cake of a good team performance. With league leaders Swindon APS losing today, I still fancy us to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. We go to 2nd place KCFC next week which will be a real test for us but I’m sure the lads are up for the challenge.” Team: Wingate, Holloway (Whittaker 60mins), Donohue (Edwards 75mins), A Burley, Callender, Pellow (Pike 80mins), Smith, Bonner, Dawes, Bronsdon, Judd. Next game: away v KCFC. 3pm, 29th September 2007. Saturday 22nd September The District side got themselves back on course with a good win away to Tisbury Res. Never the easiest place to visit the Valley ran out 4-0 winners with goals from four different scorers. Ash Bolger, Jason Cooper, Paul O'Sullivan and Darren Scammel all got on the scoresheet to record a good win. Sunday 9 Sept Sunday side complete a clean sweep. The Sunday side recovered well after last weeks mauling at the hands of Chilworth (lost 12-2) as the side inspired by the arrival of the Silver Fox romped home 7-3 winners against Winterslow to close out a good weekend for the Valley. Goals from Wayne Parsons (3), Craig Baker (2), Paul Palmer and Cox (no first name apparently) were enough to see off a workmanlike Winterslow and give the Valley the first 100%er of the season. Saturday 8 Sept District Side win opener. Life in Division Two started sweetly for the District side as they saw off the Duck Inn by 4 goals to 2. Goals from Aaron Schumacker, Neil Smith, Ash Bolger and Paul Sullivan were the icing on the cake of a good performance by the new look side. For those that don't know Manager Neil Smith did score and by all accounts it was probably the best goal of the day - even better than Owens notch for England, so it was heard muttered in the bar that evening. Match Result & Report – 8th September 2007 (as submitted to the Salisbury Journal) Fountain Trophies Cup Round One Result: Chalke Valley 3 SKS Blyskawica 2 (aet) Chalke Valley returned to form to cause an upset in the Wilts League Cup on Saturday by knocking out holders, SKS Blysicawica with an epic extra time win. From the off Valley were hugely positive and it is was obvious that their pace and movement off of the ball was going to cause problems to the visitors from Division One. As early as the 4th minute Bobby Brondson found himself free in front of goal but he somehow put the ball wide and four minutes later strike partner Tozzie Judd was free in the same position but goalkeeper Rae made a reaction save to keep the ball out. Judd again found himself one on one with Rae in the 15th minute but his attempted lob was too weak and failed to clear the advancing keeper. With almost their first attack of the game the visitors forced a corner. Wojewodka whipped in the corner kick and the flight cleared everyone to nestle in the valley net. Valley continued to press forward and both Seb Dawes and Lee Callender went close before finally Chalke found the net. A quick short corner from Dan Smith to Geoff Bonner found SKS unprepared defensively. Bonner whipped the ball in with his left foot and the ever dangerous Judd rose magnificently to head home on the half hour. Five minutes later the Visitors were awarded another corner. This time Wojewodka whipped it in again and Byron Wingate in the valley goal, under severe pressure, could only palm it into the net to give SKS a half time lead. The second half saw Chalke Valley dominate but they were unable to convert pressure into goals and looked to have paid the price in the 70th minute when a penalty was awarded to the visitors when Callender clipped the heals of Toomey as he was about to shoot. Wingate however made amends for the earlier error with a magnificent save from Chapman, as he threw himself to his left to get his body behind the spot kick. Valley took heart from this and pushed on for an equaliser but once more were guilty of spurning chance after chance. In the 82nd minute Judd received the ball, beat his marker and from a tight angle slid the ball past the advancing keeper to restore parity and take the game into extra time. Valley looked the fittest as extra time began and could have scored twice in the opening two minutes but were denied by the heroics of Rae in the SKS goal as firstly, he denied Judd and then moments later, Bronsdon. Extra time meandered on with the home side pressing for the win and SKS defending stoutly and hitting Valley on the break. With 7 minutes to go and penalties looming the Swindon side’s defence finally cracked. A series of corners and near misses piled the pressure onto the visitors before Bonner floated the ball into the area for Aaron Burley to meet perfectly and power a header past the helpless Rae to wrap up a deserved win. After the match Manager Steve Chalk was very happy “That’s the best we have played for a long while” he commented “after losing the previous week we could have all felt sorry for ourselves but the lads rolled their sleeves up and battled for the full 120 minutes.” “Tactically we were spot on and mentally we went up a gear or two which is what it’s all about at this level. Having Captain Dan Smith back from injury is a big plus and Aaron Burley fit and back in defence is a huge lift for the squad.. This performance has laid down a marker for the standard we need to maintain for the remainder of the season - it’s nice to come off the field having deservedly won and for me to have no complaints over anyone’s performance and more importantly, commitment.” Team: Wingate, Holloway (Whittaker 70mins), Donohue, A Burley, Callender, Lach (Pellow 60mins), Smith, Bonner, Dawes, Bronsdon, Judd. Sub not used Pike. Next game: away v Blunsdon Res. 3pm, 15th September 2007. Match Result & Report – 1st Sept 2007 (as submitted to Salisbury Journal) Plaister Autos Wiltshire Football League Division Two Result: Swindon APS 6 Chalke Valley 1 Chalke Valley’s early season bubble was well and truly burst on their first away day by a very good Swindon APS side. Right from the first whistle the home side came at the Valley but in the 10th minute, against the run of play, Bobby Bronsdon found himself ahead of his marker in the penalty box. He was unceremoniously dumped onto the floor and inexplicably the referee seemed to be the only person in the ground who didn’t think it was a penalty. Three minutes later Byron Wingate made a good save from APS’s Greenwood who met a corner with a bullet header. For the next 20 mins Chalke steadied the ship and began to compete however in the 33rd minute, Matt Bissett waltzed past three Valley defenders before Seb Dawes felled him in the penalty box. He picked himself up and despite the best efforts of Wingate duly opened the scoring. Right on half time Whittaker dwelt on the ball and the impressive Bissett robbed him and coolly converted the chance as he ran in on goal unchallenged. Despite a change in formation Valley really had no reply to their opponents and on 53 minutes Prictor scored a soft volley followed two minutes later by Bissett completing his hat trick as he cut in from the left and fired a low shot past the helpless Wingate. On the hour, Lee Callender pulled one back for the visitors with a vicious drive from 6 yards but it was a short lived rally as four minutes later Byfield scored the games second penalty, harshly awarded as the ball appeared to strike Holloways shoulder. With 5 minutes to go Collett completed the rout tapping in a rebound after Wingate had saved from Smith. “Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say the other side were better than us” commented Valley Manager Steve Chalk after the game “ and today we weren’t good enough as a team. The opposition were bigger, better, stronger, fitter and faster than we were and at no point did we adapt to the pace.” “APS were easily as good as the Downton side we played in last seasons Hospital Cup and we now know the level we have to aspire to. Too many of my players felt sorry for themselves today and found excuses not to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in. I would say that only Bronsdon and Callender could come off the pitch holding their heads up and that’s not good enough at this level.” “If we learn from this and work hard we will be fine – but if we blame everything other than ourselves we will go backwards as a team. This could be the wake up call we needed.” Team: Wingate, Holloway, B Burley (Donohue 55mins), Dawes, Callender, Lach, Whittaker (Pike 55 mins), Bonner, Pellow, Bronsdon, A Burley (Chalk 70 mins). Next game: League Cup home v SKS Blywiksia 2.30pm, 8th September 2007. [size