Reports 29th January 2005
Men's 1st XI go down 6-4 to Peterborough Town III
Men's 2nd XI lose 5-1 to Peterborough Town IV
Men's 3rd XI are beaten 4-1 by Cambridge City V
Men's Veteran XI win 3-1 against Bedford Veterans
Ladies' 1st XI lose 4-2 against Sawtry I
Cambridge South Men's I 4 - 6 Peterborough Town Men's III
H/T: 0 - 4
Scorers: Matt Murray, Chris Baker (2), Nick Wong
It was a game of three halves and Cambridge South could only win one of them. So 2-1 to Peterborough Town 3rds. In terms of halves that is. 6-4 in terms of goals, which is a better ratio but the result is still the same. No points for bottom of the table Cambridge South and the run of bad luck continues.
The first half saw Peterborough dominate all over the pitch. The home side midfield were beaten at every turn and pressure on the defence was met by little resistance as four goals went in and heads went down.
A minor readjustment of attitude at the break turned the tide however as Cambridge South started an epic comeback. First Matt Murray, then Chris Baker twice and finally Nick Wong found the net. All majestic strikes and definitely no goal mouth scrambles.
At 4-4 Peterborough Town switched back on and the home side switched back off. Two goals in the last five minutes sealed it and South are left to rue the legendary victory that never was.
A season in 4NW is looking all the more likely now but with the quality of hockey this side is capable of it should be limited to just the one.
Peterborough Town Men's IV 5 - 1 Cambridge South Men's II
H/T: 2 - 0
Scorers: Raphael Mis
This was a must win game; the trouble is Peterborough thought so too.
The first half was fairly even and South had our chances, particularly from the ever-lively Lewis. Sadly none were converted. Peterborough were lucky to sneak two goals, mainly due to superior organisation, and a good blend of talented youngsters and wily vets.
The second half was less even. Peterborough grabbed three more goals and had the majority of the pressure. The South defence were unable to clear the ball decisively, although the team did continue to battle right to the final whistle. Raphael Mis got a superb consolation goal after a solo run and fine shot from the edge of the area.
Not a good day.
South 2nds need to build on our basic skills and effort level with better application and team play for the remainder of the season to ensure safety in 5NW.
Cambridge South Men's III 1 - 4 Cambridge City Men's V
Scorers: Ali Blake
No report
Cambridge South Men's Veterans 3 - 1 Bedford Men's Veterans
H/T: 2 - 1
Scorers: Stephen Fleck, Richard Bettison, Karl Konradt
At last. As a result of excellent team work, another league win for South Vets.
The last few months have been a bit depressing at times but today's match was a great one to play in and was thoroughly enjoyable.
After some initial difficulties in gaining access to the pitch the match started and was evenly balanced until South opened the scoring with a slightly bizarre goal after ten minutes. From a short corner, Stephen Fleck's hard shot was saved by the keeper only for the ball to come off a defender's stick, hit the back of the keeper's helmet and roll into the goal before a defender could stop it. The ball also evaded Phil Smith's efforts to help it over the line and claim the goal!
Both teams played good flowing hockey and Bedford pulled level midway through the half with a goal, also from a short corner.
South's forward trio of Ricky Williams, Roger Craigen and Richard Bettison, back after an absence of three months, were posing problems for Bedford's defence and their constant moving and running gave the midfield of Karl Konradt, Stephen Fleck and Phil Smith plenty of openings for through passes and spaces for them to join the attack.
Shortly before half time a fast move down the left, which was then moved quickly across to Stephen in the middle of the pitch five yards outside of the circle, saw a perfect through ball for Richard to hammer home and claim his first goal of the season. So a jubilant South lead 2-1 at half time.
Bedford started the second half determined to find the equaliser but the South defence in front of Jim Sutcliffe held firm, with excellent performances from Kevin Pride, Mick Beasley, Steve Riches and Peter Kemp. Bedford kept pressing but were unable to break down the South defence. South kept working together as a unit and came close to the vital third goal on several occasions. Finally the goal came that made the game feel safe with ten minutes remaining. A good attack down the right saw the Bedford defence stretched and the keeper was called on to make an excellent save only for the ball to be pushed back to the top of the circle where an unmarked Karl had just arrived. His stunning shot left the keeper stranded.
An excellent game won against a team that beat us 5-1 in October. No man of the match award - it was a team effort. All we need to do now is repeat it next week against Bishop's Stortford.
Also many thanks to Matt Bailey who came along to watch the first half; he ended up umpiring as Bedford's umpire pulled out early Saturday and no replacement had been found.
Cambridge South Ladies' I 2 - 4 Sawtry Ladies' I
H/T: 1 - 2
Scorers: Gemma Thomas (2)
It was a chilly afternoon when Cambridge South played host to Sawtry. The last time they met, Sawtry won by a hatful of goals. Cambridge South were out for revenge!
After a delayed start, the first goal of the day (and there were, once again, quite a few) came early from Cambridge South's centre half, Gemma Thomas. A great solo effort, Gemma managed to chip the goalkeeper at a tight angle. For the next ten minutes Cambridge South dominated, with several good chances on goal, but couldn't add to the score line.
Gradually Sawtry's strong passing game emerged, stretching the Cambridge defence and eventually forcing the equalizer. Cambridge, undeterred, battled on, with several good passes leading to goal-scoring opportunities for forward Tash Cox.
Unfortunately, with just minutes to half time, Sawtry squeezed another goal.
Cambridge came out strongly from half time and for the first few minutes again dominated the early play. But Sawtry settled and, after some excellent skill, managed another two, very good goals.
Despite the three goal deficit, Cambridge carried on. Throughout the game the Cambridge South goalkeeper, Cassie Woodfin made some great saves, the best deep in the second half when she dived to the bottom left corner.
Cambridge South's spirit never faltered and after a lot of hard work from all the team, Gemma Thomas again managed another terrific goal - a shot straight into the bottom left corner.
It was the last goal of the game and the strong Sawtry team were deserved 4-2 winners. But Cambridge South demonstrated some excellent individual performances, a sustained battling team spirit and can take some pride in the much-improved scoreline.